Microsoft's phone software ready to talk
C|Net | at | by Mike
Microsoft on Tuesday announced that its long-awaited Smartphone 2002 software is complete and said the first phones with the software will debut in Europe later this month. Wireless carrier Orange plans to sell the device in the United Kingdom for 179 pounds ($277), including a digital camera add-on. The phone, known as SPV (Sound, Pictures, Video), is built by Taiwan-based High Tech Computer (HTC), the contract manufacturer for Hewlett-Packard's original iPaq handheld device as well as British wireless carrier mm02's XDA handheld.
Microsoft has two operating systems for wireless devices. Already on the market are wireless handhelds running Microsoft's Pocket PC Phone Edition. Those products can make phone calls but have a large screen and lack a number pad. By contrast, devices running Smartphone 2002 look like slightly bulkier cell phones, with a jog dial for one-handed dialing and browsing of contacts and other information.