Microsoft updated its Office software for the Mobile 5.0 platform, enabling mobile users of Excel charts or edit documents with graphics in Word while maintaining the file's PC format. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates unveiled Tuesday the newest version of the Windows Mobile software platform at the company's annual mobile and embedded developers conference in Las Vegas.

New features in Windows Mobile 5.0 touted by Gates include stronger memory storage for data management, more platform flexibility for customizations, updated Microsoft Office software for enhanced productivity , and Windows Media Player 10 Mobile for more multimedia options.

Gates said the improvements in Windows Mobile 5.0 will enable developers to "revolutionize how customers use mobile devices."

The new platform's flexibility lets developers plug in technologies such as "push-to-talk" or video calling to differentiate themselves from competitors, according to a statement released by Microsoft.

Mobile 5.0 also supports higher-bandwidth networks, Wi-Fi for smartphones , and improved Bluetooth support. Increased options for one-handed keyboard navigation will help customers access information without a stylus.

The platform features more efficient and secure access that will retain information even when a device's battery is depleted, the company said.

Microsoft updated its Office software for the Mobile 5.0 platform, enabling road warriors to use Excel charts or edit documents with graphics in Word while maintaining the file's PC format. Further, the company said it created a new Power Point Mobile application that lets users view or rehearse presentations on their Pocket PC.

Windows Media Player 10 Mobile synchronizes music and video files from a PC or downloaded from the Internet onto mobile devices.

Microsoft said Mobile 5.0 has gone through extensive security testing and meets U.S. government security requirements for I.T. products.