Windows Mobile is a compact operating system for mobile devices based on the Microsoft Win32 API. It is designed to be similar to desktop versions of Windows.
Windows Mobile 2003
The first version, Windows Mobile 2003 was released in 2003. It came in two versions, Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC and Windows Mobile 2003 phone edition, which is designed especially for Pocket PCs which include GSM phones (as Qtec or O2).
Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition
Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, also known as Windows Mobile 2003SE, was first offered on the Dell Axim x30, and it includes a number of improvements over its predecessor, among which:
- The option to switch from landscape to portrait screen layout. This is not available in the Smartphone version.
- Pocket Internet Explorer (otherwise known as PIE) includes the option to force a page into a single-column layout, making reading easier since you now only have to scroll vertically.
- VGA (640×480) and QVGA screen resolutions are now supported, as opposed to the previous 320x240. Also supported is a new square form factor (240×240 and 480×480 for VGA screens), which is ideally suited for manufacturers wishing to include a hardware keyboard. Although it wasn't originally slated to contain this feature, Microsoft decided to add it due to pressure from Pocket PC manufacturers.
- Support for Wi-Fi Protected Access.
Windows Mobile 2005
Windows Mobile 2005 is the next generation version of Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system, code-named Magneto. It is powered by Windows CE 5.x and uses the .NET Compact Framework 2.0- an environment for programs based on .NET to be used.
Expected features include:
- A new version of Office called 'Office Mobile'
- PowerPoint mobile has finally been added
- Excel Mobile adds graphing capability
- Word Mobile adds tables and graphics insertion
- Windows Media Player 10 Mobile
- Photo caller ID
- Picture and Video package, which converges the management of videos and pictures
- Enhanced Bluetooth support, including a Global Positioning System (GPS) management interface
- Microsoft Exchange Server "push" functionality improvements
- QWERTY keyboard is included by default
- Error reporting facility similar to that present in desktop and server Windows systems
- ActiveSync 4.0, promising 10-15% increased speed on syncronization
Initial reports suggest that Windows Mobile 2005 will not come in separate Smartphone or Pocket PC editions. Rather just one central version will exist that is capable of using the resources of the device it is installed on. A logical assumption would be the ability of OEMs to configure the OS to their device requirements and design. Prerelease builds of the software have been shown to run Smartphone applications on a Pocket PC.
Windows Mobile 2005 is expected to be officially released at Microsoft's Mobile and Embedded Developers Conference 2005 in Las Vegas, May 9-12.
Photon
This is the OS to follow Magneto or Windows Mobile 2005. Nothing much is known about this OS apart from special design improvements and greatly improved battery life. Expected release is 2006 and may be called 'Windows Mobile 2006' following the Windows Mobile nomenclature.
See also
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