add site
services
publishers
database
health videos
toolbar
stats
live show
health store
more stuff
JOIN/LOGIN
| advertise add site services publishers database health videos
| | about toolbar stats live show health store more stuff JOIN/LOGIN |
Windows Mobile Smartphones Medical. Windows Mobile Smartphones Software. pdamedisoft.com |
Windows Mobile is a compact operating system developed by Microsoft, and designed for use in smartphones and mobile devices. 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, most Windows Mobile phones come with a stylus pen, which is used to enter commands by tapping it on the screen.[1] Windows Mobile has been updated multiple times, with the current version being Windows Mobile 6.5. The next major revision, Windows Mobile 7.0, has been delayed until the end of 2010.[2] Windows Mobile's share of the Smartphone market has fallen year-on-year,[3] decreasing 20% in Q3 2009.[4] It is the 3rd most popular smartphone operating system for business use (after BlackBerry and iPhone), with a 24% share among enterprise users.[5] In overall sales, it is the 4th most popular smartphone operating system, with a 7.9% share of the worldwide smartphone market.[4]
[edit] Common featuresWindows Mobile for Pocket PC carries these standard features in most of its versions:
[edit] HardwareSee also: List of Windows Mobile devices There are three versions of Windows Mobile for various hardware devices:[6]
  [edit] Windows Mobile Classic devices (Pocket PC)Main article: 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. [edit] Windows PhoneMain article: Smartphone 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.[7] [edit] Versions[edit] Pocket PC 2000 Pocket PC 2000, originally codenamed "Rapier",[8] 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:[9]
[edit] Pocket PC 2002 Pocket PC 2002, originally codenamed "Merlin",[8] 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.[10] 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:[11][12][13][14]
[edit] Windows Mobile 2003 Windows Mobile 2003, originally codenamed "Ozone",[8] 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:[15]
[edit] Windows Mobile 2003 SEWindows 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:
[edit] Windows Mobile 5 Windows Mobile 5.0, originally codenamed "Magneto",[8] 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.[16] 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.
Further new features and built-in applications included:
[edit] Windows Mobile 6 Windows Mobile 6, formerly codenamed "Crossbow",[8] was released on February 12, 2007[19] 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.[20] 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,[21] while Windows Mobile 6 Professional was first offered on the O2's Xda Terra.[22] 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:[23]
[edit] Windows Mobile 6.1.png) 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.[30] 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.[31] 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%"[32], 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). [edit] 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.[33] 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.[34] Despite being an incremental update however, it is said to include significant new added features such as a revamped GUI.[35] It will also include the new Internet Explorer Mobile browser dubbed IE "6 On 6".[36] Microsoft unveiled this version at the 2009 Mobile World Congress in February[37], and Motorola expects to release a phone running Windows Mobile 6.5 in the second half of 2009.[35] 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".[38] "SkyBox" has been confirmed as My Phone[39], while "SkyMarket" has been confirmed as Windows Marketplace for Mobile.[40] 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.[41] 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.[42] [edit] Future versions[edit] Windows Mobile 6.5.1Builds of Windows Mobile 6.5.1 have already been leaked and unofficially ported to several Windows Mobile phones.[43] Windows Mobile 6.5.1 will bring a more finger-friendly user interface[44], including icon based soft buttons (rather than text based),[45] an updated contacts app[46], Microsoft (rather than the mobile carrier) support for A-GPS[44], improved threaded text messaging[47], and performance improvements.[48] [edit] Windows Mobile 6.5.3In November and December 2009, several 6.5.3 builds leaked (28002, 28004, 28005, 28008, 28011 and 28014). 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.[49] 6.5.3 will also include a new on-screen keyboard.[50] However, there are several known bugs. For instance, all day appointments do not show up in home screen even though "Display all day items" is checked. There is also a loss of functionality from 6.1, the keyboard icon on the bottom panel no longer has the status indicator for Fnlock and Capslock. [edit] Windows Mobile 7Codenamed "Photon"[51], Windows Mobile 7 is a major upgrade. It was initially intended to be released during 2009, but several delays caused Microsoft to release 6.5 instead as a placeholder.[52] In December, 2009, Microsoft announced that Windows Mobile 7 had suffered further delays, and would not be released until the end of 2010.[2] 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.