Microsoft expands Web presence

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Getting e-mail, stock quotes and weather reports while on the go is great, but consumers will also need ways to control the information coming at them to prevent wireless overload, Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates said Monday.

Highlighting the company's efforts to move beyond the PC, Gates headlined a list of high-profile speakers at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association meeting here.

With live demonstrations to show off the company's Web strategy, Gates launched an interactive version of Microsoft's online service for cell phones and handheld computers that lets users send messages or make an Internet purchase in addition to receiving information.
''We're really going to surprise people with what they can do,'' Gates said.

It's yet another step in the company's strategy to extend its Web presence through its online network, MSN, to consumers wherever they might be. Like others that operate Internet portals, including America Online and Yahoo!, Microsoft wants to expand its reach well beyond the personal computer.

The new version of MSN Mobile, to be available in April, will make it possible to send and receive information on a wireless device when using MSN services such as Hotmail for exchanging e-mail, Expedia.com for making travel plans and MSN MoneyCentral for managing personal finances.

Other Microsoft officials joined Gates on stage to show how a Web-capable phone could be used to look up flight times or browse incoming e-mail. But by customizing their preferences on a PC, users can make sure they get only the specific information they want.

''Giving control back to (users) is something that will be very, very important,'' Gates said.

Without a full-sized computer before them, consumers will need ways to manage the information coming to them on a handheld device or phone.

During the keynote, Gates showed how users can go to the MSN Web site, set their preferences and download it to their phone. That would enable users, for example, to immediately get flight information about a trip they have already planned through Expedia.com.

Microsoft also announced agreements with Nextel and AirTouch Communications Inc. to offer the interactive MSN Mobile service. Company officials say they are building relationships with others as well.

MSN Mobile was introduced last year, allowing users to receive wireless information like stock quotes, weather reports and lottery information in text message form on interactive pagers and cell phones. As part of its announcement, the company said WebLink Wireless Inc. and Totally Free Paging Inc. have agreed to offer an enhanced form of these one-way notifications on their products.