Editorial: Ten reasons why Windows Mobile 6.5 misses the mark
by Joshua Topolsky 
posted Feb 18th 2009 at 12:24PM
To give you another side of the story -- a side which I think Microsoft has done an immaculate job of hiding this week -- here's ten reasons why Windows Mobile 6.5 disappoints.
1: It's exactly the same as Windows Mobile 6... er, 5.
That's right -- there are no underlying changes to the core system here at all (Windows CE 5). Sure, there are a few cosmetic tweaks and couple of new pieces of functionality, but underneath what amounts to a new skin, this is essentially the same Windows Mobile you've come to know and... well, you've come to know it, right? Just imagine if Palm gave Palm OS a new paint job and told you it was a new version. Sort of the same idea.
2: The interface improvements are still way behind the curve.
At a distant glance some of those updates seem pretty neat, but get up close to them. The swiping and scrolling gestures are awkward (as noted by Chris Ziegler in his hands-on), in fact, they seem to work almost opposite of what is truly intuitive and "finger friendly." The honeycomb menu is a glorified grid, a sign that Microsoft has gone out of its way to avoid a grid -- but they fail to see (or don't care) that regular grids make a lot of sense. They essentially fixed something that wasn't broken. In our video, the rep says you can tell you're at the top of the honeycomb because there's an "empty space at the top." Intuitive, no? Besides that, the big menus may be easier on the eyes, but they're just zoomed in versions of previous iterations... you're still jumping through multiple levels to get where you need to go. Microsoft touts touch in the new version, but things like the corner buttons aren't optimized for fingers at all. I was going to give Redmond points for the unlocking scheme (which lets you jump right to a specific app), but they've already been beaten there by... the Meizu M8!
3: The UI tweaks are mostly just skin deep, and third-parties have already gone way deeper.
Why didn't Microsoft just buy the UI from SPB? Look at the most recent version of SPB Mobile Shell running on a Touch Diamond.
Not only does it include truly interesting and innovative features like Facebook integration and multiple homescreen support, but it blows the doors off of 6.5 in terms of speed... and it's running on previous generation hardware. 6.5 seems to have serious trouble doing basic things like scrolling through the honeycomb menu (on the newest HTC device), while Mobile Shell introduces an almost Tegra-like 3D interface on an older phone. Where were these guys when Microsoft was reskinning? If the company had introduced this UI at MWC, we're pretty sure people would have lost their minds completely. Adding insult to injury, there are still plenty of areas in the UI that are just as dated and janky as they were in 6 and 5. Just take a look at those My Phone screens or the calendar view.
Beyond that, companies like HTC and LG who've spent a lot of time and money developing their own skins for Windows Mobile may not be so quick to part with their work -- especially when it seems markedly better. Don't be surprised if Microsoft's tweaks get left on the cutting room floor with some of the higher end devices.
4: It doesn't support capacitive touchscreens.
6.5 supports resistive touchscreens. In fact, it only officially supports resistive touchscreens. Resistive touchscreens are less accurate and more frustrating to use with full touchscreen devices, and most of the new Windows Mobile devices are built around full touchscreen navigation! It's truly a mystery as to why Microsoft refuses to implement a superior technology. We did see it installed on a TI device with a capacitive screen, but it's clear that there's no effort to make this play nice with these displays (the rep in the video seems to suggest that Microsoft didn't lend a hand here). At any rate, if the scores of inaccurate, jumpy demos we've seen are any indication, using 6.5 -- no matter how "finger friendly" they tell you it will be -- is going to be a royal pain on resistive screens without a stylus. And you know how we feel about styli.
5: It's not due out until "later this year."
Word on the street in Barcelona is that Microsoft won't be releasing 6.5 until not just "later this year," but the end of the year (Q4 2009), which means what might seem interesting and exciting now is likely going to get real stale by the time you can actually put this on your device. And that brings me to my next point...
6: You probably can't upgrade your phone.
