A woman holds up an AT&T Blackjack II Windows Mobile phone by Samsung
© AFP/GETTY IMAGES/File Kimberly White

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - The announcement comes as Microsoft rival Apple wins accolades for the way the software in its hot iPhones lets people access online services and content on the move.

The iPhone hit the market in June of last year, delivering a device that combines telephone, video, music, and rich Internet access.

Microsoft unveiled Internet Explorer Mobile software to be released by October so mobile telephone manufacturers can make it available in devices by the end of the year.

"People want a single phone that's flexible enough to meet their needs throughout their day, whether it's connecting to work or your everyday life," said Microsoft president of entertainment and devices division Robbie Bach.

"The innovations we've added to our Windows Mobile software ultimately make it easier to manage your world."

Microsoft also announced a Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system update designed to make it easier and safer for people to use mobile telephone features.

The move is aimed at competing with offerings such as popular BlackBerry devices made by Canada firm Research In Motion.

Among BlackBerry's attractions is the ability for workers to have email "pushed" to devices from their company's enterprise servers.

"Microsoft is taking the necessary steps to broaden its consumer appeal while also addressing the complex mobile needs of the enterprise," Creative Strategies analyst Ben Bajarin said in a written release.

©AFP