Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile is a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft for smartphones and Pocket PCs,[2]. It is based on the Windows CE kernel and first appeared as the Pocket PC 2000 operating system. It is supplied with a suite of basic applications developed with the Microsoft Windows API, and is designed to have features and appearance somewhat similar to desktop versions of Windows. Third parties can develop software for Windows Mobile with no restrictions imposed by Microsoft. Some software applications can be purchased using Windows Marketplace for Mobile.
Most early Windows Mobile devices came with a stylus, which can be used to enter commands by tapping it on the screen.[3] The primary touch input technology behind most devices were resistive touchscreens which did not require a stylus and work with any pressed input method; later devices used capacitive sensing. Along with touchscreens a large variety of form factors existed for the platform. Some devices featured slideout keyboards, while others featured minimal face buttons.
In February 2010, Microsoft announced a completely new phone platform, Windows Phone, designed to supersede Windows Mobile.[4] The final version of Windows Mobile released after the announcement of Windows Phone was 6.5.5. Phones running Windows Mobile will not be officially upgradeable to Windows Phone[5] and software designed for Windows Mobile is incompatible with the new operating system.[6]
| Windows Mobile 6.5.3 Today Screen | |
| Company / developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Programmed in | C++[1] |
| OS family | Windows CE |
| Working state | Discontinued |
| Initial release | April 19, 2000 |
| Latest stable release | 6.5.3 / February 2, 2010 |
| Latest unstable release | 6.5.5 |
| Marketing target | Mobile devices |
| Update method | Adaptation kit upgrade |
| Kernel type | Windows CE 5.2 |
| Default user interface | Graphical |
| License | Proprietary (Microsoft EULA) |
| Preceded by | Windows CE and Pocket PC |
| Succeeded by | Windows Phone |
Common features
Most versions of Windows Mobile have a set of standard features such as multitasking and the ability to navigate a file system similar to that of Windows 9x/Windows NT, with support for many of the same file types. Much like its desktop counterpart it comes bundled with a set of applications to perform basic tasks. Internet Explorer Mobile is the default internet browser and Windows Media Player is used for media playback, such as video and music. Microsoft Office Mobile, the mobile versions of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook Mobile is the default office suite. The ability to install third party software has existed since the original Pocket PC implimentations. A client for PPTP VPNs is standard. Internet Connection Sharing is supported on compatible devices, which in mobile phones allows the phone to make its Internet connection available to computers via USB and Bluetooth.
Most devices with mobile connectivity include a Radio Interface Layer. The RIL provides the system interface between the CellCore layer within the Windows Mobile OS and the radio protocol stack used by the wireless modem hardware. This allows OEMs to integrate a variety of modems into their equipment.
The user interface has changed much between versions but the basic functionality has remained similar. The Today Screen, later called the Home Screen, shows the current date, owner information, upcoming appointments, e-mail messages, and tasks. The taskbar shows the current time and the audio volume and of devices with a cellular radio the signal strength.
Windows Mobile 6.5
Windows Mobile 6.5 was never part of Microsoft's mobile phone roadmap, and has been described by its chief executive, Steve Ballmer, as "not the full release [Microsoft] wanted" until the multi-touch-enabled Windows Mobile 7 (now replaced by Windows Phone) arrived in 2010.[38] Ballmer also indicated that the company "screwed up with Windows Mobile", he lamented that Windows Mobile 7 was not yet available and that the Windows Mobile team needed to try to recoup losses.[39] Microsoft unveiled this version at the 2009 Mobile World Congress in February,[40] and several devices were supplied with it.[41] It was released to manufacturers on May 11, 2009; the first devices running the operating system appeared in late October 2009.[42] Several phones that officially shipped with Windows Mobile 6.1 can be officially updated to Windows Mobile 6.5.[43] This update includes some significant new added features, such as a revamped GUI , a new Today screen resembling that of Microsoft's Zune player with vertically scrollable labels (called 'Titanium').[44] WM6.5 also includes the new Internet Explorer Mobile 6 browser, with improved interface.[45]
Along with Windows Mobile 6.5, Microsoft announced several Cloud computing services codenamed "SkyBox", "SkyLine", "SkyMarket".[46] "SkyBox" has been confirmed as My Phone,[47] while "SkyMarket" has been confirmed as Windows Marketplace for Mobile.[48] This version was designed mainly for easier finger usage.[49] Some reviewers have noted interface inconsistencies, with some applications having small buttons making them harder to operate using only a finger.[50] Whilst this version of Windows Mobile does not natively support capacitive screens, mobile manufacturers have been able to use them on their devices[51]
In the months following this release, development shifted from Windows Mobile to its successor Windows Phone. As such no major upgrades were planned or released, although three minor updates; 6.5.1, 6.5.3 and 6.5.5; were made to satisfy consumers during the transition period. 6.5.1 brings larger user interface elements,[52] including icon based soft buttons (rather than text based),[53] an updated contacts app,[54] native support for A-GPS,[52] improved threaded text messaging,[55] and performance improvements.[56] It was unofficially ported to several Windows Mobile phones.[57]
The second minor update was announced on February 2, 2010, along with the Sony Ericsson Aspen which was the first phone to use this version.[58] 6.5.3 continues the trend of attempting to provide a more finger-friendly user interface with several new usability features such as native support for multitouch; although device maker HTC Corporation created proprietary work-arounds to allow multi-touch to work on some applications it installed on its HD2 handset(However, Microsoft applications on this handset, such as the Internet Explorer web browser, did not support multi-touch.[59]) and drag-and-drop start menu icons. Touchable tiles replaced soft keys."[60] Internet Explorer Mobile 6 has also received some major updates including decreased page load time, improved memory management and gesture smoothing.[61] As with other updates it was unofficially ported to some other devices. Additional features include threaded email and Office Mobile 2010.[61]
The last minor update, and as of 2012 the last released version is 6.5.5. It first leaked in January 2010, and was unofficially ported to some Windows Mobile phones.[62] The name Windows Mobile 6.5.5 has been applied to these newer builds, although this name remains unconfirmed by Microsoft.
Hardware
There are three main versions of Windows Mobile for various hardware devices:
- Windows Mobile Professional runs on smartphones with touchscreens
- Windows Mobile Standard runs on mobile phones without touchscreens
- Windows Mobile Classic which runs on personal digital assistant or Pocket PCs.
Windows Mobile for Automotive and Windows Mobile software for Portable Media Centers are among some specialty versions of the platform.
Microsoft had over 50 handset partners,[64] when Windows Mobile was still being shipped on new devices. 80% of the 50 million Windows Mobile devices that were made from launch to February 2009 were built by one contract manufacturing group, HTC, which makes handsets for several major companies under their brands, and under its own brand.
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