Window Mobile is an operating system designed for use on Smartphones and Pocket Pcs. Based on the smooth look and feel of Windows Vista, Windows Mobile makes PC users feel right at home with its familiar interface and well-developed functions.
The latest editions are Windows Mobile 6.1 – for installation on Pocket Pcs – and Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro – for use on smartphones. These two editions are upgrades from the previous 6.0 series and aim to provide a sleeker, more user-friendly experience, which has been achieved to some degree.
GETTING STARTED
The "Today" screen acts as a form of homepage and makes users aware of new incoming SMS or email messages, the current day's appointments, tasks to be completed and much more.
When running instant messaging applications such as Windows Live, the Today screen splits in two so you can continue monitoring for new emails as well as chatting online.
The familiar « Start » button is used to navigate the applications menu and large, expanding horizontal tile icons are used throughout the interface to give an attractive and engaging feel to the operating system.
The « Getting Started » area of the Today screen is intuitive and does a good job at giving quick access to the most commonly-used settings such as making calls, writing texts and emails or changing device settings.
OFFICE APPLICATIONS
The Microsoft Office application has been modified to suit Windows Mobile and so devices can now support Word Mobile, Excel Mobile and Powerpoint Mobile. Outlook Mobile is also available and can synchronise with Microsoft Outlook on your PC, meaning that emails, calendar dates and any other information can be shared between the two devices.
Windows Media Player has also been adapted to fit Windows Mobile, thus many PPC devices have the added dimension of being an MP3 player too. Windows Mobile can play .wma, .wmv, .mp3 and .avi files.
Another interesting feature of WM 6.1 is the capability for problem solving if used in a business environment. IT managers are able to control the content accessed by many corporate devices via the use of the Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 or Exchange Server 2007 SP1. Through the System Center, IT professionals are able to control which devices can access secure data on corporate networks behind firewalls.
EMAIL
The WM 6.0 saw the development of the push-email service which retrieves Windows Live Hotmail messages and displays them as « new » on the today screen. Now, using the Fetch Mail service, new emails can be retrieved from other accounts such as Yahoo or AOL, provided they are enabled with POP3/IMAP capabailities. This function saves the user from doing periodical manual checks on all their email accounts and consolidates all the data in one place.
The Calendar, Appointments and Tasks areas of WM6.1 work as a handy personal assistant to keep you updated on your daily tasks. Users can set appointments, send invitations, view event attendees, and can choose to be notified when there is conflict in their schedule.
Windows Live Search on a Mobile browser (see above) gives you maps, directions, weather updates, stock quotes, news or simply search for a website.
INSTANT MESSAGING
Using your Windows Live log in details you can access Windows Live Messenger via the web and chat with friends and family on the go. The Windows Live function offers instant messaging and quick access to Windows Live Hotmail. Users can also now create a profile on Windows Live Spaces where they can share photos and videos with their contacts, write blogs and discover new friends.
If your smartphone or PPC comes equipped with a camera or video capabilities, these can now easily be synced with Windows Live Spaces. Spaces will be able to detect new photos that have been taken using the device and uploading them to your profile could never be easier.
NEW FEATURES
A new feature to WM6.1 devices is that users now have the power to access threaded SMS messages. This function groups messages together under the name of the sender, making it easier to find and follow entire conversation threads.
Plus, when composing an SMS or email it's sufficient to type a few letters of the recipient's name in the « To: » field and suggested contact names appear.
Other new features include the long awaited copy/paste function; the ability to choose your own Internet Explorer homepage; and the zoom in/out feature for viewing web pages with Internet Explorer.
Windows 6.1 Pro has retained most of the same functionalities and essentially the same interface as 6.0, thus it could be argued that Windows Standard users have benefited more from the latest upgrades than Pro users. Some of the upgrades to WM6.1 Pro will be invisible to the end user, but added ROM means that devices should run much faster and some argue that battery life is longer, which is always a bonus.
More Information:
Windows Live on your Mobile
Mobile Device Manager
Developing for Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile on Facebook
Windows Mobile Team Blog