Guess what? If you want to use 6.5 on your device... well, you're probably going to have to buy a new device. According to Microsoft, no device older than what was launched this week at MWC will be eligible for an upgrade. That's right, not your new Touch Pro, Touch Diamond, Xperia X1, Shadow, or Treo Pro (assuming you can find one anyway). Furthermore, the company is saying that no phone without a Start flag hardware button will be eligible for 6.5, so you might want to put those TG01 plans on hold for a moment (even though Toshiba claims it will be running 6.5... maybe they're going rogue).
7: No Zune integration. Not even a new Windows Media Player.
C'mon Microsoft. You're gonna boost a variation of the Zune interface for your mainscreen navigation, but you're not introducing some actual integration with your Zune service? Oh, and you're just leaving that busted old WMP on there, old skin and all? If that doesn't say 50 percent effort here, nothing does.
8: Where's the keyboard?
9: The browser is still weak.
There's no question that Microsoft has gone to great lengths to improve mobile IE, but it's still not where it should be. Scrolling and zoom smoothness is still way off for a browser of this class, and some of the navigation (like controlling that zoom) is clunky at best. There's a reason companies like HTC are tacking Opera Mobile onto their devices, and we're not sure that this will do anything to alleviate the issues.
10: It doesn't innovate in any way.
More than anything else, however, the main reason I'm disappointed with the new Windows Mobile doesn't have to do with features, lack of features, or UI design. It has to do with what 6.5 shows of Microsoft. Instead of stepping up to the plate and trying to do anything daring, new, or even remotely innovative, the company has shrunk from taking chances and delivered a new phone OS that's not simply more of the same, but more of the same dressed up to look like something new. While scores of their competition in the mobile space are working new angles to improve the user experience and change attitudes about what mobile devices can do, Microsoft has taken a bare minimum approach, likely satisfied that a new coat of paint and some minor flash will keep consumers coming back for more.
Unfortunately for the company, they may find reactions from even their base might not be what they're expecting. If we've learned anything over the past few years, it's that new ideas are just as -- if not more -- important than sheer market presence. Brute force may get the job done for a short time, but failure to innovate has repercussions... just ask the auto industry.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)
Zunavio @ Feb 18th 2009 12:27PM
Such a big relief when I hear that the 6.5 debuted @ MWC is in the "very early beta".
Michael @ Feb 18th 2009 12:32PM
if its such an "early beta", isnt this review a little premature?
jakem @ Feb 18th 2009 12:47PM
That's precisely why this list is so far off the mark. Once you take away all the performance complaints you're left with a couple of fairly uninteresting, inaccurate points. This is typical of Joshua.
Perhaps Engadget should concentrate on getting their comments system working before they criticise someone else's unfinished software. Here's a free tip from me: when I reply to a comment on the first page of comments, I don't expect to end up on the last page of comments after I click on the Add Comment button.
Stringfellow Hawk @ Feb 18th 2009 12:50PM
Even if it is early beta or even alpha, that isn't going to change the fact that the underlying core is last gen.
Sarig @ Feb 18th 2009 12:57PM
Does it matter how old the core is?
Isn't linux touting decades old code?
Presumably it's been tweaked here and there, I don't really see a point with conjuring up a new core just to have a new one.
Zunavio @ Feb 18th 2009 1:03PM
And to point it out,
The $799 XPERIA X1 does have a Windows Flag hardware button.
and I'm not paying $799 to stay @ 6.1 forever.
Hackettman @ Feb 18th 2009 1:14PM
I guess theyre just wanting microsoft to be soooo innovative...... But theyre trying to fight the economic woes and the hardware limitations while trying to be ahead of the competition..... Everyone has issues trying to do that.....
Samboini @ Feb 18th 2009 1:18PM
Can someone please direct me to the "Ten reasons why the iPhone misses the mark" article?
Tarnation @ Feb 18th 2009 1:35PM
Here is a thought just a tidbit. Maybe Microsoft only cooked this up to keep investors happy that they are still showing signs of working on winmo. Maybe Microsoft and Danger are secretly cooking up the zune-phone or the phune if you will and its going to be so awesome that the engadget writers can finally satisfy their nerd juices.
I seriously doubt that this is anywhere closed to a final product considering how long it is going to be before it actually gets released.
