Telecom New Zealand, through its ISP operation Xtra, is launching a web site specially formatted for handheld devices, including Windows Mobile and Palm OS handhelds, with some content specifically created for Windows Mobile Pocket PC and Smartphones.

The new web site is part of the Xtra MSN network, and presents timely news and sports information, plus weather information for New Zealand, with information from the MetService.

The Xtra MSN PDA website also brings short audio and video clips, including news, sports moments and entertainment. The content is encoded in Windows Media compatible format (.asf and .wmv), so it can be played with Windows Media Player on compatible mobile devices (although it also works with standard Windows based PCs).

There are currently no charges to access the site, except for normal data rates. The site can be accessed from any network.

The website can be viewed with Pocket Internet Explorer and other html browsers. Users of the Telecom New Zealand Harrier Pocket PC Phone Edition can simply tap the Xtra icon on Pocket Internet Explorer to view the new site.