Microsoft Promises ‘Desktop Grade’ Web Browsing On Windows Mobile

Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) on Tuesday unveiled the latest version of Internet Explorer Mobile and pledged that the software would bring “desktop grade” Web browsing to mobile devices.

With added support for industry standards like Adobe (NSDQ: ADBE) Flash, the updated version of Explorer Mobile lets users view full-screen Web pages and multimedia on their smartphones just as they would on a PC, Microsoft said.

It also supports Microsoft’s nascent Silverlight Web-display technology.

People want a single phone that’s flexible enough to meet their needs throughout their day,” said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s entertainment and devices division, in a statement.

Microsoft said the new version of Internet Explorer Mobile will be available to mobile phone makers in the third quarter and to consumers in the fourth quarter.

In beefing up the mobile version of Explorer, Microsoft is looking to fend off Apple in the lucrative mobile device and software markets. Apple has heavily promoted the fact that its iPhone lets users view the Web on a PDA in much the same way as on their desktops.

Microsoft is also taking aim at Symbian, which owns the largest share of the mobile operating system market.

Microsoft has gone so far as to embrace other rivals in its campaign against Apple and Symbian. The company recently said it would support Adobe Flash Lite on Windows Mobile in a nod to the fact that many mobile application developers are still lukewarm to Silverlight.

Microsoft on Tuesday also formally launched Windows Mobile 6.1. Enhancements let users view messages and appointments and play music from the home screen. A new “Getting Started” center makes it easier to configure devices for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, according to Microsoft.

There’s also an enhanced zoom feature that makes document and Web navigation easier, Microsoft said.

Microsoft said it expects a number of operators and device makers to support Windows Mobile 6.1, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Motorola, and Toshiba.

Other partners include Alltel (NYSE: AT) Wireless, Asus, and Samsung.

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