TitaniumMan @ Feb 18th 2009 1:38PM
The palm pre was pre-beta when it was shown. So was the original iphone back in 2007, so drop this pre-beta-it-will-get-better-talk.
It's obvious what has happened here.
Windows mobile 7 ran into development problems and was going to be delayed, so microsoft decided about a month ago that they will create a skin for winmo 6.1 on the double to keep up appearances and fend off the competition. I give you winmo 6.5 !
urandom @ Feb 18th 2009 1:54PM
You guys obviously have no idea what an 'editorial' is, do you. Besides, some, if not all of these features will not be changed by the time 6.5 hits the market. Any major changes to a product that would affect most of the things on the list, would have to be done before the beta hits the floor. From here on, it's small tweaks and optimizations.
And as an owner of an X1, I can say that the windows on-screen keyboard sucks ass.
000000 @ Feb 18th 2009 2:16PM
I'll agree with the keyboard. WTF! If you're going to lose a dpad and a keyboard at lease built something in that is decent. Sheesh.
Personally I like dpads and keyboards though and this whole minimalizing of devices lately I don't like. I like buttons. There, I said it.
000000 @ Feb 18th 2009 2:28PM
BTW what is with people hating on M$. Why hate? If you don't like it don't buy it.
Look, a fews years ago Windows was the main PC platform and people loved it. Computers were booming and no one had complaints. Until... we used them for a while and became critics. Became spoiled rotten users. We though our S* didn't stink and we knew how it was supposed to be. Why didn't Apple or Linux pave the way? Don't give me that Gates stole Job's idea crap.
M$ gave us geeks many years of technological enjoyment. Now, after we have evolved we want to abandon them and kick them to the curb. Kind of like teenagers do to their parents. They take for granted everything they have gotten.
I'm not saying you have to like WinMo, I'm just saying cut them some slack. If they fade away they'll fade away because capitalism and the consumer dictated it. There is no need to bash. Chill out and let your wallet do the talking. It is sad though because I do have a feeling M$ isn't as savvy enough to get ahead of the game here. They may sink. Hopefully they won't. They shouldn't after all because they must have the largest budget of any OEM to R&D and produce what people really want. They just have to listen.
IMHO if they came out with a, yes, iPhone like GUI with the legacy support of windows applications that would be a winner. Please the superficial types with pretty menus and at the same time satisfy the more demanding users with configurability and tons of 3rd party apps.
Darren @ Feb 18th 2009 2:39PM
> Such a big relief when I hear that the 6.5 debuted @ MWC is in the "very early beta".
It just means that Microsoft is that much more behind. I don't understand why anyone would feel the need to wait around for Microsoft to implement features that other platforms provided *years* ago, and it's very disconcerting to see Microsoft demo a product that is so rough an unfinished? Why did they do it? Because they're way behind and out of time.
WinMo doesn't have the monopoly the way big Windows does. Between Apple, RIM, Palm, and Google, there is an immense amount of choice and innovation in the current smartphone market. There's simply no reason for anyone to choose WinMo when it's so far behind the competition and utterly lacking in innovation.
OneLove @ Feb 18th 2009 4:18PM
@000000:
its not M$ hate, its tough love and frustration.
We want to love everything Microsoft does but disappointment ensues. I've supported them for so long, paid money and would like to see better. :)
VanillaSpice @ Feb 18th 2009 10:31PM
@Samboini - Engadget covered a lot more than just 10 reasons why the iPhone missed the mark, in its review ( http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/03/iphone-review/ ) of the device. They listed dozens and dozens of the shortcomings, failings, quirks and problems of the iPhone.
They have also been highly critical of specific shortcomings in various articles, they've asked 'How would we change the iPhone' and listed what they would change, and the 'bonus one-liners' to the review indicated that half of Engadget thought it was good but not great, while the other half thought it was not that good at all.
Hard to believe, I know, since everyone now seems to believe the urban myth that Engadget is biased towards Apple and the iPhone, but reading what they have actually said about the device shows they are not at all biased towards it.
