Rumors have been out for a while about Microsoft’s online foray in the world of Windows Mobile. While the folks in Redmond aren’t willing to talk about it, Mary Jo Foley has some solid-sounding information about the three new “Sky” services that Microsoft is planning in the Windows Mobile area.
Skymarket is to be an online Windows Mobile app store to distribute programs that users purchase. The online store will be similar to Apple’s iPhone App Store and will provide a single focal point for Windows Mobile customers to find and get third-party applications for their Windows Mobile phone.
Skybox is an online storage and sync solution for Windows Mobile. In its base form at release Skybox will be a cloud base for your Windows Mobile phone PIM information such as contact list and calendar events. Users will also be able to store photos and other data in the Skybox cloud system. Skybox is intended to let users make sure their phone’s information is always up-to-date, even when the phone is replaced with a new one. It is expected to be free at launch with online ads paying the way but Microsoft will offer a paid premium service down the road.
Skyline is the third service aimed at Windows Mobile users who need a way to integrate their home and work email and is to provide a push email solution for them. It is aimed at small business and home office workers who need a push server type of email solution.
All of this is expected to require Windows Mobile 6.5 and up on the phones to use these services. According to Mary Jo they will be unrolled at the MWC this month along with WM 6.5.
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