Windows Mobile is a compact operating system developed by Microsoft, and designed for use in smartphones and mobile devices.
Windows Phone Logo | |
Developer | Microsoft |
---|---|
OS family | Windows CE |
Working state | Current |
Latest release | 6.5 / October 5, 2009 |
Marketing target | Mobile devices |
License | Proprietary (Microsoft EULA) |
Official website | Windows Mobile |
It is based on Windows CE, and features a suite of basic applications developed using the Microsoft Windows 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,[2] decreasing 20% in Q3 2009.[3] It is the 4th most popular smartphone operating system, with a 7.9% share of the worldwide smartphone market.[3]
Common features
Windows Mobile for Pocket PC carries these standard features in most of its versions:
- Today Screen shows the current date, owner information, upcoming appointments, e-mail messages, and tasks. (Is now Home screen in later WM6.5 builds)
- The taskbar shows the current time and the volume.
- Office Mobile a suite of Mobile versions of Microsoft Office applications
- Outlook Mobile comes with Windows Mobile.
- Internet Explorer Mobile is an Internet browser developed by Microsoft for Pocket PC and Handheld PC that comes loaded by default with Windows Mobile and Windows CE for Handheld PC.
- Windows Media Player for Windows Mobile.
- Client for PPTP VPNs.
- Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) which in mobile phones allows attached computers to share internet connections via USB and Bluetooth.
- Coherent file system similar to that of Windows 9/Windows NT and support for many of the same file types.
- Ability to multitask.
Hardware
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).
Windows Mobile Classic devices (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 the 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
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
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 Office
- Pocket Word
- Pocket Excel
- Pocket Outlook
- Pocket Internet Explorer
- Windows Media Player
- Microsoft Reader
- Microsoft Money
- Notes, a note taking application
- Character recognition support
- Infrared (IR) File beaming capability
Pocket PC 2002
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]
- Enhanced UI with theme support
- Spell checker and Word count tool in Pocket Word
- Savable downloads and WAP in Pocket Internet Explorer
- Virtual Private Networking support
- Synchronization of folders
- MSN Messenger
- Terminal Services
- Windows Media Player 8 with streaming capability
- Microsoft Reader 2
- Palm OS support for file beaming
- Improved Pocket Outlook
- Digital rights management (DRM) support in Microsoft Reader
Windows Mobile 2003
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]
- Support for add-on keyboards
- Enhanced communications interface with Bluetooth device management
- Bluetooth file beaming support
- Bluetooth headset support
- Pictures application with viewing, cropping, e-mail, and beaming support
- Jawbreaker game
- Enhanced Pocket Outlook with vCard and vCal support
- Improved Pocket Internet Explorer
- Windows Media Player 9.0 with streaming optimization
- SMS reply options for Phone Edition
- MIDI file support as ringtones in Phone Edition
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:
- Portrait and Landscape switching for Pocket PCs
- Single-Column layout in Pocket Internet Explorer
- VGA (640×480), 176х220, 240x240, 480x480 Screen resolution
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) support
Windows Mobile 5
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
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]
- 320x320 and 800x480 (WVGA) screen resolution support
- Office Mobile support for Smartphones
- Operating System Live Update[22]
- Improved Remote Desktop access[23](Available for only certain Pocket PCs)[24]
- VoIP (Internet calling) support with AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancelling) and MSRT Audio Codec
- Windows Live for Windows Mobile[25]
- Customer Feedback option[26]
- Enhanced Microsoft Bluetooth Stack
- Storage Card Encryption (encryption keys are lost if device is cold-booted).
- Smartfilter for searching within programs
- Improved Internet Sharing
- HTML email support in Outlook Mobile
- Search ability for contacts in an Exchange Server Address Book
- AJAX, JavaScript, and XMLDOM support on Internet Explorer Mobile
- Out of Office Replies with Microsoft Exchange 2007
- Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) support for select operators
- Server Search on Microsoft Exchange 2007
- .NET Compact Framework v2 SP2 Preinstalled in ROM
- Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Compact Edition Preinstalled in ROM
- OneNote Mobile as a companion to Microsoft Office OneNote
- Office Mobile 6.1 announced[27] with support for Office 2007 document formats (pptx, docx, xlsx).
