Microsoft, Redmond, WA, has previewed its Pocket PCs, new Windows CE-based, palm-sized PC software. The software will be available in the first half of the year and will be supported by hardware vendors such as Casio Computer, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and Symbol Technologies. Two new applications will ship with the Pocket PC: Microsoft Reader and the Microsoft Windows Media Player. The Microsoft Reader electronic book software is intended to deliver an on-screen computer reading experience similar to reading text printed on paper. It will include a built-in dictionary along with a library that can store a large number of books and other documents, and a flexible copy-protection system that allows publishers to distribute titles protected from privacy and illegal copying.
The Windows Media Player will give consumers access to music in Windows Media and MP3 formats from their own digital music library. It will include support for Microsoft’s digital rights management technology, which offers access to secure music from major record labels including Sony, EMI, BMG and Warner Music.
