• Windows-powered VoIP devices
  
• Background information
  
• Product and technology announcements

Note: Smartphones and Pocket PC Phones are covered in a separate section of this guide.

• Whitepaper: Microsoft's VoIP Strategy and Plans -- Apr. 3, 2003 -- This detailed whitepaper from Microsoft overview provides a detailed introduction to the new Windows CE .NET 4.2 Telephony User Interface (TUI), the components of the VoIP Application Interface Layer (VAIL), and the network layer support for rapidly developing and bringing VoIP-enabled client devices to market.
  
  
• IDC study confirms demise of the "unconnected PDA" -- Aug. 19, 2003 -- A new research study from market analyst IDC confirms that potential growth for the "unconnected PDA" market is shifting to voice-enabled devices including mobile phones and "converged mobile devices," which combine the data capabilities of PDAs with the voice communication capabilities of mobile phones.
  
  
• SPECIAL REPORT: Microsoft adds VoIP to Windows CE .NET 4.2 -- Apr. 4, 2003 -- At the Spring 2003 Voice on the Net (VON) Trade Show & Expo, Microsoft unveiled voice over IP (VoIP) support that is being added to the next version of Windows CE .NET (version 4.2). The new technology is intended to enable the integration of voice communications into a variety of IP-based client devices such as PDAs, mobile phones, auto-PCs, set-top boxes, residential gateways, enterprise phones and PBXs, and a broad range of other applications. This "special report" brings you up to date on this important announcement and news surrounding it.
  
  
• Microsoft reveals expanded VoIP features of Windows CE 5.0 -- Mar. 31, 2004 -- Microsoft announced expanded VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) features that will be part of Windows CE 5.0 (previously code-named "Macallan"), at the Spring 2004 Voice on the Net (VON) Conference & Expo in San Jose, Calif.
  

• Free peer-to-peer PocketPC voice-calling software -- Apr. 7, 2004 -- Skype Technologies launched a free beta release of peer-to-peer voice calling software for WiFi-enabled handheld devices running Microsoft's Pocket PC software platform.
  
  
• Bsquare launches VoIP, telephony, wireless development services -- Apr. 1, 2004 -- Bsquare announced a new offering of "advanced system integration services" aimed at companies developing devices implementing VoIP, telephony, and wireless communications protocols. The company says its new service offerings leverage its expertise in Microsoft's Windows CE and Windows Mobile software platforms, as well as in emerging communications technologies.
  
  
• Software improves VoIP voice quality, supports Pocket PC -- Mar. 29, 2004 -- Global IP Sound has released a set of software modules for real-time communications over the Internet. The modules, collectively dubbed the GIPS Voice Enhancement Solutions, include functionality to add comfort noise during silence and automatically adjust audio levels to achieve a consistent and comfortable listening experience during VoIP conversations.
  
  
• Toshiba bundles Gphone VoIP with Pocket PCs -- Nov. 6, 2003 -- VLI says its SIP-compliant PocketGphone VoIP telephony software has been selected by with the Toshiba e800/805 Series Pocket PCs. Gphone enables the Pocket PCs to place phone calls over IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) wireless LANs.
  
  
• VoIP software provider receives $12.5M venture funding -- Sep. 26, 2003 -- TeleSym Inc., a provider of software to enable cordless voice calling from devices on Wi-Fi wireless (802.11b) networks, announced that it has completed a second round of venture funding, amounting to approximately $12.5 million. The new funding, which brings the company's total funding to $18 million since its inception in 2000, was led by the Intel Communications Fund and Siemens Venture Capital, and included several other investors.
  
  
• Software reduces echo in hands-free wireless VoIP -- May 5, 2003 -- Global IP Sound announced software for suppressing the echoes inherent in hands-free operation of packet-switched, wireless LAN (e.g. 802.11x) voice communication using PDAs and other small devices. The company said its GIPS AES software is the first echo suppression technology designed specifically for PDAs and small devices where the microphone and speaker are in close proximity.
  
  
• Microsoft enhances Windows CE .NET for VoIP client devices -- April 3, 2003 -- at the Spring 2003 Voice on the Net (VON) Trade Show & Expo, Microsoft announced a comprehensive Windows CE .NET-based voice over IP (VoIP) solution that enables the integration of voice communications into a variety of IP-based client devices and services such as desktops and mobile phones. The new enhancements to Windows CE .NET include a sample Telephony User Interface (TUI), a comprehensive VoIP Application Interface Layer (VAIL) and Enterprise Infrastructure Integration services.
  
  
• Microsoft mulls unification of PCs and phones -- Apr. 10, 2003 -- CNET reports on Microsoft's emerging strategy to combine real-time communications -- including email, voice, video conferencing, and instant messaging -- on a single software platform.
  
  
• SymPhone turns PDA into phone -- Sep. 24, 2002 -- TeleSym announced availability of its SymPhone System, which the company says enables clear, cost-effective voice communications on Pocket PC PDAs (personal digital assistants, like the iPAQ), using 802.11b wireless LANS -- and across the Internet.