Windows Mobile 6 announced

Microsoft's finally ready to take the wraps off Windows Mobile 6, the long-awaited successor to Windows Mobile 5 (what else?) that's been baking in the oven for a while now as "Crossbow." The platform formerly known as Pocket PC Phone Edition has become Windows Mobile 6 "Professional," while its more pocketable little brother, the Smartphone, has become "Standard" and plain ol' Pocket PCs are "Classic."

Major new features include:

- HTML support in email
- Windows Live for Windows Mobile
- File transfer capability in Windows Live Messenger
- New versions of mobile Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with rich editing
- Remote wipe capability for stolen and lost devices
- Call history in contact cards
- Tight Vista integration
- "Calendar ribbon" for more easily viewing schedule by day or week
- New versions of .NET Compact Framework and SQL Server built-in

No carrier or manufacturer announcements have been made at this point regarding availability or upgrades -- all eyes are on next Monday for that. Stay tuned for details to come fast and furious from us ahead of some fanfare at 3GSM in Barcelona, including full hands-ons with the new OS in both Standard and Professional form!

[Spiderman_00 @ Feb 7th 2007 7:07PM]

Zing!!!

On the subject....I would like to update as well.

[Lou @ Feb 7th 2007 6:17PM]

Is there a way to update your phone if you have a smartphone through a US carrier (ie. can I update my blackjack from cingular)?

[David @ Feb 7th 2007 11:03PM]

Yes. If Cingular issues such an update. And trust me, you don't want to hold your breath.

[Texas Tim @ Jul 17th 2007 8:05PM]

No they screwed us with the Black Jack and since the Iphone is keeping them busy they have no intentions to update the black jack, it's a shame since the Black jack is a better phone then the Iphone, when the Iphone battery goes dead and burns up, you have to buy a new phone, or when the sim card crashes in it you have to send it in and it will take six weeks to be returned. So glad I kept my black Jack as a back up, and it's better anyway. They are coming out with a new model, same phone except it has windows 6.0 and a roller ball instead of the center button along with a standard mini usb jack and the a standard larger battery

[Rat Bastard @ Feb 7th 2007 8:40PM]

What, no 'Ultimate'? How else will the l33t know what to buy?!

[Kronk @ Feb 7th 2007 6:59PM]

I hope they started with the basics...like cut and paste.

[IoannisJT @ Feb 7th 2007 6:39PM]

Oh kewl lucky ive been holding off upgrading my XDA. Any guesses at to how long until the first devices will start coming out?

[GT fan @ Feb 7th 2007 6:43PM]

Ditto on the upgrade front. I guess one would get the upgrade throught the mobile carrier? Perhaps through the OEM?

[Karl Viklund @ Feb 7th 2007 6:48PM]

Spare us Windows on our Mobile Phones please... It's enough on the desktop. Microsoft is just trying to dominate yet another market.

[greg @ Feb 7th 2007 9:34PM]

Of course they are trying to dominate another market, they are a business thats what they do!!!!! helloooo, i hope you companies are trying to make money. What do u think apple is trying to do with their iphone and apple tv....start taking over cell phone makers and another attempt at your living room, which will make itunes more appealing and thus making their mp3 line stronger and have more market share.

Microsoft tried to do the same thing with the zune and the xbox. Microsoft has had pocket pc software for a long time so its not a new market mircosoft is getting in to they are just continuing their effort and changing with times.

[Kichigai Mentat @ Feb 8th 2007 10:16AM]

I'm with you on the "another platform to dominate" thing, but until there's a viable alternative to Palm OS (which isn't that great), I don't think we can do much.

[sled @ May 5th 2007 7:18PM]

you're eating retard sandwitches. obviously you don't know jack about windows mobile and you are to ignorant to use the device. Go back your symbian nokia and jump off a bridge.

[Curious @ Feb 7th 2007 7:07PM]

I am planning to buy Cingular 8525, which has windows mobile 5 installed on it. Should I wait for Windows mobile 6, would they upgrade if buy once it's released? How long would I have to wait? Anyone, any comments, any help/advice is well appreciated.

[Jared Yuan-Vogel @ Feb 7th 2007 8:19PM]

there are updated roms floating around online.. apparently compatible with the HTC wizard (Cingular 8125).. I've heard mixed thing about the update process though

[Static @ Feb 7th 2007 7:13PM]

If you are looking to upgrade your smartphone operating system, try to get it done before you take possession (Fork over your hard earned cash) of the device.
I spent a fair amount of time researching my options before I bought a smartphone, and went with a Samsung i830. It sports Windows Mobile 4.0, but I was assured that I could upgrade the phone by the Verizon Wireless Rep.
Five months down the road, and I still haven't been able to upgrade. Samsung won't help me, Verizon is now saying this is something they don't support (WTF?). Windows support is trying during the best of times.
To be fair, Verizon hasn't said they won't do it, simply that they cannot do it now (What does that mean?)
SOO, try to get it upgraded before you buy it, or at least talk to someone who has done it before you get it. Good luck, and if anyone does hear how to upgrade the phones (In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling about this), please drop a message here).

