Microsoft has unveiled the latest version of Internet Explorer Mobile, which adds desktop-grade web browsing to Windows Mobile phones. Microsoft has also announced Windows mobile 6.1, an update for its Windows Mobile software that includes new time-saving features, easier phone navigation and management, and increased security safeguards.
The new version of Internet Explorer Mobile adds the ability to easily view full-screen web pages and multimedia on the Web with a Smartphone. Microsoft says that as a result of taking advantage of Internet Explorer 6 technologies and supporting established and upcoming industry standards such as H.264, Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight, the updated Internet Explorer Mobile gives people a rich mobile Internet experience. The update will be available to mobile phone partners in the third quarter of 2008, with the first Windows Mobile phones using the new version expected to be available by the end of 2008.
Windows Mobile 6.1 features several key updates based on customer feedback, including the capability to make the most critical information readily available at a glance, quicker phone set-up, and enhanced features adapted for the small screen. In addition, says Microsoft, if coupled with  System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 or Exchange Server 2007 SP1, Windows Mobile 6.1 provides the best experience for IT professionals to manage mobile phones for businesses.
With Windows Mobile 6.1, says Microsoft, users will be able stay up to date and share from a single location; glance at and respond to notifications such as missed calls, upcoming appointments and new messages from the home screen; play music and share photos. The software also offers quick and easy set-up for email, wi-fi and Bluetooth accessories via the Getting Started Center. Features designed specifically for the small screen include the ability to easily flag, delete or move groups of messages, and to keep track of conversations through threaded text messaging. Users can also zoom in on text or pictures, or view an entire web page at once. Support for System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 will enable administrators manage to phones as they do Windows-based PCs, and to access company data that may be behind a firewall. Support for Exchange Server 2007 SP1 advanced mobile policies will help businesses manage and administer security for phones while enabling people to find, share, and use information no matter where they are.
People want a single phone thats flexible enough to meet their needs throughout their day, whether its connecting to work or your everyday life, says Robbie Bach, President of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. The innovations weve added to our Windows Mobile software ultimately make it easier to manage your world.
Ben Bajarin, an Analyst with Creative Strategies, says Microsoft is taking the necessary steps to broaden its consumer appeal, while also addressing the complex mobile needs of the enterprise.
Internet Explorer Mobile and Windows Mobile 6.1 demonstrate Microsofts ability to harness its technologies to bring tangible innovations and benefits to customers and partners, says Bajarin.