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Windows Mobile 6.5 was never part of Microsoft's mobile phone roadmap, and has been described by its chief executive, [[Steve Ballmer]], as an unwanted stopgap until the [[multi-touch]] enabled Windows Mobile 7 arrives in 2010.<ref name=Electro_1>{{cite news |title=Ballmer: Win Mobile 6.5 an unwanted stopgap |newspaper=Electronista |date=5 March 2009 |url=http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/03/05/ballmer.on.win.mobile.6.5/ }}</ref>
Windows Mobile 6.5 was never part of Microsoft's mobile phone roadmap, and has been described by its chief executive, [[Steve Ballmer]], as an unwanted stopgap until the [[multi-touch]] enabled Windows Mobile 7 arrives in 2010.<ref name=Electro_1>{{cite news |title=Ballmer: Win Mobile 6.5 an unwanted stopgap |newspaper=Electronista |date=5 March 2009 |url=http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/03/05/ballmer.on.win.mobile.6.5/ }}</ref>
Version 6.5 is a minor upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.1 that was released to manufacturers on May 11 2009, and the first devices running the operating system are expected to debut later during October '09.<ref name="blogs.zdnet.com">{{cite web | url =http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1908 | title =Windows Mobile: What’s coming when - All about microsoft - ZDNet.com}}</ref> Despite being an incremental update however, it is said to include significant new added features such as a revamped GUI.<ref name="pcmag.com">{{cite web | url =http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2333601,00.asp | title = Motorola Delays Cell-Phone Spinoff, Drops Platforms}}</ref> It will also include the new Internet Explorer Mobile browser dubbed IE "6 On 6".<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.theunwired.net/?item=browser-microsoft-s-internet-explorer-mobile-6-aka-6-on-6-is-real-and-shows-its-face&category=02-pocket-pc-news&category=02-pocket-pc-news | title =Browser: Microsoft's Internet Explorer Mobile 6 aka 6 on 6 is real and shows its face}}</ref> Microsoft unveiled this version at the 2009 [[Mobile World Congress]] in February<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/windows-mobile-6-5-walkthrough-with-engadget/ | title = Windows Mobile 6.5 walkthrough with Engadget (now with video!)
Version 6.5 is a minor upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.1 that was released to manufacturers on May 11 2009, and the first devices running the operating system are expected to debut later during October '09.<ref name="blogs.zdnet.com">{{cite web | url =http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1908 | title =Windows Mobile: What’s coming when - All about microsoft - ZDNet.com}}</ref> Despite being an incremental update however, it is said to include significant new added features such as a revamped GUI.<ref name="pcmag.com">{{cite web | url =http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2333601,00.asp | title = Motorola Delays Cell-Phone Spinoff, Drops Platforms}}</ref> It will also include the new Internet Explorer Mobile browser dubbed IE "6 On 6".<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.theunwired.net/?item=browser-microsoft-s-internet-explorer-mobile-6-aka-6-on-6-is-real-and-shows-its-face&category=02-pocket-pc-news&category=02-pocket-pc-news | title =Browser: Microsoft's Internet Explorer Mobile 6 aka 6 on 6 is real and shows its face}}</ref> Microsoft unveiled this version at the 2009 [[Mobile World Congress]] in February<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/windows-mobile-6-5-walkthrough-with-engadget/ | title = Windows Mobile 6.5 walkthrough with Engadget (now with video!)
}}</ref>, and [[Motorola]] expects to release a phone running Windows Mobile 6.5 in the second half of 2009.<ref name="pcmag.com"/> Devices running this version onwards will be marketed as "Windows phones". Along with Windows Mobile 6.5, Microsoft announced several [[Cloud computing]] services codenamed "SkyBox","SkyLine","SkyMarket".<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/01/19/microsoft-set-to-unveil-mobileme-competitor-next-month | title = Microsoft set to unveil MobileMe competitor next month}}</ref> "SkyBox" has been confirmed as [[My Phone]]<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/myphone/myphone.aspx | title =Microsoft My Phone beta - Microsoft}}</ref>, while "SkyMarket" has been confirmed as [[Windows Marketplace for Mobile]].<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/microsoft-announces-windows-marketplace-for-windows-mobile/ | title = Microsoft announces Windows Marketplace and My Phone for Windows Mobile}}</ref> Some aspects of the user interface have been redesigned with the home screen resembling that of Microsoft's [[Zune]] player and the sliding panel interface of Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard. This version was designed mainly for easier finger usage.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=news&id=6855 | title = MWC: Your Definitive Windows Mobile 6.5 Post-Release Guide - Pocketnow}}</ref> A post release featuring larger buttons may also indicate that the operating system may see a release on capacitive devices. Microsoft may also be planning to bring some form of Zune software or functionality to this version sometime later in 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=2943 | title = Zune services coming “this calendar year” - Wmpoweruser}}</ref>
}}</ref>, and [[Motorola]] expects to release a phone running Windows Mobile 6.5 in the second half of 2009.<ref name="pcmag.com"/> SonyEricsson is coming with Xperia X2 with Windows Mobile 6.5. Devices running this version onwards will be marketed as "Windows phones". Along with Windows Mobile 6.5, Microsoft announced several [[Cloud computing]] services codenamed "SkyBox","SkyLine","SkyMarket".<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/01/19/microsoft-set-to-unveil-mobileme-competitor-next-month | title = Microsoft set to unveil MobileMe competitor next month}}</ref> "SkyBox" has been confirmed as [[My Phone]]<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/myphone/myphone.aspx | title =Microsoft My Phone beta - Microsoft}}</ref>, while "SkyMarket" has been confirmed as [[Windows Marketplace for Mobile]].<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/16/microsoft-announces-windows-marketplace-for-windows-mobile/ | title = Microsoft announces Windows Marketplace and My Phone for Windows Mobile}}</ref> Some aspects of the user interface have been redesigned with the home screen resembling that of Microsoft's [[Zune]] player and the sliding panel interface of Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard. This version was designed mainly for easier finger usage.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=news&id=6855 | title = MWC: Your Definitive Windows Mobile 6.5 Post-Release Guide - Pocketnow}}</ref> A post release featuring larger buttons may also indicate that the operating system may see a release on capacitive devices. Microsoft may also be planning to bring some form of Zune software or functionality to this version sometime later in 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=2943 | title = Zune services coming “this calendar year” - Wmpoweruser}}</ref>


