With the new version of its Pocket PC operating system for handhelds,
Microsoft is all business.
As reported earlier,
Microsoft will unveil Pocket PC 2002 on Thursday and demonstrate a number of new
features that the company asserts will make the OS a more useful tool for
corporate workers. However, new memory and processor requirements could spell
the end of sub-$200 Pocket PC-based devices, making the gadgets less attractive
to consumers. "The enterprise is where we are putting our bet," Microsoft
product manager Ed Suwanjindar said. "That market represents the largest volume
opportunity. If anyone wants to succeed in handhelds, they have to win in the
enterprise." On Oct. 4, Microsoft plans to release the new OS, which was
code-named Merlin. Handheld makers that plan to use the new OS, such as Compaq
Computer, are also expected to announce new products Oct. 4. Hewlett-Packard and
Symbol will announce on Thursday new devices that use Pocket PC 2002.
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