Think “desktop on your smartphone” when considering Windows Mobile devices since these smartphones will sync with Microsoft Office. Version 6, released in 2007, added improved functionality to the calendar and contacts applications, as well as e-mail search. It also included a Windows Vista-like look and feel and Office Mobile, giving you the ability to edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents with their formatting intact. For e-mail, Windows Mobile supports direct push capabilities out of the box. You can also view e-mails in their original HTML format, which means hyperlink support for Web pages. Since then, more updates to the operating system has brought us to the latest version Windows Mobile 6.5.
Advancements found in Windows Mobile 6.5 include more customization such as the ability to create more personalized themes for their Windows Mobile phones and a link to the Windows Marketplace for Mobile, which gives users the ability to purchase and download apps directly to the cell phone. Windows Internet Explorer mobile browser has gotten a facelift with support for Adobe Flash Lite2, which will improve the mobile web surfing experience. Windows Live has been enhanced to include new feeds and improved photo sharing to sites such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and Flickr. We should note many non-smartphones already offer similar photo sharing features. Plus, My Phone offers the ability to select specific content for backup such as pictures, appointments and contacts.
TIP: If you’re looking to sync e-mail on a Mac, you’ll have to purchase a third-party application called The Missing Sync.
Also note that many Windows Mobile smartphones available still run on Version 6 or 6.1. However, there are a few 6.1 models that can be updated to Windows Mobile 6.5 including: HTC Dash, Samsung Jack, Samsung Mirage, Samsung Omnia Pro, HTC Ozone, HTC Snap,
HTC Touch Pro 2,
Pharos Traveler 137.
Most recently, Microsoft announced a new mobile OS, Windows Phone 7 Series, which is expected to be out at the end of the year. The new OS is a departure from the existing Windows Mobile OS and as such existing Windows Mobile phones will not be upgradeable to the new Operating System. That said, the new OS will support better integration with social networking and the ability to view an entire library of pictures and videos from the phone. Of course, there will still be mobile outlook e-mail and mobile versions of other Microsoft Productivity apps. Finally, this OS promises to be more fun to use with the integration of Xbox LIVE games and Zune music and video features. Users will be able to play Xbox LIVE games on the Windows Phone 7 Series and see a gamer’s avatar, Achievements and gamer profile. Many of the features of Zune music player are part of the OS, so Windows Phone 7 Series.
Choose this OS if: You need Microsoft Office compatibility and strong multimedia/entertainment features.
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