Windows Mobile 6.1
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 Internet Explorer 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
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] Sony Ericsson is also expected to release a Windows Mobile 6.5 phone, dubbed the Xperia X2. 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 the mobile carrier) support for A-GPS[42], improved threaded text messaging[45], and performance improvements.[46]
Windows Mobile 6.5.3
In November 2009, three 6.5.3 builds leaked (28002, 28004, and 28005). They have been unofficially ported to several Windows Mobile phones. Windows Mobile 6.5.3 will bring a more finger-friendly user interface, support for gestures, and an improved address book. Additionally, the start menu is moved to the lower left corner, as in desktop versions of Windows.[47] 6.5.3 will also include a new on-screen keyboard.[48]
Windows Mobile 7
Codenamed "Photon"[49], Windows Mobile 7 is a major upgrade planned for release in 2010[50][51], and a beta is planned to be released to testers during November 2009, while another beta testing program will be launched in 2010.[32][52] It was initially intended to be released during 2009, but several delays caused Microsoft to release 6.5 instead as a placeholder.[53] 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.[54] Not much else is known about the release, though leaked information suggests a revamped UI based on Silverlight, multi-touch and motion-related features.[55] Companies such as MWg and HTC are expected to release Windows Mobile Professional devices running Windows Mobile 7.[56][57] Features include redesigned interface, new Office Mobile version, next Internet Explorer Mobile, accelerometer functionality with interface (gestures), new media player version.[58] 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[59], and later again showed a similar interface during their Software + Services video.[60] Microsoft recently used an old screen shot on their website.[61]
Windows Mobile 7 will incorporate elements of Windows Mobile 6.5 (Homescreen), and Zune, namely the Zune HD.[62][63] Windows Mobile 7 has also been shown in secrecy to various tech journalists, and was met with positive reception.[64]
Windows Mobile 7 was later rumored to be due for release on February 1 2010[65], but rumors indicate that it may not ship until the fourth quarter of 2010[66][67][68][69]. Windows Mobile 7 may be announced by Microsoft at Mobile World Congress, as well as their MIX conference.[70]
Project Pink
Project Pink evolved from Microsoft's purchase of Danger Hiptop in 2008.[71] Details are scarce, but a ZDNet source said that Project Pink will bring an entirely new software stack and services.[72] Some reports say that the new mobile phone platform will be based around the Zune audio player.[73]
Project Pink is being developed inside Microsoft's Premium Mobile Experiences (PMX) division.[74] 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.[74]
The new platform is aimed at producing phones designed for users who are heavily into social networking and instant messaging.[75] 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.[76]
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.[77] The Microsoft designed phones will be manufactured by Sharp and co-branded.[78]. According to the MobileTechWorld website, Project Pink will be a software service running on top of Windows Mobile 7 devices [79].
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.[80] By 2008, its share had dropped to 14%.[81] Microsoft licensed Windows Mobile to four out of the world's five largest mobile phone manufacturers, with Nokia being the exception.[82]
Although Microsoft apparently has 50 handset partners,[83] 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.[84]
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.[85] But in September, 2009, Palm, Inc. announced it would drop Windows Mobile from its smartphone line-up.[86] The Samsung Omnia Pro B7330 runs the Windows Mobile operating system.[87] An October 2009 report in DigiTimes said that Acer will shift its focus from Windows Mobile to Google Android.[88]
In October, 2009, Gartner predicted that by 2012, Windows Mobile will remain the 4th most popular smartphone platform during the rise of Android only due to BlackBerry falling from 2nd to 5th.[89] The New York Times said that cellular telephone manufacturers are moving away from Windows Mobile, and instead shifting towards Android.[90] Taiwan's Intelligence & Consulting Institute (MIC) predicted that Android's popularity may force Microsoft to reduce the Windows Mobile licensing fees it charges handset makers, in order to reduce further market share losses.[91]
Windows Mobile's loss of market share became more rapid in Q3 2009. It suffered a 20% drop in Q3 compared to the previous quarter, at a time when total smartphone sales with all operating systems rose 13%. Gartner estimated that in Q3, 2009, Windows Mobile share of worldwide smartphone sales was 7.9%.[3]
Samsung announced in November 2009 that it will phase out the Windows Mobile phone platform,[92] to concentrate on its own bada operating system, as well as Google's Android.[93]
Uncertain future
In late 2009, many industry analysts and media reports began to express concerns about the future viability of the Windows Mobile platform, and whether Microsoft will keep supporting it into the future.