==Future versions==
==Future versions==

Revision as of 18:38, 24 October 2009

Windows Mobile
File:Windowsmobile new logo.png
Windows Mobile 6.5 Today Screen
DeveloperMicrosoft
OS familyWindows CE
Working stateCurrent
Latest release6.5 / May 11, 2009 (2009-05-11)
Marketing targetMobile devices
LicenseProprietary (Microsoft EULA)
Official websiteWindows Mobile

Windows Mobile is a compact operating system developed by Microsoft, and designed for use in smartphones and mobile devices.

It is based on Windows CE, and features a suite of basic applications developed using the Microsoft Win32 API. It is designed to be somewhat similar to desktop versions of Windows, feature-wise and aesthetically. Additionally, third-party software development is available for Windows Mobile, and software can be purchased via the Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

Originally appearing as the Pocket PC 2000 operating system, Windows Mobile has been updated multiple times, with the current version being Windows Mobile 6.5. Most Windows Mobile phones come with a stylus pen, which is used to enter commands by tapping it on the screen.[1]

Windows Mobile's share of the Smartphone market has fallen year-on-year, decreasing 2.7% in 2009.[2] It is the 4th most popular smartphone operating system, with a 9% share of the worldwide smartphone market.[3]

Common features

Windows Mobile for Pocket PC carries these standard features in most of its versions:

