Windows Mobile

Windows Mobile is a compact operating system and predecessor of Windows Phone combined with an assortment of applications for mobile devices. It is based on the Microsoft Win32 API. Devices that use the Windows Phone and Windows Mobile, are, for example, Pocket PCs, smartphones, and portable media centers. The operating system is designed so that a similarity with the desktop versions of Windows can be seen, although the respective target architectures and code bases are not very similar each other. In contrast, Windows Phone is a completely new development.

Common features of Windows Mobile

Windows Mobile for Pocket PC contains in most versions:

  • A today page that represents the current date, owner information, upcoming appointments, new e -mail messages, and tasks. It also contains a bar for alerts, which can provide the user with icons information about different things, such as battery life or open Utilities. Applications can create additional entries on the Today page. The background image can be customized.
  • A task bar, it shows the current time, the volume, the battery charging status and connection status. If a program or a dialog is opened, appears next to the clock, "OK " or " Close " button. The important extra the taskbar is the Start button, which has a similar function as in the desktop versions of Windows. In the start menu there is a list of recently used applications, nine modifiable entries at the top and further entries to programs, settings, help and searching.
  • A scaled-down version of Microsoft Office. This consists of Pocket Word and Pocket Excel. Since the version Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PowerPoint is included, view the files, but can not edit. These versions contain the most essential functions of their desktop counterparts, advanced features such as graphs and tables were missing up to version 5.0. ActiveSync provides the ability to convert files to the desktop versions compatible documents for the PocketPC. This conversion is lossy, more or less depending on the version, in particular formatting, field functions, etc. are concerned.
  • Outlook Mobile, a PIM application that performs the same functions as the desktop counterpart. It can be synchronized via ActiveSync with this. An alternative is the direct synchronization with an Exchange server via an online connection.
  • The Windows Media Player. Most devices were shipped with version 9, newer hardware contains the version 10 for some specific devices, you can download and install version 10 - including devices from the Dell Axim series. The media player supports WMA, WMV, MP3, and AVI files. Currently there are no MPEG files are supported, there are third-party programs that upgrade this ability.

Versions

Windows Mobile 2002

Windows Mobile 2002, which is based on Windows CE 3.0 was the first version of Windows CE, which was marketed under the name "Windows Mobile ". Purposefully designed with QVGA resolution for non-keyboard Pocket PC, Windows Mobile 2002 was ( as the original Pocket PC versions) the only operating system developed by Microsoft for embedded systems.

Windows Mobile 2003

The second version, called Windows Mobile 2003, was published on 23 June 2003 and came in three variants. Two are very similar: Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC and Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC Phone Edition, which was developed especially for Pocket PCs with phone functionality, such as the XDA and MDA.

The third variant is an edition called Windows Mobile 2003 for Smartphone, which - despite several similarities with the Pocket PC - is a much different platform, which also requires software that is specifically tailored for Windows Mobile smartphones have no touchscreen, much lower display resolutions, a normal telephone keypad and are designed specifically for one-handed operation.

Windows Mobile 2003 is based on Windows CE 4.20.

Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition

Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, known as Windows Mobile 2003SE, was released on 24 March 2004. It contained a number of improvements over its predecessor, such as:

  • An option to rotate the screen 90 degrees. (Only available on certain PDA models, eg for Acer N35 )
  • Pocket Internet Explorer has an option to show the side -column, which makes it easier to read web pages, there only needs to be scrolled vertically.
  • VGA ( 640 × 480) screen resolution is new official resolution, in addition to the known 320 × 240 display. Accompanied by new square form factors (240 × 240 and 480 × 480 for VGA screens ), suitable for hardware manufacturers who want to add the device keyboard.
  • Direct support for WPA, for many devices, corresponding update 2003 available for Windows Mobile.

Windows Mobile 2003SE based on Windows CE 4.21.

Windows Mobile 5.0

Windows Mobile 5.0, originally called " Magneto", was released on 9 May 2005. It is based on Windows CE 5.0 and contains in some distributions the NET Compact Framework 2.0., Which can otherwise be installed additionally (free). The internet browser included is now called " Internet Explorer Mobile " and no longer " Pocket Internet Explorer ".

Included capabilities:

  • A new version of " Office Mobile " PowerPoint Mobile, which allows you to play PowerPoint files has been added
  • Excel Mobile got graphical capabilities

Windows Mobile 5.0, was released on Microsoft's Mobile and Embedded Developers Conference 2005 in Las Vegas. There are four different types, which are only partially compatible application.

Later, the Mobile Security and Feature Pack ( MSFP ) was filed that with phone function enabled the GPRS -based synchronization with Exchange 2003 SP2 and later on Windows Mobile devices, and some added security features that are desirable for mobile Exchange clients. The synchronization Direct Push technology enables real-time synchronization of mail, contacts, appointments and notes.

Windows Mobile 6

Windows Mobile ( WM6 abbreviated ) 6 was officially launched at the 3GSM in Barcelona on 12 February 2007. Version 6 is based on Windows CE 5.2, which is the core of Windows Mobile 5.0 is similar to a large extent. The design of the user interface is based on Windows Vista.

