“Microsoft today expanded connectivity options for its
Windows CE customers, announcing new alliances and technologies at
the Comdex trade show aimed at closing the gap with Palm
Computing. … Windows CE is Microsoft’s scaled-down operating
software for devices of all types, as well as television set-top
boxes and Net access terminals.
Although benefiting from the legions of software developers
trained to write applications for the Windows interface, Windows CE
has been relegated to the sidelines as the company has struggled to
simplify the user experience and streamline connectivity options.
Today’s announcements are aimed at the latter, providing new
compatibility with corporate information databases and new wireless
Internet add-ons.
In terms of hardware market share, Microsoft has continually
lagged behind Palm, which has steadily accounted for 75 percent of
the market, according to research from International Data
Corporation. But both companies are now laying the groundwork for
the future battle, which is likely to take place on smart cell
phones connected to the Internet, rather than separate handheld
computers.”