Hardware

See also: List of Windows Mobile devices

There are three versions of Windows Mobile for various hardware devices:[4]

  • Windows Mobile Professional runs on 'Windows Phones' (smartphones) with touchscreens
  • Windows Mobile Standard runs on 'Windows Phones' with regular screens
  • Windows Mobile Classic which runs on 'Windows Mobile Classic devices' (Pocket PCs).
An O2 Pocket PC phone
A Smartphone (T-Mobile Dash)

Windows Mobile Classic devices (Pocket PC)

Main article: Pocket PC

A 'Windows Mobile Classic device' is a Windows Mobile personal digital assistant (PDA) that does not have telephone functionality. It was formerly known as a Pocket PC. It was the original intended platform for the Windows Mobile operating system. These devices consisted of both standalone Pocket PC devices without mobile phone capabilities, and those that included mobile phone capabilities. The most current name of Windows Mobile intended for use on Pocket PCs is officially "Windows Mobile 6 Professional" for devices with mobile phone capabilities and "Windows Mobile 6 Classic" for devices without mobile phone capabilities.

Windows Phone

Main article: Smartphone

The 'Windows Phone' (Microsoft's term for its range of smartphones) became the next hardware platform after the Pocket PC to run Windows Mobile, and debuted with the release of Pocket PC 2002. Although in the broad sense of the term "Smartphone", both Pocket PC phones and Microsoft branded Smartphones each fit into this category, it should be noted that Microsoft's use of the term "Smartphone" includes only more specific hardware devices that differ from Pocket PC phones. Such Smartphones were originally designed without touchscreens, intended to be operated more efficiently with only one hand, and typically had lower display resolution than Pocket PCs. Microsoft's focus for the Smartphone platform was to create a device that functioned well as a phone and data device in a more integrated manner.[5]

Versions

Pocket PC 2000

File:Pocket PC 2000.jpg
Typical Pocket PC 2000 Today Screen.

Pocket PC 2000, originally codenamed "Rapier",[6] was released on April 19, 2000, and was based on Windows CE 3.0. It was the debut of what was later dubbed the Windows Mobile operating system, and meant to be a successor to the operating system aboard Palm-Size PCs. Backwards compatibility was retained with such Palm-Size PC applications. Pocket PC 2000 was intended mainly for Pocket PC devices, however several Palm-Size PC devices had the ability to be updated as well. In addition, several Pocket PC 2000 phones were released, however the Smartphone hardware platform was not yet created. The only resolution supported by this release was 240 x 320 (QVGA). Removable storage card formats that were supported were CompactFlash and MultiMediaCard. At this time Pocket PC devices had not been standardized with a specific CPU architecture. As a result, Pocket PC 2000 was released on multiple CPU architectures; SH-3, MIPS, and ARM.

Aesthetically, the original Pocket PC operating system was similar to Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000 operating systems.

Features/built-in applications for Pocket PC 2000 included the following:[7]

Pocket PC 2002

Typical Pocket PC 2002 Today Screen.

Pocket PC 2002, originally codenamed "Merlin",[6] was released in October 2001. Like Pocket PC 2000, it was powered by Windows CE 3.0. Although targeted mainly for 240 × 320 (QVGA) Pocket PC devices, Pocket PC 2002 was also used for Pocket PC phones, and for the first time, Smartphones.[8] These Pocket PC 2002 Smartphones were mainly GSM devices. With future releases, the Pocket PC and Smartphone lines would increasingly collide as the licensing terms were relaxed allowing OEMs to take advantage of more innovative, individual design ideas. Aesthetically, Pocket PC 2002 was meant to be similar in design to the then newly released Windows XP.