ZDnet said that "for all practical purposes, Windows Mobile is a dead platform"',[94] while CNET said "Windows Mobile has now been relegated resolutely to has-been status."[95]
ABI Research said: "Heading into 2010, the momentum (for Windows Mobile) has dissipated and there has been wide speculation that Microsoft might be ready to bail out on the mobile operating system market altogether."[96]
Gartner analysts questioned whether Windows Mobile had a future beyond version 7, due to its poor performance and falling market share. However, Gartner said that while Windows Mobile may be discontinued for consumer-focused smartphones, it still had a future in specialized industrial applications, such as for ruggedized devices used in warehousing and delivery trucks.[96] Gartner said that Windows Mobile 7 could be "the last throw of the dice."[97]
Analysts J.Gold Associates said in BusinessWeek that Microsoft will likely exit the mobile operating system market sometime between 2010 and 2011, saying "There are better ways for Microsoft to make money from smartphones than to keep investing in a mobile operating system that's losing share and relevance"[98]
The New York Times reported that Windows Mobile "is foundering", as cellphone makers desert it in favor of Google's Android phone platform.[90] It cited the difficulties in Microsoft's business model, which involves charging handset manufacturers up to $25 for each copy of Windows Mobile, while rival Google gives away Android for free.[99]
The Washington Post said Windows Mobile is "bleeding market share in the space, and the future looks grim." It said that Google is using Android to "kill" Windows Mobile.[100]
Software development
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")[101].
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.[102]
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.[103] At the same time Microsoft offered upgrades to Windows Mobile 6 versions to manufacturers for free.[104]
Lazarus, 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.[105]. 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).[106] eVB programs can usually be converted fairly easily to NS Basic/CE.[107] 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.[108]
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.[109]
- 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.[110]
- 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.[111] 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.[112] Motorola and Fedex said that Microsoft had given a commitment to continue supporting Windows Mobile, at least for use in rugged industrial devices.[113]
- 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.[114]
- 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).[115]
See also
References
- ^ Charles Arthur (20 October 2009). "Windows Mobile: where's the love? And where's the sales figure?". The Guardian.
- ^ a b "Windows Mobile loses 2.7% of smartphone market in Q209". Ars Technica. 12 August 2009. Retrieved 20 September 2009.
- ^ a b c "Windows Mobile smartphone sales plunge 20% in Q3". ComputerWorld. 12 November 2009.
- ^ "Windows Mobile Editions Get Less Confusing Names: Professional, Standard and Classic". Gizmodo. 29 January 2007. Retrieved 4 October 2009.
- ^ Mobile Phones|Smartphone - Software Features Overview. Microsoft. Retrieved 6 September 2007 from the Internet Archive.
- ^ a b c d e De Herrera, Chris. Windows CE/Windows Mobile Versions. pocketpcfaq.com. Retrieved 6 September 2007.
- ^ De Herrera, Chris. More Than a PDA!. Pocket PC Magazine. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
- ^ Morris, John; Taylor, Josh, Microsoft jumps in the all-in-one game, zdnet.com, Retrieved from the Internet Archive 6 September 2007.
- ^ Announcing the New Pocket PC 2002, Microsoft, Retrieved from the Internet Archive 6 September 2007.
- ^ Gray, Douglas. HP to unveil Jornada 560 series of handhelds. ITWorld.com. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
- ^ Gray, Douglas. Palming new handhelds: Pocket PC 2002. CNN. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
- ^ De Herrera, Chris. The Pocket PC 2002 Gets More Features for Work and Play. Pocket PC Magazine. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
- ^ De Herrera, Chris. Windows Mobile 2003. Pocket PC Magazine. Retrieved 14 September 2007.
- ^ "Microsoft Support Lifecycle". Microsoft. 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-09.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ "New Mobility Features in Exchange Server 2003 SP2". Microsoft Technet. 2005. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Boulton, Clint (October 19, 2005). "Microsoft Looks to Mobilize With Exchange SP2". internetnews. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
- ^ "Windows Mobile 6 press release" (Press release). Microsoft. February 7, 2007.
- ^ Langridge, Jason. "Differences between platforms" (png). Microsoft MSDN blogs.
- ^ Langridge, Jason (April 11, 2007). "Windows Mobile 6 offered on Orange, HTC Vox". Microsoft MSDN.
- ^ Hess, Arne (April 24, 2007). "Windows Mobile 6 offered on Xda, HTC Herald". The Unwired. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
- ^ Langridge, Jason (February 8, 2007). "Summary of Windows Mobile 6 Specs". Microsoft MSDN blogs.
- ^ "Image Gallery: Windows Mobile 6 Professional screenshots, Windows Update, screen 1". ZDNet. Retrieved 10 October 2007.
