Microsoft unveiled at CTIA Wireless 2008 a new version of its Internet Explorer for mobile phones. The Redmond-based company also introduced Windows Mobile 6.1, an updated version of its operating systems, which improves navigation and security.

The updated version of Internet Explorer Mobile offers support for H.264, Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight and adds the ability to view full-screen Web pages and multimedia on the Web with a smartphone.

According to the company, the new version will be available for partner in the third quarter of 2008 and the first phones using the new Internet Explorer Mobile are expected in the end of 2008.

"People want a single phone that's flexible enough to meet their needs throughout their day, whether it's connecting to work or your everyday life," said Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "The innovations we have  added to our Windows Mobile software ultimately make it easier to manage your world."

Unveiled at the last year’s 3GSM World Congress Windows Mobile 6.0 was meant to be similar to Windows Vista and there are three editions available: Windows Mobile 6 Standard, Windows Mobile 6 Professional and Windows Mobile 6 Classic.

However, Microsoft has managed to sell only 11 million units of Windows Mobile during the last year.

According to the company, Windows Mobile 6.1, the new version presented today features several key updates based on customer feedback, including the capability to make the most critical information readily available at a glance, quicker phone setup, and enhanced features adapted for the small screen. Windows Mobile 6.1 includes a new Getting Started Center that helps user setting up e-mail, a Bluetooth headset or a Wi-Fi connection in a matter of minutes.

For example, the users of the new Windows Mobile will be able to easily flag, delete or move groups of messages and keep track of conversations through threaded text messaging. Also, in the new Windows Mobile, if you use a POP3/IMAP e-mail account (like Gmail, AOL, or Yahoo!), you can use Fetch to download an entire large e-mail in with no additional intervention required. A complete list of the new features is available here.