New features/built-in applications included the following:[9][10][11][12]

Windows Mobile 2003

Typical Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Today Screen

Windows Mobile 2003, originally codenamed "Ozone",[6] was released on June 23, 2003, and was the first release under the Windows Mobile banner. It came in four editions: "Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Premium Edition", "Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Professional Edition", "Windows Mobile 2003 for Smartphone" and "Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Phone Edition". The last was designed especially for Pocket PCs which include phone functionalities. The Professional Edition was used in Pocket PC budget models. It lacked a number of features that were in the Premium Edition, such as a client for L2TP/IPsec VPNs. Windows Mobile 2003 was powered by Windows CE 4.20.

New features/built-in applications included the following:[13]

Windows Mobile 2003 SE

Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, also known as "Windows Mobile 2003 SE", was released on March 24, 2004 and first offered on the Dell Axim x30. This was the last version which allowed users to backup and restore an entire device through ActiveSync.

New features/built-in applications included the following:

Windows Mobile 5

Typical Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC Today Screen

Windows Mobile 5.0, originally codenamed "Magneto",[6] was released at Microsoft's Mobile and Embedded Developers Conference 2005 in Las Vegas, May 9–May 12, 2005. Microsoft plans to offer mainstream support for Windows Mobile 5 through October 12, 2010, and extended support through October 13, 2015.[14] It was first offered on the Dell Axim x51. It used the .NET Compact Framework 1.0 SP3 — an environment for programs based on .NET.

  • Windows Mobile 5.0 included Microsoft Exchange Server "push" functionality improvements that worked with Exchange 2003 SP2.[15] The "push" functionality also required vendor/device support[16] With AKU2 software upgrades all WM 5.0 devices supported DirectPush.
  • WM 5.0 featured increased battery life due to Persistent storage capability. Previously up to 50% (enough for 72 hours of storage) of battery power was reserved just to maintain data in volatile RAM. This continued the trend of Windows-based devices moving from using RAM as their primary storage medium to the use of a combination of RAM and flash memory (in use, there's no distinction between the two apparent to the user). Programs and frequently accessed data run in RAM, while most storage is in the flash memory. The OS seamlessly moves data between the two as needed. Everything is backed up in the flash memory, so unlike previous devices, WM5 devices do not lose any data if power is lost.
  • With Windows Mobile 5.0, OS updates were released as Adaptation kit upgrades. AKU 3.5 is the most recent release for WM 5.0.

Further new features and built-in applications included:

  • New version of Office called "Office Mobile"
    • PowerPoint Mobile
    • Graphing capability in Excel Mobile
    • Tables and graphics insertion in Word Mobile
  • Windows Media Player 10 Mobile
  • Photo Caller ID
  • DirectShow support
  • Picture and Video package, which converged the management of videos and pictures
  • Enhanced Bluetooth support
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) management interface
  • Default QWERTY keyboard-support
  • Error reporting facility similar to that present in desktop and server Windows systems
  • ActiveSync 4.2 with 15% increased synchronization speed

Windows Mobile 6

File:Windows mobile 6.png
Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard Today Screen

Windows Mobile 6, formerly codenamed "Crossbow",[6] was released on February 12, 2007[17] at the 3GSM World Congress 2007. It comes in three different versions: "Windows Mobile 6 Standard" for Smartphones (phones without touchscreens), "Windows Mobile 6 Professional" for Pocket PCs with phone functionality, and "Windows Mobile 6 Classic" for Pocket PCs without cellular radios.[18]

Windows Mobile 6 is powered by Windows CE 5.0 (version 5.2) and is strongly linked to Windows Live and Exchange 2007 products. Windows Mobile 6 Standard was first offered on the Orange's SPV E650,[19] while Windows Mobile 6 Professional was first offered on the O2's Xda Terra.[20] Aesthetically, Windows Mobile 6 was meant to be similar in design to the then newly released Windows Vista. Functionally, it works much like Windows Mobile 5, but with much better stability.

