Microsoft moves business into the home

Firm uses 3GSM to announce products and tools for home workers

Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer has announced a number of new products, including more tools to blur the line between the workplace and the home.

Speaking at the 3GSM conference, Ballmer said, “Everybody likes to distinguish between business customer and consumer – I don’t see the difference, they’re all people. I need one set of contacts, one view of my world… [Microsoft will be] working with operators to develop software to bring this to life.”

Ballmer said the Mobile version of Office Communicator would initially support “presence” applications and secure instant messaging (IM). Later this year Microsoft will add support for integrated telephony. Ballmer also announced Windows Live for Mobile, which he said would have Mobile Live Search and Live Mail integrated.

Microsoft’s Dave Karle said the Windows Live for Mobile beta would be available in Europe in about a week. “It’s a one-stop shop for consumer contacts; and presence info will also be visible, ‘pushed’ from Live services,” he added.

Windows Vista, Microsoft’s new operating system due later this year, will incorporate Mobile Device Center, a multi-device synchronisation package for personal and business devices. Microsoft also announced a prototype service on Vista to allow content on a user’s PC to be streamed live to their mobile device.

Microsoft also demonstrated its Blue Rendezvous application on the Windows Mobile platform. This is software for pairing and controlling Bluetooth devices. It was demonstrated on a Bluetooth Windows Mobile 5 device controlling a Bluetooth-enabled projector for a PowerPoint presentation.

Lastly, Ballmer announced a tie up with Virgin Mobile and BT, to launch “the first digital TV service for mobile phones in Europe” this summer. The launch device will be Trilogy - a Virgin Mobile-branded DAV and IP-enabled phone built by HTC. Trilogy will run Windows Media player for Mobile over BT's network, and Virgin will supply content.