Cingular and Microsoft Deliver New Windows Mobile-Based Devices

Cingular and Microsoft Deliver New Windows Mobile-Based Devices

Nation's Largest Wireless Carrier Expands Choice, Functionality for Subscribers

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cingular Wireless and Microsoft Corp. today announced they plan to make the powerful experience familiar on desktops available to users through more Windows Mobile(TM) based devices in 2005.

As leaders in their respective industries, the companies intend to collaborate with a host of device manufacturers to make available the familiar and powerful Windows Mobile software platform using the country's largest wireless digital voice and data network. Currently, Cingular Wireless offers customers more Windows Mobile-based smartphone choices in the United States than any other wireless carrier.

"Our number one goal is to maximize the wireless experience for our customers. We must provide customers with the best quality and coverage and most comprehensive mobility solutions in the country," said David Christopher, vice president, product management for Cingular Wireless. "By delivering devices that combine the breadth and quality of our ALLOVER(sm) network with Windows Mobile software, we can offer customers a great everyday mobility experience."

"Together, Cingular Wireless and Microsoft are working to revolutionize the way people communicate with mobile devices and set a new standard for personal connectivity," said Suzan DelBene, corporate vice president of marketing for the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft. "We will continue to create innovative software for devices that offer customers a truly remarkable mobile experience."

According to a recent report from high-tech market research firm In-Stat/MDR, shipments of smartphones are expected to rise by almost 45 percent over the next five years. The firm expects that smartphones will account for some 117 million out of 833 million handsets shipped globally by 2009.

"The planets are lining up for a rather robust smartphone market over the next couple of years, with smaller devices entering the market, mid-tier pricing on some models, and faster data networks coming online," said Neil Strother, senior analyst with In-Stat. "Not only is demand strong from business users, especially for mobile e-mail and Internet access, some consumers are starting to make the move to these 'smarter' devices as well."

The portfolio of Windows Mobile-based smartphones available to Cingular customers includes the Motorola MPx220 and Audiovox SMT5600. Cingular also offers several PDAs running Windows Mobile software, including the Siemens SX66.

Cingular Wireless's Windows Mobile-based product portfolio offers a comprehensive, familiar platform for communications and strong multimedia and gaming functionality. The new products also allow customers to be more productive by managing their personal information, e-mail, calendar and contacts with Microsoft(R) Outlook(R) via either a PC connection or seamless over-the-air synchronization with Exchange Server 2003.(*)

Cingular Wireless currently offers the following devices that rely on Windows Mobile software:

-- The Motorola MPx220 is a quad-band "world phone" (850/900/1,800/1,900
MHz) that gives customers the ability to access Microsoft Outlook
applications such as e-mail, contacts and calendar information, and
comes equipped with many enhanced features such as integrated
Bluetooth(R), an integrated 1.2-megapixel camera, a mini SD card slot
capable of adding a 512MB memory card, and Windows Media(R) Player.

-- The Siemens SX66 delivers voice, an integrated QWERTY keyboard and
Wi-Fi capabilities. The SX66 combines a quad-band GSM world phone and
wireless PDA in a portable office workhorse that mobile professionals
can use to browse the Internet, check e-mail with Cingular Wireless'
Xpress Mail, and access corporate networks via a virtual private
network (VPN).

-- The Audiovox SMT5600 is the world's smallest smartphone and offers
comprehensive data, voice and multimedia features all in one compact
yet stylish handset. Equipped with Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003
Second Edition software for smartphones, it is the first smartphone
with Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 Mobile. It also features
Microsoft Outlook, removable storage onto a mini SD card slot, and
connectivity through Bluetooth and IrDA.



More information on smartphones, other devices, and a variety of voice and data calling plans can be found online at http://www.cingular.com/ or at any Cingular Wireless retail distribution outlet.

About Cingular Wireless

Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States, serving more than 46 million customers. Cingular, a joint venture between SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE:SBC) and BellSouth Corporation (NYSE:BLS), has the largest digital voice and data network in the nation. Cingular is the only U.S. wireless carrier to offer Rollover(SM), the wireless plan that lets customers keep their unused monthly minutes. Details of the company are available at http://www.cingular.com/. To get Cingular Wireless press releases e-mailed to you automatically, sign up at http://www.cingular.com/newsroom.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

(*) Connectivity and over-the-air synchronization solutions may require
separately purchased equipment and/or wireless products (e.g., Wi-Fi
card, network software, server hardware or redirector software).
Service plans are required for Internet, Wi-Fi and phone access.
Features and performance may vary by service provider. See device
manufacturer, service provider and/or corporate IT department for
details.

Microsoft, Windows Mobile, Outlook and Windows Media are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United
States and/or other countries.

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by the Bluetooth SIG Inc. and any use of
such marks by Microsoft Corp. is under license.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the
trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information, press only:

Ritch Blasi, Cingular Wireless, (908) 696-4242 or (908) 612-1760
(wireless)
Brandi Cook, Waggener Edstrom for Microsoft, (503) 443-7000,
brandic@wagged.com
Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom for Microsoft, (503) 443-7070,
rrt@wagged.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in viewing additional information
on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft's corporate information pages.
Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication,
but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and
analysts may contact Microsoft's Rapid Response Team or other appropriate
contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp.
Web sites: http://www.cingular.com
http://www.microsoft.com


Source: Cingular Wireless; Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Ritch Blasi, Cingular Wireless, +1-908-696-4242 or
+1-908-612-1760 (wireless), or Brandi Cook, Waggener Edstrom for Microsoft,
+1-503-443-7000, or brandic@wagged.com; Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom
for Microsoft, +1-503-443-7070, or rrt@wagged.com


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