The following versions are delivered:

  • Windows Mobile 6 Classic (Pocket PC)
  • Windows Mobile 6 Standard (Smartphone )
  • Windows Mobile 6 Professional ( Pocket PC Phone Edition )

Important new features:

  • IP telephony
  • Improved search function in the unit
  • Improved Search with online access to Exchange 2007
  • HTML support in mail
  • Global address books (Exchange 2003 /2007)
  • Integrated update function optimization for matching with Windows Vista
  • Improved native support for PC file formats Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Support of Ajax, for backward compatibility with Windows Mobile 5.0 applications. NET Compact Framework v2 SP2 pre-installed
  • Integration of " Windows Live" and "marketplace"
  • Datei-Öffnen/Speichern-Dialoge are browse- able (like PC ) ( For other WM versions of these dialogues are limited to the folder of the main level)

Advanced security features:

  • Memory card encryption (AES )
  • The emergency data deletion from a distance now also deletes the memory card
  • Simplified management of certificates
  • Improved password protection ( device lock )
  • " Information Rights Management " to protect sensitive data

Windows Mobile 6.1

Windows Mobile 6.1 first appeared on the devices Asus P320, Samsung i900 Omnia, Asus P560, Asus M536, Motorola Q9, Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1, HTC Touch Pro and simvalley mobile XP - 25th For HTC TyTN II, HTC Touch Dual and Asus P750 official updates are available. Plans are also updates to Windows Mobile 6.1 for Asus P527, Asus M930, Toshiba Portege G810, Toshiba Portégé G910, HTC Touch, HTC X7510, Motorola MOTO Q 9h global, Samsung ACE, T -Mobile MDA Ameo 16 GB, T -Mobile MDA compact IV, T -Mobile MDA vario IV and other products not available in Germany equipment. In version 6.1 standard, the design of the surface was even more similar to Vista; so the start bar is now slightly transparent, notes, messages and short messages are displayed in small info windows, and it can be changed right to further windows to the left and. The surface of the Professional and Classic version has not changed.

Important new features:

  • SMS in threaded form (as a forum ) displayed
  • Internet Explorer Mobile with zoom function and support for Adobe Flash, Microsoft Silverlight, and H.264 ( later submitted via update )
  • More settings for text input
  • Copy and paste lyrics ( new to the Smartphone Edition)
  • Greatly simplified configuration of wireless and e- mail accounts
  • Safety: Exchange activated encryption of PIM database and random other folders.

Despite the stronger based on Windows Vista, synchronization with the Vista default programs mail and Calendar not possible - still does this only with Outlook.

Windows Mobile 6.5

On May 11, 2009, version 6.5 was released. The first devices were expected for 6 October 2009. A new feature to version 6.5 offers a pre-installed application for access to the Windows Marketplace for Mobile, which applications provided for download. Furthermore, online could be synchronized with the numerous now back adjusted data service My Phone smartphone. The first planned honeycomb surface, also called Honeycomb, was rejected by criticism of this. Instead, larger icons are now to be used. Despite these changes on the surface of the basic layout is maintained, as Microsoft announced at MIX09. In addition, the orientation of Windows Mobile will no longer be only in the business sector, but also a lot more the consumer sector in the future.

The new features:

  • Kinetic scrolling
  • Titanium, a new UI for the Today screen
  • Internet Explorer 6 Mobile with Flash support
  • Native Facebook client
  • New Device Lock, comparable to Slide2Unlock from iPhone
  • Transparent start and soft-key rows
  • Web-based applications ( widgets)
  • My Phone
  • Windows Marketplace for Mobile

Windows Mobile 6.5.3

On 2 February 2010, version 6.5.3 was officially introduced by Microsoft. The first devices with the operating system appeared in the second quarter of 2010. Priority was placed on improving the finger operation.

Innovations:

  • Support capacitive touchscreens
  • Multitouch Support
  • Interface Customizations
  • Improvements in Internet Explorer and storage management
  • Improved support for the Arabic language
  • Revised error reporting system
  • . NET Compact Framework 3.5 and SQL Server Compact Edition 3.1

Windows Embedded Handheld

In June 2010, Microsoft announced a Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system -based new variant of the (currently available for Windows Embedded CE and Windows Mobile used ) brand called Windows Embedded Handheld for the second half of the year. It will be added no new features in the first version. This version was released in January 2011. A Windows 7 -based technologies, currently called Windows Embedded Compact 7 version with new features will appear in the second half of 2011.

Windows Phone 7 / Windows Phone

Windows Phone 7 was supposed to be released in 2009, several delays prompted Microsoft but to release Windows Mobile 6.5 as an interim step. Version 7 was announced on 15 February 2010 under the new name Windows Phone at Mobile World Congress 2010 in Barcelona. The developers focus particularly on the more intuitive user interface, which is designed to support multi-touch and gesture control to win with their operating systems and non -business customers for themselves. Also crucial is the division into so-called "hubs" - Other areas - to remind about the Xbox or the Windows Media Center and prevent nested menus.

Windows Phone 7 is based on Windows CE 6.0 R3 and parts of Windows Embedded Compact 7 It should be noted that there is no update from Windows Mobile to Windows Phone. The successor of Windows Phone 8 is no longer based on Windows CE, but on the Windows NT 6.2 desktop system.

Windows Mobile 8 / Windows Phone

During the development phase, codenamed Apollo is known, the current version of the Windows Phone operating system for mobile phones. Unlike its predecessor, Windows Phone 7, it is no longer based on Windows CE, but the same Windows NT kernel as Windows 8 and Windows RT. It was officially launched on 20 June 2012 at the Windows Phone Summit in San Francisco.

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