[53] Not much else is known about the release, though leaked information suggests a revamped UI based on Silverlight, multi-touch and motion-related features.[54] Companies such as MWg and HTC are expected to release Windows Mobile Professional devices running Windows Mobile 7.[55][56] Features include redesigned interface, new Office Mobile version, next Internet Explorer Mobile, accelerometer functionality with interface (gestures), new media player version.[57] 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[58], and later again showed a similar interface during their Software + Services video.[59] Microsoft recently used an old screen shot on their website.[60] Windows Mobile 7 will incorporate elements of Windows Mobile 6.5 (Homescreen), and Zune, namely the Zune HD.[61][62] Windows Mobile 7 has also been shown in secrecy to various tech journalists, and was met with positive reception.[63] Windows Mobile 7 was later rumored to be due for release on February 1st, 2010[64], but rumors indicate that it may not ship until the fourth quarter of 2010[65][66][67][68]. Windows Mobile 7 may be announced by Microsoft at Mobile World Congress, as well as their MIX conference.[69] [edit] Project PinkProject Pink evolved from Microsoft's purchase of Danger Hiptop in 2008.[70] Details are scarce, but a ZDNet source said that Project Pink will bring an entirely new software stack and services.[71] Some reports say that the new mobile phone platform will be based around the Zune audio player.[72] Project Pink is being developed inside Microsoft's Premium Mobile Experiences (PMX) division.[73] 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.[73] The new platform is aimed at producing phones designed for users who are heavily into social networking and instant messaging.[74] 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.[75] 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.[76] The Microsoft designed phones will be manufactured by Sharp and co-branded.[77]. According to the MobileTechWorld website, Project Pink will be a software service running on top of Windows Mobile 7 devices [78]. [edit] Naming conventions
Other: Windows Mobile for Automotive 1.0, Windows Mobile software for Portable Media Centers [edit]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.[3] In 2004, Windows Mobile accounted for 23% of worldwide smartphone sales.[79] By 2008, its share had dropped to 14%.[80] Microsoft licensed Windows Mobile to four out of the world's five largest mobile phone manufacturers, with Nokia being the exception.[81] Although Microsoft apparently has 50 handset partners,[82] 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.[83] 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.[84] But in September, 2009, Palm, Inc. announced it would drop Windows Mobile from its smartphone line-up.[85] The Samsung Omnia Pro B7330 runs the Windows Mobile operating system.[86] An October 2009 report in DigiTimes said that Acer will shift its focus from Windows Mobile to Google Android.[87] Windows Mobile used to be the most popular handset for business use, but 2009 saw this position depreciate. An InformationWeek survey found that 24% of handsets in business use ran Windows Mobile, putting it in 3rd place for business and enterprise, behind iPhone (27%), and Blackberry (61%).[5] 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.[88] The New York Times said that cellular telephone manufacturers are moving away from Windows Mobile, and instead shifting towards Android.[89] 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.[90] 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%.[4] Samsung announced in November 2009 that it will phase out the Windows Mobile phone platform,[91] to concentrate on its own bada operating system, as well as Google's Android.[92] [edit] Uncertain futureIn 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"',[93] while CNET said "Windows Mobile has now been relegated resolutely to has-been status."[94] 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."[95] 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.[95] Gartner said that Windows Mobile 7 could be "the last throw of the dice."[96] 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"[97] The New York Times reported that Windows Mobile "is foundering", as cellphone makers desert it in favor of Google's Android phone platform.[89] 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.[98] 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.[99] [edit] Software developmentSee also: Windows Marketplace for Mobile 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")[100]. 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.[101] 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.[102] At the same time Microsoft offered upgrades to Windows Mobile 6 versions to manufacturers for free.[103] 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.[104]. 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).[105] eVB programs can usually be converted fairly easily to NS Basic/CE.[106] or to Basic4ppc. There is also a Python port named PythonCE and a GCC port, CeGCC. 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.[107] [edit] Criticism
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ↑ top of page ↑ | about thumbshots |
