Microsoft to Launch Stinger Cellphones Later This Year

Microsoft, in its effort to set the standard for multimedia-enabled cellular phones, will launch a line of phones later this year with its new software code-named Stinger. Retailing for around $800, the phones are more of a microcomputer, featuring a "relatively large color screen" and contact management software. They will also be able to play video and audio, according to the press release. Basically a slim, phone-enabled version of the PocketPC, the Stinger software will allow developers to virtually "drag-n-drop" existing Windows applications into Stinger-compatible software. For more information and to read a few more specs, read the Reuters report.