Windows Media Plays in Your Pocket

LAS VEGAS-- Looking to gain an edge in the handheld market, Microsoft on Monday unveiled a test version of the Windows Media Player that allows users to stream and download multimedia files into Pocket PC devices.

The early version of the software, dubbed Microsoft Windows Media Player for Pocket PC Technology Preview Edition, is available now for the Compaq Computer IPaq Pocket PC device. (See "Compaq Expands IPaq Family.")

The new version is meant for developers and sophisticated users who want to evaluate the application, Microsoft officials say. Microsoft developed the specifications for the Pocket PC platform, and it is working with manufacturers to spur adoption of the devices.

In the next few months, versions of the software will also be available for Hewlett-Packard's Jornada and Casio's Cassiopeia Pocket PC devices. The final version of the player will be available early in 2001, according to a company statement.

The test version can be downloaded from Microsoft's Windows Media Web site.

The test player works with Media Services in Windows 2000 Server, and it is designed to work with 802.3 Ethernet, 802.11 wireless Ethernet at 11 megabits per second and Infrared Data Association (IrDA) specifications, Microsoft says.

Microsoft Chair and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates had been expected to demonstrate the new player during his keynote speech Sunday evening, according to the company, but apparently ran behind schedule and never got to it. (See "Gates Wows Comdex Crowd With Tablet PC.")

The new player is being demonstrated at the Microsoft booth here at the Comdex trade show. The demonstrations are conducted with Metricom Ricochet wireless networking technology and a Sierra Wireless Aircard modem for the Pocket PC. Once downloaded, audio and video files can be played back at rates from 16 to 256 kbps, the company says.

Microsoft's rivals in the PDA arena, Palm and Handspring, have majority market share among users of handheld computing devices. Microsoft officials say capabilities such as multimedia downloading into the Pocket PC will help the company gain ground, but Handspring and Palm are also working with third-party developers to create wireless download add-ons for Palm and Handspring devices. (See "Handspring's Visor Line Gains Color, Options.")