Microsoft on Tuesday unveiled the latest version of the Net Explorer Mobile browser during the CTIA Wireless 2008 conference. The software giant plus announced Windows Mobile 6.1, an update for its Windows Mobile software.

The new Web Explorer Mobile browser promises desktop-like Web browsing for Windows Mobile phones, while Windows Mobile 6.1 offers new features, such as easier phone navigation and management, and increased protection.

“People want a restricted phone that’s flexible abundant to meet their needs all through their day, whether it’s connecting to work or your everyday life,” said Robbie Bach, president of the Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division. “The innovations we’ve added to our Windows Mobile software ultimately form it easier to manage your world.”

Desktop Web Browsing

The new version of Web Explorer Mobile adds the ability to view full-screen Web pages and multimedia with a smartphone. By taking advantage of World Wide Web Explorer 6 technologies and supporting established and upcoming industry standards such as

H.264, Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight, the company said its updated browser provides a rich mobile Net experience.

“The new version is more full-featured considering it’s based on a full Net Explorer engine with capabilities like Flash support, which would put Microsoft in the forefront of the mobile-browsing experience,” said Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at JupiterResearch.

Microsoft said the update will be available to mobile-phone partners in the third quarter, with the first Windows Mobile phones using the new version expected to be available by the end of the year.

Making info Readily Available

Windows Mobile 6.1 features several updates based on customer feedback, including the capability to construct the most critical knowledge readily available at a glance, quicker phone setup, and enhanced features adapted for the small screen, Microsoft said.

With Windows Mobile 6.1, Microsoft said users will be able to glance at and reply to notifications such…

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