Motorola, Microsoft jointly market smart phone

Motorola and Microsoft have jointly introduced the new Motorola MPx200 mobile phone with Microsoft Windows Mobile software, the first in a series of smart phone and Pocket PC wireless devices designed to create a virtual "remote control" for the Web-centric, work-centric, mobile professional. The alliance of the two companies will also include cooperation on joint marketing and wireless developer programs.

The Motorola MPx200 is expected to be available in Europe next month from Orange and from other distributors throughout Europe and Hong Kong. AT&T Wireless is also expected to make the phone available in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2003.

The phone will be marketed as combining the high-quality performance and personalization of a Motorola mobile phone with the power of Windows Mobile software, the new Motorola devices create an incredible platform for communications, robust multimedia, Web-browsing and gaming functionality. The new Motorola MPx200 allows customers to manage their personal information and synchronize their e-mail, calendar and contacts with Microsoft Outlook either via a PC connection or via seamless over-the-air synchronization with Exchange Server.

With an expandable memory card of up to one gigabyte, the Motorola MPx200 offers options for productivity and entertainment on the go. Customers can browse the Web using Pocket Internet Explorer, download and listen to digital music, and view video clips via Windows Media Player. In addition, customers can install applications and software on their handset wirelessly or from a PC via USB connection.

7 million Windows developers

The Motorola MPx200 allows customers, operators and industry partners to benefit from the innovation of more than 7 million Windows developers who can create new market opportunities and new initiatives for access to people, applications and information in the wireless world.

"We're committed to delivering solutions that help drive our customers' business and that create compelling new ways for consumers to achieve their professional and personal goals," said Tom Lynch, president of Motorola's Personal Communications Sector. "The new Motorola MPx200 with Windows Mobile software turbocharges our ability to deliver productivity-driven experiences. It's a compelling complement to our existing software and applications ecosystem for network operators, developers and consumers."

"We consider this alliance with Motorola to be a tremendous milestone for our Windows Mobile platform and a major win for customers, operators and developers," said Pieter Knook, corporate vice president of mobile and embedded devices at Microsoft. "With Motorola's high-quality hardware design and Microsoft's software savvy, the Motorola MPx200 helps connect customers with the information and people that matter most to them, any time and anywhere."

With the latest in Personal Information Management (PIM) functionality, phone users can synchronize and access Outlook contacts, inbox, calendar and tasks. In addition, businesses looking for a scalable and secure means of accessing information behind corporate firewalls will be able to take advantage of AT&T Wireless' unique over-the-air provisioning solution to simplify and minimize implementation efforts of corporate information technology departments.

One-click access

The phone also supports Web browsing using Pocket Internet Explorer and fully integrates MSN Messenger service for a robust instant messaging experience. The Motorola MPx200 also will have "one-click" access to AT&T Wireless' popular mMode service to connect customers to the latest in news, weather, sports, gaming, messaging services and more.

"Together with Microsoft and Motorola, we are taking the next leap forward in unwiring the corporate office," said Andre Dahan, president of AT&T Wireless Mobile Multimedia Services. "The Motorola MPx200 is an ideal device for mobile professionals looking for a wireless extension of their workplace -- and for consumers looking for the ultimate in multimedia functionality. This cutting-edge device provides us with the flexibility to meet the needs of both mobile professionals and businesses looking for a simple, secure and scalable solution to meet the growing needs of the enterprise market in today's mobile economy."

"Today's busy professionals are demanding more from their wireless experience and looking for the right combination of reliability and synchronization that can keep them connected and entertained while mobile," said Pieter Knook, corporate vice president of mobile and embedded devices at Microsoft. "The new Motorola MPx200 delivers a long-awaited mobile phone experience, combining the powerful and familiar Windows Mobile software with AT&T Wireless' advanced GSM/GPRS services and the trusted quality of a Motorola handset."

"We are dedicated to bringing dynamic solutions to market that enhance our customers' offerings and benefit consumers who desire advanced mobile tools -- the new Motorola MPx200 is a shining example of this commitment," said Tom Lynch, president of PCS at Motorola Inc. "By extending the reach, access and connectivity of the traditional office, the new Motorola MPx200 combined with Microsoft Windows Mobile functionality and advanced multimedia and communication features allows users a familiar way to control and simplify their lives."