New features/built-in applications include the following:[21]

Windows Mobile 6.1

Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional Today Screen

Windows Mobile 6.1 was announced April 1, 2008. It is a minor upgrade to the existing Windows Mobile 6 platform which brings with it various performance enhancements, a redesigned Home screen featuring horizontal tiles that expand on clicking to display more information, although this new home screen is featured only on Windows Mobile Standard edition. This feature was inexplicably left out of the Professional edition.[28] Several other improvements such as threaded SMS, full page zooming in IE and 'Domain Enroll' have also been added, along with a "mobile" version of the Microsoft OneNote program and an interactive "Getting Started" wizard. Domain Enroll is functionality to connect the device to System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, a product to manage mobile devices.[29] There are other differences as well. The most prominent difference for the user is that the Standard version (like earlier versions) still creates automatic links for telephone numbers in Tasks and Appointments, which allows for the easier click and dial of stored telephone numbers within these Outlook items. For some reason, the Professional version has eliminated this important feature. Windows Mobile 6.1 also featured improved bandwidth efficiency in its push-email protocol "Activesync" of "up to 40%"[30], this reduced data usage was the cause of considerably improved battery life in many devices.

Aside from the visual and feature distinctions, the underlying CE versions can be used to differentiate WM6.0 from WM 6.1. The version of Windows CE in WM 6.0 is 5.2.*, with the final number being a 4 digit build ID (eg. 5.2.1622 on HTC Wing). In WM 6.1, the CE version is 5.2.* with a 5 digit build number (eg. 5.2.19216 on Palm Treo 800w).

Windows Mobile 6.5

A Screenshot of the Windows Mobile 6.5 Today Screen

Windows Mobile 6.5 was never part of Microsoft's mobile phone roadmap, and has been described by its chief executive, Steve Ballmer, as an unwanted stopgap until the multi-touch enabled Windows Mobile 7 arrives in 2010.[31] Version 6.5 is a minor upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.1 that was released to manufacturers on May 11 2009, and the first devices running the operating system are expected to debut later during October '09.[32] Despite being an incremental update however, it is said to include significant new added features such as a revamped GUI.[33] It will also include the new Internet Explorer Mobile browser dubbed IE "6 On 6".[34] Microsoft unveiled this version at the 2009 Mobile World Congress in February[35], and Motorola expects to release a phone running Windows Mobile 6.5 in the second half of 2009.[33] SonyEricsson is coming with Xperia X2 with Windows Mobile 6.5. Devices running this version onwards will be marketed as "Windows phones". Along with Windows Mobile 6.5, Microsoft announced several Cloud computing services codenamed "SkyBox","SkyLine","SkyMarket".[36] "SkyBox" has been confirmed as My Phone[37], while "SkyMarket" has been confirmed as Windows Marketplace for Mobile.[38] Some aspects of the user interface have been redesigned with the home screen resembling that of Microsoft's Zune player and the sliding panel interface of Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard. This version was designed mainly for easier finger usage.[39] A post release featuring larger buttons may also indicate that the operating system may see a release on capacitive devices. Microsoft may also be planning to bring some form of Zune software or functionality to this version sometime later in 2009.[40]

Future versions

Windows Mobile 6.5.1

Builds of Windows Mobile 6.5.1 have already been leaked and unofficially ported to several Windows Mobile phones.[41] Windows Mobile 6.5.1 will bring a more finger-friendly user interface[42], including icon based soft buttons (rather than text based),[43] an updated contacts app[44], Microsoft (rather than carrier) support for aGPS[45], and improved threaded text messaging.[46]

