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With today's launch of the long-awaited Vista operating system arrives a new application to synchronize Windows Mobile devices with a PC. Microsoft is in the process of doing away with ActiveSync, which it is replacing with something called Windows Mobile Device Center.

While the application, which is still in beta, as with ActiveSync, provides overall Windows Mobile device management for Pocket PCs and smartphones, it'll do so with a new look and what Microsoft has touted as a simplified and improved user interface.

Windows Vista automatically downloads Windows Mobile Device Center when you initially connect a Windows Mobile device. Or you can download and install the software directly from Microsoft here. Microsoft says future versions will become available as a Windows Update.

With the beta users can connect their PDAs and smartphones using a USB cable, sync e-mail, calendars, contacts, tasks, photos, favorites, music, and other files. You can also browse your handheld's contents from a PC.

The Windows Mobile Device Center is compatible with devices running Windows Mobile 5, Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, and Windows Mobile 2003.

Although Windows Mobile Device Center is in beta, it is highly recommended users do not install ActiveSync on a Windows Vista system.