Windows Mobile 6.1 unveiled

Windows Mobile 6.1

(Credit: Microsoft)

Of the four major mobile operating systems (Palm, Symbian, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry), we hear plenty of complaints from users that Windows Mobile devices are the hardest to use because of the laborious navigation. And we certainly agree. Seriously, do you really need to go through several steps just to open or close an application? To be fair, Microsoft has heard the cries and made some headway in making its smartphones easier to use with Windows Mobile 6. But there's plenty of room for improvement, and the company is hoping its latest build will solve some of the problems.

At CTIA 2008 on Tuesday, Microsoft announced the latest version of its mobile operating system, Windows Mobile 6.1. The update includes several new features designed to make the devices easier to manage and help users save time. Here's a rundown of what you can expect:

New home screen
To start, there's a new home screen that provides a more attractive interface but more importantly, quicker access to key information and applications. There are now a series of panels, which you can scroll through up and down, left or right, to view your missed calls, e-mails, and voicemails; check upcoming appointments; peruse your multimedia library; and access certain settings, such as the Task Manager. There's also a Getting Started wizard that will walk you through your e-mail setup, changing the background image, and setting up Bluetooth connections. For Bluetooth headsets, it will even bypass the whole passcode process (the system automatically enters the manufacturer's default passcodes--usually 0000 or 1234) and automatically connect to the headset. Once you've set everything up, you have the option of removing the Getting Started panel from your home screen. And though minor, the clock size has been increased--a feature Microsoft says its customers have been asking for.

Internet Explorer Mobile
Navigating Web sites is made easier thanks to a feature that allows you to pan in and out. Instead of mercilessly scrolling through an entire page just to get to one part of the site, you can pan out, find the spot you want, and then pan in. Microsoft also announced that it will bring Internet Explorer 6, which means Adobe Flash support, to its smartphones around the holiday season.

Messaging and more
As for messaging, Windows Mobile 6.1 offers just a couple--but key--improvements. First, there's support for threaded text messaging. And you can now select multiple e-mails at once. Other enhancements include richer Windows Live capabilities (check out CNET News.com's Elinor Mills's story for more) and System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 and Exchange Server 2007 SP1 support for better device management and security.

So you're probably wondering, when can you get it? Windows Mobile 6.1 will be available sometime in Q2, and a number of manufacturers (HTC, Samsung Electronics, Motorola, Pantech) and carriers (AT&T, Sprint, Alltel) have already announced that they will offer the upgrade. A sample of supported smartphones include the Samsung BlackJack II, AT&T Tilt, Sprint Motorola Q9c, Sprint Mogul, and Alltel Touch. For the full rundown of devices and features, check out the Microsoft Windows Mobile Web site.

[bendenford]

Windows Mobile need to remove the reliance on the digitizer, the buttons are way too small!!!

The new feature in Mobile 6 that shows all the running programs is a great idea, but with out pulling out the digitizer i cannot select the items in the list easily. Why cant that drop down be large enough for me to press this with my finger?

i await the day i can throw away the digitzer!!!!

[sysopdr]

I have been using Windows Mobile (CE) for a while, my UTStarCom is the 4th device I have had. Maybe it's me but I have been very happy with the current interface on Windows Mobile. I can put the things like email, calendar, contacts and of course phone on the front page already and I can have 6 more apps in the start menu. I can then program the buttons to load even more programs if I want, or leave them at the default (opening IE with a button is like way easy.)
I use MSN with my kids a lot when I am away from home. To make thi easier I use a Belkin wireless (IR) keyboard and with the ut startcom the screen can be rotated and that puts the IR port at the bottom for seamless connection to the keyboard.
I got unlimited internet access from Telus (Canada) and we have EVDO connections everywhere.
When at home I use the wifi with my home network or just plug it into a computer to sync and install apps.
Having the Windows Mobile SDK and the free IDE download from MS I write my own apps.
It integrates totally with my home and work email and schedules. With a mini SD card installed I have lots of room for video and music. The ear buds I have work well for music and phone use. It uses a standard mini usb cable to connect. I can streeam live viseo to the net, stear video and music from the net ...
All i need now is a workable HUD and i'm laughing. Its a total package.
Tip to bend, use the tip of your pinky fingernail to click things if they are too small.

[cyberedge]

The ignored elephant in the room is OS stability. My HTC Mogul crashes at lease 2-3 times a day. The OS is slow and response is always a big guessing game. I never know if it will awaken from sleep mode, and the display driver seems buggy.

MS has not made any mention of stability patches or bug fixes. Will Win-M 6.1 actually be better -- or as is too often MS's way -- merely prettier?

And why doesn't CNET ask these questions? Hmmmm...

[hossain_mmc]

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[ssegabriel]

How can I remove the "getting started" from a Moto Q11 ???????

[tayjen2005]

I am new to window mobile, your help are most appreciate. thks.