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Microsoft Bets Big on Windows 7, Windows Mobile, Hardware This Fall
by Nicholas Kolakowski
Microsoft made Windows Mobile 6.5 available on Oct. 7, with the hope that its combination of enterprise and consumer functionality will allow Microsoft’s mobile division to gain market-share against rivals such as Apple and Research In Motion.
Microsoft’s new Office Mobile, which includes stripped-down versions of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, will eventually be available not only on smartphones running Mobile 6.5, but also Nokia devices.
Internet Explorer Mobile aims to port a more desktop-style experience to mobile Web surfing.
Windows Mobile 6.5’s screens mix its business options along with more consumer-oriented widgets such as Facebook.
The Mobile version of Outlook lets users not only answer email, but also organize information and synchronize calendar and contacts with a PC.
Of course, a Microsoft phone can also make calls, in addition to everything else.
Mobile SMS texting provides both business and consumer functionality.
Word Mobile offers stripped-down functionality for road warriors needing to view and edit documents, as well as spell-check.
Microsoft is hoping that Windows 7 will compel businesses to engage in a tech refresh, attracted by the new operating system’s smaller footprint and new features such as Aero Glass and customizable menus.
Windows 7’s new taskbar reduces open applications to thumbnail logos. By hovering the cursor over one of them, a tiny preview window will pop up.
Microsoft’s LifeCam Cinema camera ($79) offers a 720p sensor for HD widescreen video, while those looking for less-expensive video conferencing options will likely gravitate towards the LifeCam VX-2000 ($29.95) and LifeCam VX-5000 ($49.95) (neither shown).
Microsoft’s wireless Arc Mouse includes ergonomic design, and the ability to snap closed on a hinge for easier portability. They also come in six colors.
Microsoft’s other mouse models feature BlueTrack Technology and a snap-in Nano transceiver, which sticks out of the device less than a traditional transceiver and thus is less prone to damage.
Microsoft has designed Windows 7 for operability not only with desktop-replacement notebooks, but also netbooks, as part of its strategy to encourage rapid adoption of the operating system.
Windows 7’s trippy wallpaper options will either set you laughing, or give you nightmares.
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NEW YORK—Microsoft used an Open House event here on Oct. 6 to roll out a variety of new products for the fall and holiday season. Many of these carry quite a bit of business functionality, including its new Windows 7 operating system, Windows Mobile 6.5, Office Mobile, and new hardware including a variety of mouse models and video-conferencing cameras. Microsoft hopes that these new products will ignite a massive tech refresh among the enterprise and SMBs (small- to medium-sized businesses), many of which will likely be looking to upgrade their aging hardware and operating systems. Redmond also hopes that Windows Mobile 6.5 and Office Mobile will give it an advantage in the mobile-device ecosystem, currently dominated by other players such as Apple and RIM’s BlackBerry line.