- ^ Improved Remote Desktop access
- ^ RDP Client is not included in many WM6 devices
- ^ Windows Live
- ^ Customer Feedback Option
- ^ "Office Mobile 2007 to be offered on Q3 2007". CNET. June 6, 2007.
- ^ Experiencing the goodness that is Windows Mobile 6.1
- ^ Microsoft Press release
- ^ http://blogs.msdn.com/devmktg/archive/2008/04/04/windows-mobile-6-1-announced.aspx
- ^ "Ballmer: Win Mobile 6.5 an unwanted stopgap". Electronista. 5 March 2009.
- ^ a b "Windows Mobile: What's coming when - All about microsoft - ZDNet.com". Cite error: The named reference "blogs.zdnet.com" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ a b "Motorola Delays Cell-Phone Spinoff, Drops Platforms".
- ^ "Browser: Microsoft's Internet Explorer Mobile 6 aka 6 on 6 is real and shows its face".
- ^ "Windows Mobile 6.5 walkthrough with Engadget (now with video!)".
- ^ "Microsoft set to unveil MobileMe competitor next month".
- ^ "Microsoft My Phone beta - Microsoft".
- ^ "Microsoft announces Windows Marketplace and My Phone for Windows Mobile".
- ^ "MWC: Your Definitive Windows Mobile 6.5 Post-Release Guide - Pocketnow".
- ^ "Zune services coming "this calendar year" - Wmpoweruser".
- ^ http://www.wmexperts.com/windows-mobile-65-build-23409
- ^ a b http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=5849
- ^ http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=7508
- ^ http://wmpoweruser.com/?tag=windows-mobile-65
- ^ http://pocketnow.com/tech-news/new-text-message-screen-buttons-on-windows-mobile-651
- ^ http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=9670
- ^ http://www.wmexperts.com/windows-mobile-653-28004-out-and-about
- ^ http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/25/windows-mobile-looks-to-be-getting-new-native-keyboard-in-6-5-3/
- ^ "Windows Mobile 7: A Pocket PC Central Brief". Retrieved 2008-05-31.
- ^ "Motorola: Windows Mobile 7 coming in 2010 - Neowin".
- ^ "Steve Ballmer on Windows Mobile 7 : "We know we have to kill on that one" - MobileTechWorld".
- ^ "Microsoft to launch Windows Mobile 7 "Maldives" tester program in Q1 2010 - Wmpoweruser".
- ^ "Steve Ballmer wishes Windows Mobile 7 had already launched, but they screwed up - MobileTechWorld".
- ^ What is really Windows Mobile 7 Aug. 01, 2009 -
- ^ "HTC: Android Q4, Windows Mobile 7 Q1 09". Retrieved 2008-07-14.
- ^ "MWg releasing Windows Mobile 7 gear before the year's out?".
- ^ "HTC exec claims Q109 for first Windows Mobile 7 phones?".
- ^ "Is this Windows Mobile 7?". Retrieved 2008-09-11.
- ^ "Live Mesh "Synchronizing your life"".
- ^ "Software + Services".
- ^ "Windows Mobile 7 UI confirmed by Microsoft? - Neowin".
{{cite web}}
: line feed character in|title=
at position 44 (help) - ^ "Steve Ballmer confirms Zune coming to Windows Mobile".
- ^ Rumors confirmed! Aug. 24, 2009 - Zunited.com
- ^ "Windows Mobile 7 to be "Revolutionary"". 2009-11-19. Retrieved 2009-11-26.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Windows Mobile 7 release date and specifications". 2009-04-09. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Microsoft to adopt dual-platform strategy to compete with Android and iPhone, say handset makers". digitimes.com. 2009-08-19. Retrieved 2009-08-23.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "WindowsMobile7.com Release Date". windowsmobile7.com. 2009-10-14. Retrieved 2009-10-14.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "What derailed the Windows Mobile 7 train?". ZDNet. 2009-08-21. Retrieved 2009-08-23.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "Windows Mobile 7: Already at Beta 1?". UXEvangelist.blogspot.com. 2009-09-03. Retrieved 2009-09-06.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ "When Windows Mobile 7 will be officially announced? Here is the answer!". 2009-11-19. Retrieved 2009-11-21.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ Channel Insider. 02 October 2009 http://www.channelinsider.com/c/a/Microsoft/Does-Windows-Mobile-7-Delay-Portend-Zune-Phone-281499/.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help); Missing or empty|title=
(help) - ^ "Microsoft Pink: 'Just a Sidekick' or more?". ZDNet. 24 September 2009.
