"Pocket PC has set the technology standard for PDAs. Now Microsoft is raising the bar once again to bring even more value to customers," said Ben Waldman, vice president of the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft. "With unrivaled business and consumer applications, Pocket PC 2002 is the most capable device on the market."

Pocket PC 2002 delivers value with new features and improvements targeted in three areas:

• A better Pocket PC. Pocket PC 2002 was developed with customer feedback in mind and introduces enhancements to make the software more powerful, stylish and customizable. In addition to a sleek new look that includes the ability for users to personalize Today Screens "skins," Microsoft improved existing applications, added auto-configuration options and made interoperability with Palm operating system-based devices easier. Microsoft also is providing updated features such as a new Windows Media™ Player 8 with support for the latest Windows Media Video and Audio 8 technology, including streaming and new, improved electronic reading possibilities via the new version of Microsoft Reader.
• The best device for the enterprise. Pocket PC 2002 delivers new functionality targeted to business users and corporations interested in deploying the most secure, reliable and robust mobile solutions. For example, Pocket PC 2002 includes the new Terminal Services application that allows users to access their Windows^® operating system-based server through their device, supports strong passwords, and introduces the ability to connect to corporate information via a virtual private network (VPN).
• The most connected PDA. Pocket PC 2002 offers many ways to keep customers connected like never before and gives them the ability to access and store more information on the device while on the go. The new software is ready for a range of wireless connectivity options from local area networks (802.11b) and personal area networks (Bluetooth) to wide area networks (via CDPD and GSM or through two-body solutions utilizing today's operator networks). Once users are connected, the new software offers them more ways to communicate easily and quickly with co-workers and friends, including MSN^® Messenger Service, which has a new feature called My Text that lets users preprogram often-used responses. Pocket PC 2002 also supports ActiveSync^® 3.5 technology, the latest version of Microsoft's synchronization software that includes improved USB connectivity and enhanced remote synchronization capabilities. In addition, ActiveSync 3.5 enables users to synchronize their e-mail inbox subfolders, giving them a new level of control over the information they take with them.