Microsoft Prepares CDMA ProductsMicrosoft Prepares CDMA Products

Microsoft's push into mobile computing fills a gap this week when it releases its Smartphone and Pocket PC software for CDMA-compliant handheld devices.

Code Division Multiple Access opens an important market for Microsoft, which to date has focused on GSM and GPRS mobile services. In the United States, for example, both Sprint and Verizon offer voice and data services over CDMA networks. "Verizon is the largest mobile operator in North America, and until now, we have not had software that would run on their network," Microsoft product manager Ed Suwanjindar says.

Audiovox Communications Corp. last year revealed "ra," a CDMA-compliant Pocket PC that's made by Toshiba Mobile Communications Co. and incorporates Sierra Wireless software that lets the ra run over Verizon's network. Hitachi and Samsung are among the first palmtop makers to back Microsoft's CDMA software.

Hitachi will use the code in its Multimedia Communicator NC1 Pocket PC, which has a phone, a browser, a speaker, a camera, a color screen, and a miniature keyboard. "The integrated keyboard has been missing from our portfolio," Suwanjindar says.

Samsung's i700 is a voice-and-data device that also sports a camera and a color screen. Both Hitachi and Samsung are aiming the CDMA devices at consumers and businesspeople, though neither gave delivery dates for their products.

At least 30 manufacturers are building mobile devices based on Smartphone and Pocket PC technologies, according to Microsoft, and 21 network operators reportedly have committed to distributing them.