Microsoft begins mobile hardware push

Microsoft has created a new division to help boost the development of Windows applications for mobile hardware devices.

The Windows Client Extended Platform team will be headed by Rick Thompson, and its remit will include the Tablet PC and Microsoft's Smart Personal Objects Technology (Spot).

The division will look at new hardware innovation, scenarios, designs and concepts which were previously the responsibility of the Windows Hardware Experience team.

Microsoft explained that the move is part of a reorganisation of the whole Windows Client division, which is being overseen by senior vice president Will Poole.

"The realigned Windows Client business will be responsible for the entire Windows client operating system business, from desktops to laptops, from Tablet PCs in the enterprise to media centres in the living room," Microsoft said in a statement.

Among the Extended Platforms division's aims is driving the integration of the latest Windows technologies into the enterprise and home computing environments.

Ashim Pal, vice president at analyst Meta Group, suggested that the move demonstrates Microsoft's co-ordinated push for non-PC Windows devices.

"If you look at other form factors such as the Tablet PC and Spot it is more like 'productised' research and development they are throwing at the market, some of which will stick and some of which won't," he said.

"One of the things Microsoft is particularly committed to is providing the Windows experience across non-PC formats. This move is a recognition that it needs to drive these innovations in a more common way."