Windows Mobile Louisville

Microsoft announced a downloadable test version of its “next generation web browser” for Windows Mobile - an “Internet Explorer Mobile 6 Emulator” for developers.

Recently, there have been numerous competitor browsers which have been kicking the butt of the default (weak) Internet Explorer currently found on WM 6.1 devices:  NetFront, Iris Browser, Opera Mobile 9.5, Skyfire, and (soon) Firefox Mobile.

Internet Explorer Mobile 6 is alleged to have some of the following enhancements:

• Faster operation
• A zoom-out button that lets users see the overall layout of a web page, then zoom in to a desired portion of it.
• The ability to view web pages full-screen, without menu bars
• Adobe Flash support
• Support for Microsoft Silverlight
• H.264 video compatibility

We’ll see - eventually!

Yes, I know this is over a week old, but it’s been kinda hectic around here lately, so I’m getting caught up on some posts: 

Microsoft Unveils Smartphone Advancements to Improve Ability to Work and Play with One Phone

Company demonstrates new version of Internet Explorer Mobile with desktop-grade Web browsing, introduces updated Windows Mobile operating system.

Windows Mobile is improving smartphones to better meet people’s rapidly expanding work and personal needs, Microsoft Corp. today announced. At CTIA Wireless 2008, the company unveiled the newest version of Internet Explorer Mobile, which adds desktop-grade Web browsing to Windows Mobile phones. In addition, Microsoft 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.

“People want a single phone that’s flexible enough to meet their needs throughout their day, whether it’s connecting to work or your everyday life,” said Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “The innovations we’ve added to our Windows Mobile software ultimately make it easier to manage your world.”
 
“Microsoft is taking the necessary steps to broaden its consumer appeal while also addressing the complex mobile needs of the enterprise,” said Ben Bajarin, analyst with Creative Strategies. “Internet Explorer Mobile and Windows Mobile 6.1 demonstrate Microsoft’s ability to harness its technologies to bring tangible innovations and benefits to customers and partners.”

Updated Internet Explorer Mobile Brings the Quality of Desktop Web Browsing to Phones

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. By 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. (more…)