Windows Mobile 7

Codenamed "Photon"[47], Windows Mobile 7 is a major upgrade planned for release in 2010[48][49], and a beta is planned to be released to testers during November 2009.[32][50] It was initially intended to be released during 2009, but several delays caused Microsoft to release 6.5 instead as a placeholder.[51] While 6.5 is low cost, Windows Mobile 7 is planned to offer a premium experience on par with competing devices, and both operating systems will coexist on the market.[52] Not much else is known about the release, though leaked information suggests a revamped UI based on Windows Presentation Foundation, multi-touch and motion-related features.[53] Companies such as MWg and HTC are expected to release Windows Mobile Professional devices running Windows Mobile 7.[54][55] Features include redesigned interface, new Office Mobile version, next Internet Explorer Mobile, accelerometer functionality with interface (gestures), new media player version.[56] Microsoft has somewhat confirmed the leaks, showing the homescreen during a commercial of their Live Mesh software operating on what appears to be an HTC Touch Dual[57], and later again showed a similar interface during their Software + Services video.[58] Windows Mobile 7 will incorporate elements of Windows Mobile 6.5 (Homescreen), and Zune, namely the Zune HD.[59][60]

Windows Mobile 7 was later rumored to be due for release on February 1st 2010[61], but rumors indicate that it may or may not slip to the fourth quarter of 2010[62][63][64] [65].

Project Pink

Project Pink evolved from Microsoft's purchase of Danger Hiptop in 2008.[66] Details are scarce, but a ZDNet source said that Project Pink will bring an entirely new software stack and services.[67] Some reports say that the new mobile phone platform will be based around the Zune audio player.[68]

Project Pink is being developed inside Microsoft's Premium Mobile Experiences (PMX) division.[69] Microsoft brought in employees from Danger Inc., with the intention of infusing industry talent and mobile experience into the project. The goal is said to be to create a mobile platform far superior to that of the Danger Sidekick. Reports say that Project Pink was originally going to be based on Windows Mobile 7, however, due to delays with Windows Mobile 7, it will now be built directly upon Windows CE. It will feature the Zune marketplace, and use XNA as a game platform.[69]

The new platform is aimed at producing phones designed for users who are heavily into social networking and instant messaging.[70] The technology acquired from Danger Hiptop has been described as a family of mobile devices running a bespoke operating system as part of a client-server system that is then licenced to mobile carriers.[71]

Microsoft is said to be working on two new handsets based on Project Pink, codenamed Turtle and Pure, possibly to debut at the Consumer Electronics Show.[72] The Microsoft designed phones will be manufactured by Sharp and co-branded.[73]

Naming conventions

Pocket PC 2000 Pocket PC 2002 Windows Mobile 2003 Windows Mobile 2003 SE Windows Mobile 5.0 Windows Mobile 6 Windows Mobile 6.1 Windows Mobile 6.5
Pocket PC (Without Mobile Phone) Pocket PC 2000 Pocket PC 2002 Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC N/A Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC Windows Mobile 6 Classic N/A N/A
Pocket PC (With Mobile Phone) Pocket PC 2000 Phone Edition Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Phone Edition Windows Mobile 2003 SE for Pocket PC Phone Edition Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC Phone Edition Windows Mobile 6 Professional Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional
Smartphone (Without Touch Screen) Smartphone 2000 Professional Smartphone 2002 Windows Mobile 2003 for Smartphone Windows Mobile 2003 SE for Smartphone Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone Windows Mobile 6 Standard Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard

Other: Windows Mobile for Automotive 1.0, Windows Mobile software for Portable Media Centers

Market Share

Windows Mobile's share of the smartphone market has been in decline year-on-year. Gartner research data showed that while the total smartphone industry grew 27% between 2008 and 2009, Windows Mobile's share of the smartphone market fell 2.7% in that same period.[2]

In 2004, Windows Mobile accounted for 23% of worldwide smartphone sales.[74] By 2008, its share had dropped to 14%.[75] Microsoft licensed Windows Mobile to four out of the world's five largest mobile phone manufacturers, with Nokia being the exception.[76] Some current estimates suggest that 80% of the 50 million Windows Mobile devices made have been built by one contract manufacturing group, HTC, which makes handsets for several major companies under their brands, as well as under its own brand.[77]

