Microsoft has launched newWindows-driven smartphones and a new version of its mobile
operating systemat the GSMA Mobile World
Congress in Barcelona this week.
The launch of the Windows Mobile version 6.5 operating system
was mooted last week. Microsoft is hoping the new smartphones
backed by hardware parters HTC and LG, and operator Orange will
give the 6.5 OS a good kick start in the market.
Windows 6.5 is seen by Microsoft as a greater challenge to the
Apple iPhone OS and the BlackBerry system from RIM.
The smartphones were unveiled by
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and the firm's main phone partners.
They feature a new "user-friendly interface and a richer browsing
experience", said the firm.
In addition, Windows-driven phones will now feature two new
services: My Phone, to sync text messages, photos, video, contacts
and more to the web; and Windows Marketplace for Mobile, a new
marketplace that will provide direct-to-phone mobile applications
which can be accessed from both the phone and the web.
Contacts are backed up with My Phone so users don’t have to
worry about losing contacts.
Promised extra services for the Windows Mobile OS were also
leaked before the Congress.
"Windows phones bring together the best of the web, the PC and
the phone so you can connect instantly to the experiences you care
about, no matter where you are," Ballmer said.
"We’re working with partners across the industry to deliver a
new generation of Windows phones that break down the barriers
between people, information and applications," said Ballmer.