Microsoft has released a Chinese-language version of the Windows CE 2.11 operating system.

Aimed at palm-sized PCs, the OS will be pre-installed on products from makers such as Palmax and Group Sense, as well as multinationals including Philips, Casio, and Hewlett-Packard.

The software will let users send e-mail, browse the Web, and check address books. There is also a Chinese-English dictionary supporting Chinese character recognition. ActiveSync, a Windows CE feature, allows users to connect and synchronise their palm PCs with their desktop personal computers.