SYDNEY, June 3, 2003 — Microsoft Australia, in conjunction with Optus Mobile, today announced the Australian availability of the first Microsoft® Windows®
Powered Smartphone, a new mobile phone software platform that combines voice and text communication with wireless data capabilities.
The Qtek 7070 Windows Powered Smartphone device, built to run on the Windows for Smartphone operating system, provides personal information management software and a familiar and consistent Windows experience designed to make the device personal, intuitive, easy-to-use and powerful.
“The Microsoft Windows Powered Smartphone is a core element of our .NET strategy,” said Steve Vamos, managing director at Microsoft Australia. “Its all about connecting people, to each other and to their data, and empowering them to get the information they want.”
Allen Lew, managing director at Optus Mobile, said, “Worldwide, there has been considerable interest in a Microsoft Windows Powered mobile phone. Optus Mobile is pleased to be the first Australian mobile company to make it available to its customers.”
The Microsoft Windows Powered Smartphone offers the following key features:
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More than just talk. Smartphone software is designed for one-handed operation with a long battery life, hardware dial pad and features such as caller ID and conference calling. Smartphone allows users to choose their preferred method of communication voice, e-mail, MSN®
Messenger or SMS and enables them to access information and services at any time. -
Easily accessible Outlook. Smartphone software extends usage beyond voice and text. The intuitive software enables seamless multitasking and provides a companion to the Microsoft Outlook®
messaging and collaboration client on a mobile phone to manage contacts, calendar and tasks in a mobile environment. -
Personalization options. The Smartphone device is equipped with a high-resolution color screen and the ability to play digital media and mobile games. Personalization options include ring tones, color schemes, home screens and mobile access to the Internet.
“Microsoft creates software that improves the way people live, work and communicate,” Vamos said. “Now, were able to deliver a familiar and powerful software experience on a mobile phone. Smartphone redefines what people can expect from their phone, offering voice, e-mail, MSN Messenger or Short Message Services (SMS). We are very excited about the launch of the Qtek 7070 in Australia, and we expect to see more operators support this platform throughout Asia in the coming months.”
Optus will stock the Qtek 7070 Smartphone in its retail stores from late June.
About Smartphone
Microsoft Smartphone software delivers a personal and powerful mobile phone experience offering customers multiple ways to keep in touch, whether via voice, text or a combination of the two. Optimal for work or play, Smartphone allows users to access their most essential corporate or personal data at any time from any location on a brilliant color display. Smartphone users also have the luxury of getting their Smartphone up and running with personal and corporate data in two or fewer minutes, using a customized over-the-air configuration process that Microsoft designed to alleviate the hassle in buying and configuring a new phone.
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, MSN and Outlook 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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