Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 Product Overview

Offical Announcement - Signed, Sealed and Delivered: Pocket PC 2002 Devices Land in Stores Everywhere

Pocket PC 2002 is the next-generation software for personal digital assistants (PDAs) from Microsoft Corp. Pocket PC 2002 makes a great mobile platform even better by delivering a stylish new interface, new features to benefit business users and corporations, and more ways to communicate with friends and co-workers. Below is a snapshot of some compelling new improvements in Pocket PC 2002.

A Better Pocket PC

Pocket PC 2002 introduces the following enhancements to make the platform more stylish and customizable:

• Updated graphical user interface, which allows users to download and share custom Today screens or "skins" to make their PDA more personal
• "Smart minimize," which allows easier navigation while using applications on a device. Users can easily go back to recently accessed applications. This feature, based on user feedback, is considered a key improvement over the previous software.
• New notification engine, which can be customized to bubble up and prompt users regarding messages and appointments
• New hardware that includes standardization on the ARM family of processors, bringing speed to devices and streamlining application development efforts, and FlashROM memory enabling users to upgrade and update their Pocket PC software The Best Device for Business Use Pocket PC 2002 delivers new functionality targeted at business users and corporations interested in deploying the most secure, reliable and robust mobile solutions, including the following:
• Virtual Private Network (VPN) support offers users secure access to their corporate networks over public airlinks.
• Terminal Server Client allows IT managers and end users alike to remotely access standard corporate applications on their device.
• Strong passwords offer better data protection, ensuring that businesses and end users alike can feel secure in the case of theft, loss or misuse of the device.
• Upgradeable ROM means that businesses and end users can upgrade or update their Pocket PCs with new versions of the Pocket PC software.
• Familiar tools make it easy for developers to write applications for Pocket PC as well as ensure a close tie between the corporate infrastructure and devices.
• Office applications in Pocket format on Pocket PCs enable users to bring their important corporate data - from Microsoft® Word to Excel to Outlook® - with them for both viewing and editing.

Improved Communication and Connectivity Pocket PC 2002 will keep users connected as never before. The new software is ready for a range of connectivity options from wireless options such as 802.11b, CDPD and integration with today's cell phones to wired connectivity via land-line modems (may require purchase of additional items). Once connected, the new software offers more ways to communicate with co-workers and friends and improved access to information, including the following:

• An improved Pocket Internet Explorer gives the mobile professional a fuller set of Web sites and provides selective image download, which allows the user to download a particular image quickly and selectively, saving time and allowing for greater personalization. In addition, Pocket Internet Explorer supports a variety of Web standards, including XML, HTML and dHTML. This allows any Web application to be used on the Pocket PC without redevelopment efforts.
• Object Exchange (OBEX) support allows users to beam information from their Pocket PC to another Pocket PC, as well as to Palm-based handheld devices and phones.
• MSN® Instant Messenger gives users the instant messaging experience, including all the desktop options and familiarity of MSN Instant Messenger.
• Windows Media™ Player for Pocket PC now supports streaming audio and video, and provides landscape option for video playback.
• Microsoft Reader now supports owner-exclusive digital rights management, which allows the user to read the top-selling eBooks from various retailers.

Microsoft, Outlook, MSN and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.



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