Microsoft is hoping to further cement its presence in the mobility
space with a next-generation OS and a passel of services designed to
streamline the way we receive messages, from PCs to mobile device.
The next iteration of Windows Mobile, which Microsoft is now calling
simply Windows Phone, was unveiled at the GSMA World Mobile Congress in
Barcelona, along with My Phone, which enables users to sync content on
their mobile device to the Web; and Windows Marketplace for Mobile, an
online applications marketplace accessible from both the mobile device
and the Internet.
“Windows phones bring together the best of the Web, the PC and the
phone so you can connect instantly to the experiences you care about,
no matter where you are,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer during the
press conference announcing the technologies. “We’re working with
partners across the industry to deliver a new generation of Windows
phones that break down the barriers between people, information and
applications and provide great end-to-end experiences that span your
entire life, at work and at home.”
The new Windows Phone features a “dashboard-like experience,”
according to Microsoft, providing easy access to information on new
e-mails, texts, missed calls and calendar appointments. The OS also
features an updated version of Internet Explorer. Microsoft also has
improved the touch-screen interface.
The free My Phone service will enable users to access, manage and
automatically back up their personal information on their device to a
password-protected Web-based service, making it easier to upgrade
phones without the worry of losing important information, according to
the company. Microsoft would not give a release date on My Phone, which
currently is in beta testing.
Available with the latest Windows Phone, however, is Windows
Marketplace for Mobile. So far 20,000 developers have created
applications for Windows Mobile, all of which will be available on the
site. All Windows Phone-enabled mobile devices will come with the
marketplace software installed.
So far, three mobile device manufacturers – HTC, LG and Orange –
have signed up to include Windows Phone, which is expected to be
available in the second half of the year.
Microsoft is the fourth mobility-related company to announce an
online applications marketplace. Apple and Google previously had online
stores in place, and Nokia announced on Monday its Ovi Store. Research
in Motion is expected to announce a store for its BlackBerry line of
phones.
Microsoft Partner 
