WM6 Devices get ‘Virtual BlackBerry’ Support

Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 6 platform got a boost on Monday when Research in Motion announced a new software suite that will provide phones running on WM6 with a “virtual” BlackBerry experience.

The software will be available later this year, and is set to feature e-mail, browsing, instant messaging and other capabilities. The app will also let phones take advantage of BlackBerry services, such as BlackBerry Enterprise Server, according to RIM.

The app will not transform a phone into a BlackBerry, per se. Instead, users will see an icon for the program on their screen. Clicking it will load a BlackBerry UI and a series of programs. Windows Mobile apps won’t be affected and users will be able to switch between the two, according to RIM.

Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 for Windows Vista

The Windows Mobile Device Center enables you to set up new partnerships, synchronize content and manage music, pictures and video with Windows Mobile powered devices (Windows Mobile 2003 or later). The Windows Mobile Device Center combines an efficient business-data synchronization platform with a compelling user experience. The Windows Mobile Device Center helps you to quickly set up new partnerships, synchronize business-critical information such as e-mail, contacts and calendar appointments, easily manage your synchronization settings, and transfer business documents between your device and PC.

This new version of the Windows Mobile Device Center contains key improvements and new features to support Windows Mobile 6 devices. The Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 is only supported on Windows Vista.

Key updates in Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 include: Windows Mobile 6 feature support Information Rights Management activation - Automatically configure the Windows Mobile 6 device to open IRM-protected documents and files HTML mail – Set up your Windows Mobile 6 device to sync HTML-formatted mail Certificate Enrollment - Acquire certificates through the PC the Windows Mobile 6 device is currently connected to Allow data connections on the Windows Mobile 6 device when connected to the PC File synchronization for smartphones – Synchronize files with your Windows Mobile 6 devices, including both touch screen and non-touch screen devices Automatic device authentication - Connect the Windows Mobile device to the PC without the need to enter the device-lock PIN every time upon connect Product Registration - Register your Windows Mobile device and get connected to information and offers available for your device.

For Windows Embedded CE 4.2, 5.0, Pocket PC 2002, and Smartphone 2002 devices, basic connectivity support includes connecting over USB and serial, using desktop passthrough with the PC’s internet connection, and file browse. Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 is fully compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 devices and later.

Windows7 & Office14 to be just as big as Vista & Office’07

Microsoft has reiterated its commitment to the desktop. Building on its co-founder Bill Gates’ vision of a PC on every desk in every home, Microsoft will continue to focus on delivering desktop products. And in this context, nothing will change when it comes down to the development of the company’s main cash cows.

Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System will be followed by Windows Seven and Office 14. Kevin Turner, Chief Operating Officer, present at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2007 in Denver on July 10 emphasized the fact that Windows
Vista will neither be the last of its kind, nor the last big operating system release from the Redmond company. The same strategy is valid for the Office 2007 System.

“You know, we started out as a client desktop company 32 years ago, and built a very successful and promising business. Certainly this last year has been an unprecedented year for Vista and Office and the launch. And we are still committed to the desktop. There will be another release and launch of a Vista type operating system. There will be another release of Office, and we’re going to continue to invest in that, because the customer wants a choice,” Turner stated.