While tech savvy and hardware confident users have already “flashed” their smart phones with bootleg versions of Windows Mobile 6.5, the official release has been moved back several times.
The most recent news from Microsoft points toward a fall release for the upgraded system that will replace Windows Mobile 6.1.
What’s coming up with the new release?
First of all, a start menu that produces large icons in a honeycomb shape, rather than numerous small icons in rows. The idea is that these will be easier to punch without hitting the wrong one.
The 6.5 version will also include widgets on the home screen with quick updates on status info – missed calls, new texts and voice mails, etc.
There’s a visual makeover in most spots for the new OS, making things more touch-friendly all the way around, especially in the messaging and email areas.
When the new app is finally official, there will be a new Windows Mobile Marketplace – a great way to consolidate all those different Win Mo apps floating around the internet. While the apps are now subject to Microsoft approval, iPhone apps store has shown this doesn’t need to be much of a problem.
How will the new OS do? Well, considering that every new feature that Windows is touting for the 6.5 version is already available on one or more other mobile operating systems, its hard to say.
Hardware developers like Samsung are advertising their newest phones as being 6.5 compatible and upgradeable, but the release date has already been moved back several times, making the wait a little long.
With so many other mobile OS developers pushing the envelope every day, it appears that Microsoft may find themselves behind the curve. Those dedicated fans who just love their Windows OS will doubtless be there, but bringing in new users will be a stretch for the venerable company.
