Windows Mobile refresh brings full web browsing

 

Gallery

By Barry Collins

Posted on 1 Apr 2008 at 17:57

Microsoft is attempting to play catch-up with the iPhone by introducing full web page browsing into Windows Mobile.

The software giant has released a new version of Internet Explorer Mobile along with Windows Mobile 6.1.

The new version of the browser uses "Internet Explorer 6" technology, even though the desktop version of the browser is now two generations ahead.

It also includes support for multimedia standards such as H.264, Flash and Microsoft's own Silverlight, bringing video content to mobile owners who can find sufficient bandwidth.

The operating system itself benefits from a selection of minor refinements. A single home screen will now reveal missed calls, appointments and new messages. Microsoft claims new set-up wizards mean setting up email, a Bluetooth headset and Wi-Fi will only take "minutes".

In yet another steal from the iPhone, text message conversations are now threaded - which often splits opinion on whether it makes it easier to keep tabs on messages or not.

Microsoft says phones sporting Windows Mobile 6.1 will start appearing from the second quarter, while the new version of Internet Explorer Mobile won't arrive on phones until the end of the year.