Microsoft Bets Big on Windows 7, Windows Mobile, Hardware This Fall
by Nicholas Kolakowski
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Microsoft made Windows Mobile 6.5 available on Oct. 7, with the hope that its combination of enterprise and consumer functionality will allow Microsofts mobile division to gain market-share against rivals such as Apple and Research In Motion.
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Microsofts 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.
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Internet Explorer Mobile aims to port a more desktop-style experience to mobile Web surfing.
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Windows Mobile 6.5s screens mix its business options along with more consumer-oriented widgets such as Facebook.
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The Mobile version of Outlook lets users not only answer email, but also organize information and synchronize calendar and contacts with a PC.
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Of course, a Microsoft phone can also make calls, in addition to everything else.
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Mobile SMS texting provides both business and consumer functionality.
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Word Mobile offers stripped-down functionality for road warriors needing to view and edit documents, as well as spell-check.
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Microsoft is hoping that Windows 7 will compel businesses to engage in a tech refresh, attracted by the new operating systems smaller footprint and new features such as Aero Glass and customizable menus.
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Windows 7s new taskbar reduces open applications to thumbnail logos. By hovering the cursor over one of them, a tiny preview window will pop up.
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Microsofts 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).
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Microsofts wireless Arc Mouse includes ergonomic design, and the ability to snap closed on a hinge for easier portability. They also come in six colors.
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Microsofts 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.
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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.
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Windows 7s trippy wallpaper options will either set you laughing, or give you nightmares.