News
Issue #2003 - 02 (January 2003)
(Updated Jan. 16, 2003)

DEVICES

Microsoft Moves Into Pocket PC Phone Sector

1. Microsoft boosts CDMA ambitions
06 January 2003 -- PMN -- Microsoft's ambitions in the CDMA market were boosted by a series of announcements expanding its technology base and deployment partners. Samsung and Hitachi said that they would release Pocket PC Phone Edition devices with integrated cameras in the US market. HTC, the Taiwanese OEM, is also said to be planning delivery of a CDMA communicator to operator customers in the US. 

Microsoft has suffered negative sentiment in the global cellular industry since British manufacturer Sendo withdrew its Z100 Smartphones product at the eleventh hour and launched a legal challenge accusing Microsoft of stealing its intellectual property. Sendo has since licensed Nokia's Series 60 and the Symbian OS. 

2. British Mobile Phone Maker Sendo Sues Microsoft
British mobile phone maker Sendo filed suit in a Texas court alleging that Microsoft obtained key information from it and passed that information to low-cost mobile phone manufacturers in Asia. In November, Sendo abruptly ended a partnership with Microsoft to launch a Pocket PC-based cell phone called the Z-100 Smartphone. Sendo said Microsoft had not given it access to source code that would allow it to tailor software used in the Z-100. (Source: BBC, Reuters)

Sources: PMN, BBC and Reuters 

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: Microsoft may have suffered a minor setback in its Pocket PC phone strategy when Sendo dropped its plans but knowing Microsoft, it will plod along and overcome these. We expect its OS platform among a shortlist of successful phone OSes in 3-5 year time. 

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.