Windows Mobile 6.5.3 unleashed – Windows Mobile 7 speculated on
Microsoft has unveiled the latest update to its Windows Mobile operating system, with 6.5.3 getting its first airing at CES 2010. But as fine an update as that is, everyone is still waiting for Windows Mobile 7 to emerge from development hell. Although that will hopefully be before the end of 2010.
I’ve already stated, in no uncertain terms, how fragile Microsoft’s grip on the mobile phone market is right now. Windows Mobile use has dropped massively over the last year, and the number of viable competitors is ever growing. Symbian, Blackberry and Apple OS on the iPhone are already in the zone, while Google Android is sure to see huge gains with the release of Nexus One.
Microsoft’s ultimate answer to these is Windows Mobile 7, but that’s been delayed until at least the end of this year. Meanwhile, consumers are having to make do with Windows Mobile 6.5, which hit retailers in October 2009.
Thankfully, at CES 2010, Microsoft unveiled the already leaked Windows Mobile 6.5.3, which you can see in action in the video below. The phone running it is a Toshiba TG01, and you can clearly see the subtle yet important changes made for this release.
The User Interface has been updated to have bigger icons and be friendlier on the fingers. There are also ever-present software buttons at the bottom and system tool buttons placed at the top in an invisible swipe-down menu. The QWERTY keyboard has been redesigned to bring alternate characters to your screen much more easily.
Unfortunately, Windows Mobile 7 didn’t make an official appearance at CES. But Korean manufacturer LG Electronics did reveal that its new smartphone, the eXpo, would be carrying the OS when it launches later this year.
Microsoft failed to talk much about its mobile plans, but Steve Ballmer did promise more information at the Mobile World Congress next month. Will Windows Mobile 7 make any sort of appearance then? With eight or nine months to go before it is released it would seem unlikely. But stranger things have happened.
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