Amsterdam, Oct 10: US software maker Microsoft expanded its presence in mobile handsets on Friday when it announced a new model in conjunction with French operator Orange, the second new Microsoft cell phone in a week. The new phone, dubbed E200, will look almost identical to last year's E100, which was the world's first Microsoft software-based handset. The new model features an integrated camera for still pictures and video, as well as a wireless short-range link using Bluetooth technology.
The device, like its predecessor, will be manufactured by Taiwan's High Tech Computer according to specifications from Microsoft and Orange. As of next month, it will be offered to Orange subscribers in the United Kingdom, France, Netherlands, Denmark and Switzerland, Orange said. "In the UK it will start under 200 pounds, depending on the contract," said Orange spokesman Stuart Jackson.
The device was announced two days after Canada's Sierra Wireless entered the mobile phone market with its own Microsoft-enabled handset. Both models were announced in the run-up to ITU Telecom World 2003 in Geneva next week, one of the world's largest telecoms trade shows.
Bureau Report