 |
|
| technology > computing |
![[CNN Money]](http://i.cnn.net/cnn/images/main/fn.logo.newsnet.gif){kind=logo}
![[SI.com]](http://i.cnn.net/cnn/images/main/si.logo.gif){kind=logo}
( | |
 |
|
| |
| |
EDITIONS: | |
MULTIMEDIA: | |
E-MAIL: |
Subscribe to one of our news e-mail lists. Enter your address: |
DISCUSSION: |
CNN WEB SITES: |
 |
TIME INC. SITES: |
CNN NETWORKS: |
|
SITE INFO: |
WEB SERVICES: |
Gates aims for wireless blue yonder
|
In this story: Control your e-mail MSN compressed RELATED STORIES, SITES 
|
NEW ORLEANS (IDG) -- Microsoft plans to fuse Microsoft software and services into the phones and handheld units of the wireless world, company Chair Bill Gates told the Wireless 2000 conference in his keynote here Monday.
 | MESSAGE BOARD | |
|
| ||
That strategy includes making the newly released Windows 2000 more wireless-friendly, and positioning a version of MSN as a central, wireless portal, Gates says. Microsoft unveiled a wireless version of its MSN portal called MSN Mobile 2.0 at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association conference this week.
"We need to move beyond voice to voice and data," Gates says. "Microsoft can do this by bringing all the pieces together. And once we do, we are really going to surprise people."
Control your e-mail
| MORE COMPUTING INTELLIGENCE |
IDG.net home page
|
| Microsoft updates MSN on phones |
| IBM: Your handheld will hear you |
| Microsoft has high hopes for Pocket PC |
| Oracle sees a wireless future |
| Reviews & in-depth info at IDG.net |
| E-Business World |
| Year 2000 World |
| Questions about computers? Let IDG.net's editors help you |
| Subscribe to IDG.net's free daily newsletter for computer geniuses (& newbies) |
|
Search IDG.net in 12 languages |
| News Radio |
Fusion audio primers
|
|
Computerworld Minute
|
Microsoft is crafting an e-mail management software, tentatively named Priorities, that works with its Outlook program to send only the most important e-mail to your mobile unit.
Gates demonstrated a prototype of the program, designed for mobile professionals.
As the name implies, the program prioritizes your e-mail and can notify you of important e-mail through your mobile phone or pager. This way, you don't have to manage a blizzard of e-mail in your mobile device.
The Outlook option will be available with Platinum Exchange Server messaging software for businesses, which is not yet shipping. Microsoft also showed a wireless instant messaging feature that is scheduled to be available with the Platinum version of Exchange Server.
MSN compressed
Microsoft's wireless push takes flight as its large stable of MSN Web services, such Hotmail and Expedia, becomes available on wireless phones and handheld devices.
Gates featured MSN Mobile 2.0, scheduled to be available in April, in his keynote. The software improves on an earlier version that only delivered static online information to your mobile phone. In contrast, MSN Mobile 2.0 offers real-time, on-demand information such as flight schedules, weather conditions, and sports scores.
Users of the upcoming MSN Mobile for the first time will be given two-way functionality allowing them to send and receive information from Internet-enabled phones and handheld computers, and make purchases.
MSN Mobile 2.0 will be initially available to Nextel Communications and AirTouch Cellular customers.
During his demonstration, Gates showed how people who book flights using the Expedia online travel service will automatically receive updated flight and weather information cellular phones enabled with wireless applications protocol. WAP is a technical standard for presenting Internet data on mobile devices that allows companies to serve up text directly to a phone's electronic display.
RELATED STORIES:
Cell phones strike back
February 29, 2000
Microsoft Office to get overhaul
February 29, 2000
Ericsson's entry revitalizes WebPad scene
February 29, 2000
Panasonic, BT to work on wireless music service
February 24, 2000
Technology - A practical guide to buying Windows 2000
February 23, 2000
Opinion: Windows 2000 is short on exciting changes
February 8, 2000
RELATED IDG.net STORIES:
Wireless 2000: The Web goes wireless
(PC World Online)
Microsoft updates MSN on phones
(PC World Online)
IBM: Talk to the handheld
(PC World Online)
Microsoft details Pocket PC plans
(IDG.net)
Ericsson unveils Web phones
(PC World Online)
Amazon.com goes wireless
(PC World Online)
Predicting the phone of the future
(PC World Online)
Ericsson's entry stirs up WebPad scene
(IDG.net)
RELATED SITES:
Microsoft Corp.
Note: Pages will open in a new browser windowExternal sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.