Microsoft shows off Longhorn's communication abilities

VOLE HAS STARTED to release information on what Longhorn will look like when it hits the shops in two years time. Speaking at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) Paul Erickson, development manager for Windows communications described how the communications on the operating system will work.

Apparently from a central location, you'll be able to sort and filter messages by various themes such as name of sender or date of conversation. There will be better voice-over-IP connectivity and Bluetooth-enabled functions so you can add a new number to mobile and your PC will automatically sync that information.

On the Voice over IP front, the idea is that you can use a headset and microphone to receive and make calls directly through your broadband connection. The OS will tell you who is calling, and will retrieve the relevant communication history on the caller before you answer. It will then open a note pad in case you want to write something down and save the notes with the information about the person. It will warn you that there is someone trying to call you.