[flamer's grill @ Feb 7th 2007 8:33PM]

Hey Static, here's a good rule of thumb: if a wireless rep's lips are moving, he is lying. Seriously, when you ask a salesman if something wil be updated in a year, he will always say yes. Why? Because in a year, you can't return the phone and his commission is safe.

If you would have asked the same rep if the i830 could be upgraded to detect ghosts and kill aliens, he would say yes.

[danny @ Feb 12th 2007 10:12PM]

static you can upgrade to 5 through verizons website

[jeepster @ Apr 15th 2007 12:40AM]

I looked at the 830 and bought a 730 instead -- with pocket pc 2003. I easily, and flawlessly, flashed it with wm5 in about 15 minutes with the upgrade supplied for free on the Verizon site. The 730 is generally stable with WM5, and runs without a hitch. I'd be careful with WM6, just as I'd be cautious with vista -- and wait for a second release.

[Static @ Apr 15th 2007 10:24AM]

Thanks for the reply. I should have updated this awhile ago.
I'm trying to upgrade my Verizon I830 to WM5. Sprint has released the I830 with the WM5 OS. Samsung and Microsoft have both told me that the operating system will work on the I830.

When I purchased the phone, I was told the upgrade would be coming in the next couple of weeks, and to check the website. They didn't have the ability to inform customers directly (stupid, but ok, no big deal). That was October.

Now it is April. The tune has changed. I can't get anyone to tell me if this upgrade is ever going to happen. I did talk to one tech rep (of the 15 I have talked to) that told me that he can't find any information on this project either, and that this is not a good sign.
Customer service has been great (can sarcasm fit down a data line?)
The last customer service rep that I talked to told me that these problems were my fault. I should have returned the phone in the allowed two week period after buying the phone. I should expect no support from Verizon on any of these issues.
I'm working now with local consumer affairs, the Better Business Bureau (Verizon is not a member of the BBB), and a non-profit that helps with some issues like this.
A lawsuit is probably not going to happen. Getting class action status with such a small population base (The Verizon I830 was a special order phone) just isn't realistic.
I've been told to try to go the "defective product" route. The phone is listed as having over 110 hours of standby time. I've yet to get 18 hours of time with the phone (one working day). Verizon says that this is due to the data plan that I have. However, you are required to sign up for the data plan when you buy the phone.
I'm actually compiling a list of disgruntled customers. Apparently Verizon Wireless prides itself on the high level of customer service that they provide.

[Alfred @ Feb 7th 2007 7:24PM]

hey xda-developers already has this update but the
"- Remote wipe capability for stolen and lost devices" is a new one for me

[T-Bone @ Feb 7th 2007 7:29PM]

That's nice. I just got a new iPaq with WM5. They really should rename Powerpoint Mobile to Powerpoint Viewer. I guess I have a reason to upgrade in a couple years.

[Sam Crognale @ Feb 7th 2007 9:34PM]

Is it possible to update my non-phone PocketPC via ActiveSync?

[campusKoder @ Feb 22nd 2007 12:48AM]

Usually WM devices do no support Upgrading of the OS.

Any WM device has it's OS "baked" by the OEM

Unless an OEM is crazy enough to rewrite all the drivers and so on for the new version of the OS for one o their overstocked and very well future packed devices, new OS will not be available from OEM's.

[Refer to PPC vs WM5 questions from a while ago, it was the same deal, maybe like one or two phones actually had upgrades]

You might see some hacked OS Installs aka "ROM's" once the devices with the new OS come out...devices that have HW that is VERY similar[pretty much the same] to the new OS ones.

PS: This is way cool - can't wait to see the devices.

[gerard van Schip @ Feb 8th 2007 3:49AM]

Erm, I have an Apple tattoo and own loads of Mac's but love my WM5 phone to bits, whats wrong with WM5??? Anyways, hope HTC will upgrade their older phones.

[campusKoder @ Feb 7th 2007 8:28PM]

Extensive review available here: http://www.mobile-review.com/pda/articles/wm-crossbow-en.shtml

To answer the upgrade question:

Usually WM devices do no support Upgrading of the OS.

Any WM device has it's OS "baked" by the OEM

Unless an OEM is crazy enough to rewrite all the drivers and so on for the new version of the OS for one o their overstocked and very well future packed devices, new OS will not be available from OEM's.

[Refer to PPC vs WM5 questions from a while ago, it was the same deal, maybe like one or two phones actually had upgrades]

You might see some hacked OS Installs aka "ROM's" once the devices with the new OS come out...devices that have HW that is VERY similar[pretty much the same] to the new OS ones.

PS: This is way cool - can't wait to see the devices.


UPDATE: This might be an "AddOn" OS Version, since it still runs on Win CE 5.0 so upgrading MIGHT be possible.

[Richard @ Feb 7th 2007 8:15PM]

I have a Dell Axim 51v, will it be easy for me to upgrade to 6? I haven't had my Axim for very long so I'm still not too familiar with it.

