LAS VEGAS, March 20, 2001 — Today at the CTIA Wireless 2001 conference, High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) and Microsoft Corp. announced they have agreed to design and develop next-generation phones based on the Microsoft® smart phone software platform, currently code-named
“Stinger.”
Microsoft smart phone software will set a new standard for the form factor and functionality of smart phones, enabling a richer user experience for new data services, including secure corporate and Web access, access to e-mail, continually updated personal information manager (PIM) information, and multimedia capabilities that are optimized through 2.5-generation and third-generation broadband wireless networks. Following the success of the Compaq iPAQ Pocket PC, which HTC designs and manufactures, HTC plans to release smart phones running the Microsoft smart phone platform later this year.
“We’re incredibly impressed with the Microsoft smart phone software and can’t wait to build another technology-leading device using a Microsoft platform,”
said Peter Chou, vice president of the Wireless Mobile Division at HTC.
“‘Stinger’ is the best choice to help us quickly expand our business from PDA to phones, delivering another device with functionality that can’t be matched — from Microsoft mobility services and Mobile Outlook® capabilities to WAP services and secure Web access.”
“Microsoft and HTC have enjoyed a successful relationship in the Pocket PC space and we’re excited to see it grow, bringing next-generation smart phones to market based on our ‘Stinger’ platform,”
said Ben Waldman, vice president of the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft.
“Microsoft’s vision is to enable our customers to access their information any time, any place and on any device. With the proven track record between the two companies, this announcement moves us closer to making that vision a reality.”
About Microsoft and HTC Solutions
Building on its experience and innovation in the Pocket PC and wireless Pocket PC space, HTC is working with Microsoft to deliver a next-generation smart phone that builds on the Microsoft
“Stinger”
smart phone platform. HTC’s target customers are mobile operators and handset original design manufacturing (ODM) customers.
About Microsoft Phone Platforms
Microsoft is delivering software to handset manufacturers and mobile operators for two phone solutions. Microsoft Mobile Explorer™
technology provides a lightweight microbrowser-based solution for mobile phones offering connected services. The Microsoft smart phone software platform, code-named
“Stinger,” is based on Microsoft Windows® CE 3.0, a highly componentized embedded operating system for 32-bit connected client devices that demand rich applications and Internet services, and is specifically optimized for mobile phones to extend battery life and reduce memory requirements.
About HTC
High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC), based in Taiwan and founded in 1997, specializes in designing and manufacturing world-class mobile computing and communication solutions for customers including OEMs and ODMs. Since its establishment, HTC has become one of the most respected manufacturers of devices based on the Microsoft Windows CE operating system. More information about HTC is available at http://www.htc.com.tw/ .
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, Outlook, Mobile Explorer and Windows 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.
For more information:
More information about Microsoft announcements and products highlighted at CTIA 2001 can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/events/ctia01/default.asp .
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
