[Updated Jun. 26. 2003] — While this obviously is not an Embedded Linux news item, it's useful to keep an eye on “the competition.” Microsoft's mobile devices group had a busy day Monday, unveiling new software and a new Windows brand. In conjunction with the release of the latest version of Pocket PC, which was expected to be called “Pocket PC 2003,” Microsoft unveiled a new branding… strategy for their PDA software: “Windows Mobile.”

It gets confusing trying to figure out when to use the term “Pocket PC” and when to use “Windows Mobile,” but Microsoft is obviously trying to leverage the desktop popularity of the Windows brand in their PDA operating system through the new “Windows Mobile” branding. Plus, they want to give the impression that the devices are a more natural pair — their idea probably is: “You use Windows on your desktop, so why not use Windows in your PDA?” Hence, Windows Mobile. But what does it really mean?

Microsoft said the terms “Pocket PC” and “Smartphone” will continue to be used, but to describe categories, whereas “Windows Mobile” will describe the software running on the devices. For example, “Pocket PC software” becomes “Windows Mobile software for Pocket PCs,” and “Smartphone software” becomes “Windows Mobile software for Smartphones.” The general name for Microsoft's software for PDAs and smart phones will now be, simply, “Windows Mobile.” Confused yet?

Besides, is “Windows Mobile software for Pocket PCs” really a better way for customers to identify their type of PDA platform than, simply, “Pocket PC”? Time will tell.

Here's the complete story from WindowsForDevices.com . . .

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