Windows Mobile 5.0 = Windows Mobile 2005

It took 'em an extra three months (or so), but Microsoft finally unveiled the next version of Windows Mobile, their operating system for Smartphones and Pocket PCs, today. First big change: it's not called Windows Mobile 2005 anymore, so get used to hearing Windows Mobile 5.0 (they probably did that because "Windows Mobile 2005" won't sound so current when it's 2006." Among the new features announced are:

• New mobile versions of Word Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile Viewer, and Excel Mobile.

• Improved one-handed navigation so you don't have to use a stylus.

• A new camera API that'll make it easier for developers to write apps that use a device's built-in camera.

• ActiveSync 4.0.

• Better WiFi support for Smartphones.

• Support for push-to-talk and video calling.

• Improved Bluetooth (e.g. ability to use ActiveSync over Bluetooth with multiple PCs).

• Support for "persistent memory," which means that you won't lose all your data when your battery dies (a feature the Treo 650 and several other Palms already have).

• Support for USB 2.0 so you can connect up to external hard drives. The press release was poorly worded, MSFT meant support for USB 2.0 AND support for internal hard drives. Not support for USB 2.0 for connecting external hard drives