- ^ "Microsoft's Sidekick/Pink problems blamed on dogfooding and sabotage". AppleInsider. 12 October 2009.
- ^ a b "Microsoft's Pink Struggles Spill Over To Sidekick". ChannelWeb. UMB. 12 October 209.
- ^ Ina Fried (23 September 2009). "[[Microsoft's 'Pink' emerges from Danger's shadow]]". CNET.
{{cite news}}
: URL–wikilink conflict (help) - ^ "Microsoft buys maker of Sidekick and Hiptop smartphones". APC Magazine. 12 February 2008.
- ^ "Pink Haze Surrounds Microsoft Smartphone Rumors". TechNewsWorld. 21 September 2009.
- ^ "Spy shots reveal Microsoft's 'Project Pink' smartphones". APC Magazine. 24 September 2009.
- ^ "More Porject Pink and Windows Mobile 7 info - MobileTechWorld".
- ^ "Windows Mobile market share changes"
- ^ Smartphones strong, despite recession Feb. 06, 2009 - LinuxDevices.com
- ^ "Sony Ericsson makes major move"
- ^ "We Learned Just How Great Of A Partner HTC Is To Microsoft". mocoNews. 17 February 2009.
- ^ "Microsoft: HTC has made 80% of all Windows Mobile phones"
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/technology/17soft.html?hp
- ^ "Palm dumps Windows Mobile". The Inquirer. 18 September 2009. Retrieved 18 September 2009.
- ^ http://winfuture.de/news,50004.html
- ^ "Acer to shift focus to Android smartphones". DigiTimes. 2 October 2009.
- ^ "Android to grab No. 2 spot by 2012, says Gartner". ComputerWorld. 6 October 2009.
- ^ a b Saul Hansell (25 October 2009). "Big Cellphone Makers Shifting to Android System". The New York Times.
- ^ "Android Shippments to Top 32 Million Units in 2013". Softpedia. 23 October 2009.
- ^ "Samsung to Discard Windows Phone". Telecoms Korea. 9 November 2009.
- ^ "Samsung mobile platform to challenge Google's Android". The Korea Herald. 10 November 2009.
- ^ Jason Perlow (8 November 2009). "In Smartphone Wars, Darwinism Triumphs Over Intelligent Design". ZDNet.
- ^ Brooke Crothers (8 November 2009). "First iPhone, now Droid. Who needs Windows?". CNET.
- ^ a b Matt Hamblen (26 October 2009). "Windows Mobile worries mount as competition heats up". ComputerWorld.
- ^ "Microsoft, Nokia team up to put Office on smartphones". Computer Business Review. 9 August 2009.
- ^ Jack Gold (9 August 2009). "Microsoft's Windows Mobile: Time to Hang Up?". BusinessWeek.
- ^ Saul Hansell (26 October 2009). "Microsoft, Google and the Bear". The New York Times.
- ^ "The Problem With iPhone Killers?". The Washington Post. 26 October 2009.
- ^ Differences Between the .NET Compact Framework and the .NET Framework
- ^ Microsoft Gives Students Access to Technical Software at No Charge to Inspire Success and Make a Difference
- ^ xda-developers: ROM image archive will be taken down
- ^ downloadsquad: Windows Mobile 6 free to PDA manufacturers
- ^ Anywhere Software, Basic4ppc
- ^ Learn Windows Mobile: Overview. Microsoft. Retrieved 5 October 2007.
- ^ http://www.nsbasic.com/ce/info/technotes/TN25.htm
- ^ "Windows Mobile app store starts with just 34 apps". Electronista. 5 October 2009.
- ^ "HTC HD2 Leo lacks universal multi-touch". KnowYourMobile. 25 September 2009.
- ^ "Windows Mobile 6.5 UI a big improvement; more work needed". Ars Technica. 16 February 2009. Retrieved 27 September 2009.
- ^ "Windows Mobile Update Story Gets Better". InformationWeek. 25 September 2009. Retrieved 26 September 2009.
- ^ "Nokia alliance may spell doom for Windows Mobile". Computerworld. 12 August 2009.
- ^ "Motorola exec says Microsoft won't end Windows Mobile support". InfoWorld. 16 September 2009.
- ^ "Ballmer: We 'screwed up with Windows Mobile'". Computerworld. 25 September 2009.
- ^ "Survey: Windows Mobile users 'have no idea' they use it". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. 30 September 2009.