Wireless watchers eye CTIA for Windows Mobile clues

Wireless symposium CTIA kicks off in Las Vegas next week, with industry leaders poised to debate the business impact that next-generation communications. But Microsoft looks set to grab the attention, with company watchers anticipating an imminent update to its Window Mobile operating system.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Microsoft will release its Windows Mobile version 6.1 on 1 April – the day that Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s entertainment and devices division is to deliver a keynote presentation at CTIA.

Early indications suggest that Windows Mobile 6.1 will provide a sleeker interface. Screenshots, leaked on to the web, suggest the system has been simplified and screens will be less cluttered than the much-criticised 6.0 version.

Other CTIA show highlights include addresses from Dan Hesse, president and CEO of Sprint Nextel, Lowell McAdam, president and chief executive of Verizon Wirele, Arun Sarin, chief executive, Vodafone, and Marco Boerries, president of Yahoo Mobile.

Elsewhere at the show, one panel discussion will explore how firms should equip, and protect, their mobile workforces. The Enabling your Business with Smartphone and Wireless panel discussion, will include Intrinsyc Software's chairman and chief executive Glenda Dorchak.

Dorchak will discuss how the smartphone is changing the way that workers want to access both tools, and information. "There is significant value for enterprises, users, and service operators when one device platform can address both consumer and business usage scenarios," she explained.