Microsoft Means Business -- Announcing Pocket PC 2002

Microsoft Confirms Rumors That Next-Generation Pocket PC Software Is Just Weeks Away From Availability

San Diego -- Sept. 6, 2001 -- Today at DEMOmobile 2001, Microsoft Corp. demonstrated publicly for the first time Microsoft® Pocket PC 2002 Software, the software that will power the next generation of Pocket PCs. After redefining the standard for PDAs with its first Pocket PC release, Microsoft has made a great mobile platform even better with Pocket PC 2002, delivering a stylish new interface, new features to benefit business users and corporations, and more ways to communicate with friends and co-workers. Microsoft confirmed that in just a few weeks, Pocket PC 2002-based devices will be available in retail outlets from a range of hardware vendors. Microsoft and its industry partners will formally launch the product on Oct. 4, 2001, with simultaneous events in San Francisco and London.

"Pocket PC has set the technology standard for PDAs. Now Microsoft is raising the bar once again to bring even more value to customers," said Ben Waldman, vice president of the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft. "With unrivaled business and consumer applications, Pocket PC 2002 is the most capable device on the market."

Pocket PC 2002 delivers value with new features and improvements targeted in three areas:

• A better Pocket PC. Pocket PC 2002 was developed with customer feedback in mind and introduces enhancements to make the software more powerful, stylish and customizable. In addition to a sleek new look that includes the ability for users to personalize Today Screens "skins," Microsoft improved existing applications, added auto-configuration options and made interoperability with Palm operating system-based devices easier. Microsoft also is providing updated features such as a new Windows Media (TM) Player 8 with support for the latest Windows Media Video and Audio 8 technology, including streaming and new, improved electronic reading possibilities via the new version of Microsoft Reader.
• The best device for the enterprise. Pocket PC 2002 delivers new functionality targeted to business users and corporations interested in deploying the most secure, reliable and robust mobile solutions. For example, Pocket PC 2002 includes the new Terminal Services application that allows users to access their Windows® operating system-based server through their device, supports strong passwords, and introduces the ability to connect to corporate information via a virtual private network (VPN).
• The most connected PDA. Pocket PC 2002 offers many ways to keep customers connected like never before and gives them the ability to access and store more information on the device while on the go. The new software is ready for a range of wireless connectivity options from local area networks (802.11b) and personal area networks (Bluetooth) to wide area networks (via CDPD and GSM or through two-body solutions utilizing today's operator networks). Once users are connected, the new software offers them more ways to communicate easily and quickly with co-workers and friends, including MSN® Messenger Service, which has a new feature called My Text that lets users preprogram often-used responses. Pocket PC 2002 also supports ActiveSync® 3.5 technology, the latest version of Microsoft's synchronization software that includes improved USB connectivity and enhanced remote synchronization capabilities. In addition, ActiveSync 3.5 enables users to synchronize their e-mail inbox subfolders, giving them a new level of control over the information they take with them.

"When Pocket PC launched in April 2000, it redefined what was possible with a handheld device," said Alex Slawsby at IDC. "With Pocket PC 2002, we expect Microsoft and its partners to continue to set the bar for the enterprise-focused, high-end PDA category."

Availability

Working closely with its industry partners, Microsoft will make Pocket PC 2002 widely available in retail outlets on Oct. 4, 2001. The companies plan to celebrate the launch with events in San Francisco and London for the media and customers. Current Pocket PC hardware partners expected to continue their support with Pocket PC 2002 include Casio Computer Corp., Cesscom, Compal Electronics Inc., Compaq Computer Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., HTC, HTW, Intermec Technologies Corp., Legend, Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Sagem, Symbol Technologies and Toshiba Corp. Current Pocket PC customers should check with their hardware manufacturer regarding Pocket PC upgrades to the new software. Some users will be able to upgrade their devices to the Pocket PC 2002 software if their device uses Flash ROM memory.

About Microsoft Pocket PC

Microsoft Windows Powered Pocket PCs, the next-generation PDAs from Microsoft and industry partners, offer customers the best way to connect to their most essential information while away from their desk, yet are versatile enough to satisfy the personal needs of today's busy mobile consumer. Pocket PCs already include a broad range of native business, personal productivity and entertainment applications, yet can easily be expanded to adapt to each customer's changing needs through a continually growing number of industry-standard hardware and software options.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft, Windows Media, Windows, MSN and ActiveSync are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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