In February 2009 Microsoft signed a deal with the third largest mobile phone maker, LG Electronics, to license Windows Mobile on 50 upcoming LG smartphone models.[78] But in September, 2009, Palm, Inc. announced it would drop Windows Mobile from its smartphone line-up.[79] The Samsung Omnia Pro B7330 runs the Windows Mobile operating system.[80] An October 2009 report in DigiTimes said that Acer will shift its focus from Windows Mobile to Google Android.[81]

In September, 2009, Canalys research data showed the Windows Mobile platform had dropped again, to a 9% share of the smartphone market.[82]

Software development

See also: Windows Marketplace for Mobile

Third-party software development is available for the Windows Mobile operating system. There are several options for developers to use when deploying a mobile application. This includes writing native code with Visual C++, writing Managed code that works with the .NET Compact Framework, or Server-side code that can be deployed using Internet Explorer Mobile or a mobile client on the user's device. The .NET Compact Framework is actually a subset of the .NET Framework and hence shares many components with software development on desktop clients, application servers, and web servers which have the .NET Framework installed, thus integrating networked computing space (a.k.a. "The Cloud")[83].

Microsoft typically releases Windows Mobile Software development kits (SDKs) that work in conjunction with their Visual Studio development environment. These SDKs include emulator images for developers to test and debug their applications while writing them. Microsoft also distributes Visual Studio 2008 / 2005 Professional Editions, and server / database counterparts to students as downloads free of charge via its DreamSpark program.[84]

Developer communities have used the SDK to port later versions of Windows Mobile to older devices and making the OS images available for free, thus providing the devices with the current feature set. Microsoft has tolerated this procedure for some time but decided in February 2007 to ask developers to take their OS images off the net, which in turn raised discussions.[85] At the same time Microsoft offered upgrades to Windows Mobile 6 versions to manufacturers for free. [86]

Lexico, NS Basic and Basic4ppc provide an alternative development environment, allow for development on the desktop, which is then downloaded to the device. NS Basic as well as development on the actual device itself.

Some 3rd party development tools such as Basic4ppc use the .NET Compact Framework. Basic4ppc applications can be developed on both the desktop and on the device itself.[87]. This is possible only for the couple last years. Prior to the release of Windows Mobile 2003, third-party software was developed using Microsoft's eMbedded Visual Tools, eMbedded Visual Basic (eVB) and eMbedded Visual C (eVC).[88] eVB programs can usually be converted fairly easily to NS Basic/CE.[89] or to Basic4ppc.

There is also a Python port named PythonCE.

Satellite Forms is a RAD tool that can produce Windows Mobile compatible applications that use an RDK runtime engine. Extension libraries extend the functionality for various hardware.

On 5 July, 2009, Microsoft opened a third-party application distribution service called Windows Marketplace for Mobile.[90]

Criticism

  • Device maker HTC Corporation created some work-arounds to allow multi-touch to work on some applications it installed on its Windows Mobile phone. However, Microsoft applications within Windows Mobile 6.5, such as the Internet Explorer web browser will still not work with multi-touch.[91]
  • The interface of Windows Mobile 6.5 shows jarring inconsistencies, with some applications, such as Windows Media Player, requiring the user to hold a stylus pen to make it operate.[92]
  • Unlike Windows desktop computers, the Windows Mobile operating system cannot be directly upgraded by the user. Instead, phone owners are at the mercy of their telephone service provider to issue an upgrade, which often does not happen.[93] However, users with hardware that is capable of running the newer Windows Mobile releases, can install the newer releases by using official, unofficial, unmodified or modified firmware files and flashing utilities for their hardware, that can be found at the xda-developers forum.
  • Several analysts from both Gartner and J.Gold Associates have expressed concern about the long-term future of Windows Mobile.[94] Motorola and Fedex said that Microsoft had given a commitment to continue supporting Windows Mobile, at least for use in rugged industrial devices.[95]
  • On 25 September, 2009, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer indicated that the company "screwed up with Windows Mobile". He lamented that Windows Mobile version 7 was not yet available. He said he had recently changed the Windows Mobile team to try to recoup losses.[96]
  • A survey by CFI Group showed that Windows Mobile users had a low level of customer satisfaction when compared to users of other smartphones. Out of a possible 100 points, Windows Mobile rated only 66, compared with BlackBerry (73), Palm Pre (77), Google Android (77), and iPhone (83).[97]