[John Arnor G. Lom @ Feb 8th 2007 12:24AM]

Hmm... Sounds good... Looking at the demo vid, there certainly are a few things left to correct for version 7, but overall, it seems like a step up from WM5.

But I DO think they should've changed that Comm. Manager-icon, though... ;)
http://www.jorgenarnor.com/item/2006/10/30/not_just_vista

[Gamer90 @ Feb 8th 2007 7:25AM]

The chances of Carriers updating the entire os is not likely (they'll release AKUs for WM5). You doing it yourself may be possible but can cause unwanted instability with hardware and programs. I highly doubt carriers/manufacturers will update existing phones. Don't hold your breath.

[Headcrash @ Feb 7th 2007 8:59PM]

I predict that Remote Wipe will be the most targeted feature for an exploit by hackers.

[sid @ Feb 7th 2007 9:03PM]

i beta tested.
it's actually very nice.
much much faster than WM5 i'll give it that.
lots of more features integrated instead of trying to find 3rd party crap-apps
kudos to MS.

[hesh @ Feb 7th 2007 10:29PM]

I hope all my current WM5 apps will work on this if I decide to upgrade. I'm currently using the 8525 but might have to throw this on my 8125 and give it a whirl.

[Sprint Customer @ Feb 8th 2007 2:26AM]

Whoa! Nelly Hold the phone just got a 700p with Sprint and I'm returning it for a 700wx or a new Moto Q. Palm is dead a high level tech guy said that Palm won't be around for too much longer.

You don't see Palm getting nice updates like this (thank god for the 30 trial period)

SERO plan Unlimited Data EVDO 700kbps phone as modem with PDAnet 100% perfection

Windows Mobile 5.0 er 6.0 please update the phones Sprint I'm yours for 2 years my cellular sould is yours

Looks GREAT ! me want gimme gimme I want now.


Palm's only hope now is to Merge with RIM Blackberry, here comes Apple into da game and Windows Mobile 6.0 will be very nice and the leader cCombined with Xbox LiveAnywhere Windows Mobile 6.0 can't be beat

Stream Video from Vista to it and message Xbox Live Freinds

[Runbuh @ Feb 7th 2007 11:31PM]

Uh - can someone point me to the official announcement? Don't see anything on the M$ main page or /windowsmobile page.

[Nikos @ Feb 8th 2007 2:32AM]

I dont care if the add a satelite to it, you still can save two mobile phones in one contact...

Wake up, Microsoft!!!

P.S.: No, I dont want to save a second mobile number as "other" or anything similar...

[Nikos @ Feb 8th 2007 2:33AM]

I mean you can't

[dotmike @ Feb 8th 2007 2:48AM]

I'm a current (unhappy) owner of a Windows Mobile 5 based
phone.

It crashes all the time. I know that a lot of the blame lies with
the 3rd party programs I've installed (though an OS *should*
have better memory protection against leaks and bad
addressing), but there are many instances where I'm doing
nothing at all, and the OS just starts behaving very sluggishly,
claims it can't save 1K files, and more or less forces a restart.

And I have to restart (pen tip in hole thing) so many times, that
sometimes I forget to re-enter the phone PIN, so that I'm off air
without realizing it.

As a PDA OS, Windows Mobile 5 has a lot going for it: I can run
mapping software and a choice of thousands of commercial and
shareware apps, but as a PHONE OS, it is simply too unreliable in
my (fairly tolerant) experience.

6.0 has to improve this or this piece of junk is the last Windows
Mobile based phone I'll be getting.

[Dispraiser @ Feb 8th 2007 3:30AM]

Remote wipe, huh? Almost thought I lost my phone today, I'd love to have that feature. Self destruct would be so much more fun, though...

[ZSX @ Feb 8th 2007 3:45AM]

The two features which I am keen on are HTML email (finally!) and mobile AJAX in Pocket IE. At least that is what I read here: http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2007Feb/lab20070207002377.htm

[levon @ Feb 8th 2007 9:37AM]

yes

[James Pratt @ Feb 9th 2007 10:52AM]

To those who asked about application compatibility. Windows Mobile 6 has pretty good compatibility for well written Windows Mobile 5.0 apps, that is, apps that are written using published APIs and write to "open" areas of the file system and registry.

[chrisrue @ Feb 11th 2007 9:54PM]

if i were you...i wouldn't get too lathered up about remote wipe.

remote wipe's been available as part of the msfp-compatible aku wm5 release for a while now.

i documented a gaping hole with remote wipe, plus a procedural way to close that hole, months ago at the funcave.

you can check it out here: http://www.chrisrue.com/funcave/2006/08/solving-a-problem-with-remote-device-wipe.html

i'll be interested to see if mothership's finally closed this hole with wm6...but i won't hold my breath.

stay frosty

[hunter @ Feb 17th 2007 2:39PM]

is there any way to get the sound theme of wm6 on another version of windows mobile?

[olayiwola olabiyi @ Jun 22nd 2007 5:42AM]

who knows whether this is compatible with eten m500