Andy Sjostrom
03-14-2002, 11:43 AM
<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2002/mar02/03-14cebit.asp">http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2002/mar02/03-14cebit.asp</a><br /><br />At the Microsoft Mobius conference, we all got to try out the Pocket PC Phone Edition and the Smartphone 2002. These devices are also shown by Microsoft at the CeBIT exhibition. In essence, they clearly set the capabilities standards for all wireless devices, regardless of platform, for the next 12-18 months.<br /><br />The announcements from Microsoft at CeBIT underscore the perseverance the company has in this market. My view of this perseverance is: this is a long race, one step at a time, try some, observe others, listen to users, move forward, identify a real opportunity: make a giant leap, gain share, work with partners, study the value chain, innovate software, try some, move forward etc etc<br /><br />Here are some highlights, apart from the already known Pocket PC Phone Edition and Smartphone 2002 product announcements:<br /><br />• Partnership with Deutsche Telekom: "Deutsche Telekom (DT) to adopt the .NET platform for DT's mobile and solutions business... DT and Microsoft will also create a groundbreaking solution called T .NET, and cooperate in the development of devices and services, providing new functionality and access for the future of business mobility. DT's T-Mobile division and Microsoft also will collaborate on the next generation of mobile devices (including Microsoft Windows Powered Smartphone and Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition powered devices) and mobile services, providing customers with access to the MSN network of Internet services, including MSN Messenger Service and MSN Hotmail Web-based e-mail."<br /><br />• Partnership with mm02: "Starting in May, mmO2 will make the new Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition software available on all of its xda Pocket PC devices in Europe. The recently announced Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition enables device makers to combine the best of PDAs with integrated wireless voice and data capabilities. Meanwhile, Fujitsu Siemens Computers is joining the growing number of Pocket PC makers already supporting Pocket PC 2002 software by launching its PocketLOOX, which features modular GSM/GPRS wireless connectivity and expandability."<br /><br />• Reference Design with Texas Instrument: "Microsoft and Texas Instruments recently announced the Smartphone 2002 joint software and hardware reference design to enable operators, original design manufacturers and OEMs to bring Smartphone 2002 devices to market quickly and efficiently."<br /><br />• Partnership with LG Electronics, Philips Consumer Electronics, TriGem Computer and Tatung around the "Mira" project: "Philips used CeBIT 2002 to demonstrate its "Mira"-enabled 10.4-inch (26.4-centimeter) remote mobile monitor, which will allow a consumer to access a Windows XP-based PC wirelessly when the monitor is removed from its base. LG Electronics is developing a 15-inch (38.1-centimeter) primary detachable LCD monitor, and is considering development of remote mobile monitors ranging from 20 to 15 inches. Meanwhile, Tatung and TriGem said they will deliver smaller 8- and 10-inch "Mira"-enabled remote mobile monitors that act as secondary monitors to Windows XP-based PCs."