BEIJING, April 9, 2002 — Microsoft China today launched the Simplified Chinese version of Microsoft®
Pocket PC 2002, the software that will power the next generation of mobile devices in China. Pocket PC 2002 will enable Microsoft’s leading hardware partners — Acer, Asustek, Compaq, dopod, Eten, HP, Inventec, Legend and Mitac — to build the industry’s most innovative mobile computing and communication devices for enterprises and consumers in China.
“The rapid take-up of mobile communications and the increasing importance of data have been key drivers in bringing the digital decade to China and we believe this offers huge market potential for Pocket PC 2002,” said Alex Huang, regional director, Microsoft Greater China.
“We have seen great momentum for Pocket PC to date with our partners increasing from three to nine over the past year, and successful enterprise and consumer adoption. We expect this growth to continue, and today, along with our partners, we are launching Pocket PC 2002 to deliver the enhanced connectivity and PC integration that will satisfy the next generation of device needs in China.”
Compared with previous versions, Chinese Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 functionality has been strengthened in the following areas:
-
Windows MediaTM Player for Pocket PC now supports streaming audio and video, and provides a landscape option for video playback.
-
An updated graphical user interface allows users to download and share custom screens or “skins” to make their PDA more personal.
-
“Smart minimize,” which allows easier navigation while using applications on a device. Users can easily go back to recently accessed applications. This feature, based on user feedback, is considered a key improvement over the previous software.
-
New notification engine, which can be customized to bubble up and prompt users regarding messages and appointments.
The Best Device for Business Use
-
Virtual Private Network (VPN) support offers users secure access to their corporate networks over public airlinks.
-
Strong passwords offer better data protection, ensuring that businesses and end users alike can feel secure in case of theft, loss or misuse of the device.
-
Upgradeable ROM means that businesses and end users can upgrade or update their Pocket PCs with new versions of the Pocket PC software.
-
Network Redirector enables users to share files.
Improved Communication and Connectivity
-
An improved Pocket Internet Explorer gives the mobile professional a fuller set of Web sites and provides selective image download, which allows the user to download a particular image quickly and selectively, saving time and allowing for greater personalization. In addition, Pocket Internet Explorer supports a variety of Web standards, including XML, HTML and dHTML. This allows any Web application to be used on the Pocket PC without redevelopment efforts.
-
Object Exchange (OBEX) support allows users to beam information from their Pocket PC to another Pocket PC, as well as to Palm-based handheld devices and phones.
-
MSN®
Instant Messenger gives users the instant messaging experience, including all the desktop options and familiarity of MSN Instant Messenger.
Roberto Cazzaro, director, International Strategy, Mobile Device Division, Microsoft Corporation added, “Since the first release of Pocket PC, Microsoft has been working closely with our hardware partners to create the industry’s most user-friendly and powerful Chinese mobile computing environment.
“Today’s launch of Pocket PC 2002 is a realization of that goal and will enable users in China to get connected any time, any place. By integrating native Chinese language support, wireless connectivity and multimedia capabilities into Pocket PC 2002, we are making it possible for hardware manufacturers to quickly develop the next generation of innovative mobile devices.”
In addition to the exciting features included with Pocket PC 2002, the Chinese version offers functionalities specially designed for mobile users communicating in Chinese. Core features include:
-
Full screen handwriting to enable users to use the device screen as a writing pad, and to input several characters on the screen at the same time.
-
A customized Iconbar with easy access to frequently used buttons, allowing fast switching between Chinese and English handwriting.
-
A new set of revamped user interfaces — Recognition Candidate Window and Phrase Candidate Window — to enhance users’ experience by improving the speed and accuracy of Chinese handwriting.
About 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.
Note to editors:
For further information on Microsoft China, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/china/ .
For further information on Microsoft’s mobility solutions in Asia, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/asia/mobile/ . Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. Journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team for additional assistance.
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. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. Journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team for additional assistance.