See also

References

  1. ^ Charles Arthur (20 October 2009). "Windows Mobile: where's the love? And where's the sales figure?". The Guardian.
  2. ^ a b "Windows Mobile loses 2.7% of smartphone market in Q209". Ars Technica. 12 August 2009. Retrieved 20 September 2009.
  3. ^ "Canalys: iPhone outsold all Windows Mobile phones in Q2 2009". AppleInsider. 21 August 2009. Retrieved 21 September 2009.
  4. ^ "Windows Mobile Editions Get Less Confusing Names: Professional, Standard and Classic". Gizmodo. 29 January 2007. Retrieved 4 October 2009.
  5. ^ Mobile Phones|Smartphone - Software Features Overview. Microsoft. Retrieved 6 September 2007 from the Internet Archive.
  6. ^ a b c d e De Herrera, Chris. Windows CE/Windows Mobile Versions. pocketpcfaq.com. Retrieved 6 September 2007.
  7. ^ De Herrera, Chris. More Than a PDA!. Pocket PC Magazine. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
  8. ^ Morris, John; Taylor, Josh, Microsoft jumps in the all-in-one game, zdnet.com, Retrieved from the Internet Archive 6 September 2007.
  9. ^ Announcing the New Pocket PC 2002, Microsoft, Retrieved from the Internet Archive 6 September 2007.
  10. ^ Gray, Douglas. HP to unveil Jornada 560 series of handhelds. ITWorld.com. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
  11. ^ Gray, Douglas. Palming new handhelds: Pocket PC 2002. CNN. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
  12. ^ De Herrera, Chris. The Pocket PC 2002 Gets More Features for Work and Play. Pocket PC Magazine. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
  13. ^ De Herrera, Chris. Windows Mobile 2003. Pocket PC Magazine. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
  14. ^ "Microsoft Support Lifecycle". Microsoft. 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-09. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  15. ^ "New Mobility Features in Exchange Server 2003 SP2". Microsoft Technet. 2005. Retrieved 2007-06-04. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  16. ^ Boulton, Clint (October 19, 2005). "Microsoft Looks to Mobilize With Exchange SP2". internetnews. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  17. ^ "Windows Mobile 6 press release" (Press release). Microsoft. February 7, 2007.
  18. ^ Langridge, Jason. "Differences between platforms" (png). Microsoft MSDN blogs.
  19. ^ Langridge, Jason (April 11, 2007). "Windows Mobile 6 offered on Orange, HTC Vox". Microsoft MSDN.
  20. ^ Hess, Arne (April 24, 2007). "Windows Mobile 6 offered on Xda, HTC Herald". The Unwired. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  21. ^ Langridge, Jason (February 8, 2007). "Summary of Windows Mobile 6 Specs". Microsoft MSDN blogs.
  22. ^ "Image Gallery: Windows Mobile 6 Professional screenshots, Windows Update, screen 1". ZDNet. Retrieved 10 October 2007.
  23. ^ Improved Remote Desktop access
  24. ^ RDP Client is not included in many WM6 devices
  25. ^ Windows Live
  26. ^ Customer Feedback Option
  27. ^ "Office Mobile 2007 to be offered on Q3 2007". CNET. June 6, 2007.
  28. ^ Experiencing the goodness that is Windows Mobile 6.1
  29. ^ Microsoft Press release
  30. ^ http://blogs.msdn.com/devmktg/archive/2008/04/04/windows-mobile-6-1-announced.aspx
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  1. [ http://www.softwarewikipedia.com/index.php/GodswMobile_SMS_Converter_support How to Backup and transfer the SMS from mobile to PC]
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