Microsoft Corp. released a new version of its Windows operating system for
mobile phones and other small devices yesterday, citing improved reliability
and new features that it hopes will boost its presence on handheld gadgets.
But the company said users of the latest Windows Mobile software will have to
wait a while longer for one of the most popular mobile features -- the type of
instantaneous e-mail that has driven growth of rival Research in Motion Inc.'s
BlackBerry devices.
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates told software developers at a conference in Las
Vegas yesterday that his company is working on the technology, commonly
known as "push" e-mail. The feature gives users the ability to send and
receive messages in a matter of seconds, rather than waiting for a device to
synchronize at longer intervals.