Uncle Paulie @ Feb 19th 2009 12:57AM
I have been using some version of PocketPC for almost a decade now. I was very excited to finally merge my PDA with my cell phone when I bought my AT&T Tilt 16 months ago when it first came out. As I got used to that "new" version of PocketPC/Windows Mobile/Windows Phone whatever-they-want-to-call-it, I was genuinely shocked at not only how little it had improved but that it actually went backwards on a lot of features! The calendar user-interface got worse! The browser continued to suck. And what's worse of all is that the "mobile" versions of THEIR OWN SOFTWARE -- MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint -- are completely inadequate! PALM implemented better mobile compatibility for those programs years ago! I had to buy third-party software to use Word on a Windows device!! This is a company with how many tens of thousands of employees? They should be ashamed of themselves. I am so glad to see a review like this on Engadget because MS's mobile product is simply unacceptable. A commenter above said the core shouldn't matter, comparing it to Linux, but the core has NEVER been adequate for this platform. I have been a PC person since DOS but my next phone will be whatever Apple puts out in June with their third iteration of the iPhone. I only wish there were a bluetooth full-keyboard for that like I have for my Tilt, but I don't use it enough to justify rewarding MS for continued sub-mediocrity.
Kelmon @ Feb 19th 2009 3:31AM
"BTW what is with people hating on M$. Why hate? If you don't like it don't buy it."
Way ahead of you on this - I have absolutely no intention of buying a WinMo 6.5 device, which definitely looks like being "mutton dressed as lamb". Nothing interesting here and there are 3 other platforms that look like they all do a better job and 2 of them you can buy today.
superhobo @ Feb 19th 2009 10:00AM
One reason why the iPhone misses the mark:
Copy paste
Rahim @ Feb 19th 2009 10:39PM
If people like us dont complain then nothing ever gets done. It's feedback and consumer interest that sparks purchases and helps to navigate companies in which direction they should go. Obviously, Microsoft has chosen to be lazy or timid.
chickenator @ Feb 20th 2009 11:08AM
@Stringfellow,
lyn ftw!
yup, the underlying CE platform on WinMob 6.x (WinCE 5.x) CE is too old already.
to further insult, even Meizu is using WinCE 6.0 as the underlying core of MMobile OS found on Meizu M8. they dont even wanna use WinMob or WinCE 5.x!
.
mynk @ Mar 2nd 2009 9:36PM
i think the reason engadget really bashes microsoft and says good things about apple... is because secretly, engadget is a microsoft fanboy. and the huge one too. they, just like us, expect only one thing form microsoft. greatness. and from what microsoft has promised to be, the expectation of greatness is just the basis at which the thought of the word "microsoft" should start at. a company with an equity higher than any compnay seen in history, working on projects that have and can again very well change the world as we know it, windows mobile 6.5 just didnt cut it. sure, it was a great software, but it wasnt microsoft great. engadget cant take it when apple always makes all these good products but still sticks to its core flaws of pricing, and thier whole vision... its not to get technology into peoples lives,,, or life without walls as i like to call it :P, but rather to make cash for themselves and keep milking their minion cows. i dont mean to start a flame bit from apple fans from that, but we all know that "a computer on every desk" was microsoft... and after this year's CES, future vision, and windows 7 and other such microsoft displays, one would expect winmo to be the next big thing... its just not.
Alan Partridge @ Feb 18th 2009 12:30PM
This list may aswell have read.
1. It's not made by Apple.
2. It's not made by Apple.
3. It's no......
Flashpoint @ Feb 18th 2009 12:32PM
Damn, you beat me to it.
To tell the truth, if Win Mo offered instant ommunication to Xbox Live and could naturally view Flash and Java images on webpages - such as Youtube (without a special client), Pornotube, HULU, VEOH and use Limewire... I'd ditch my iPhone and get this instead.
Michael @ Feb 18th 2009 12:34PM
i agree. as much as i love engadget, they worship all things apple. microsoft isnt the best thing in the world, but neither is apple...
Jeremy K. @ Feb 18th 2009 12:34PM
Oh c'mon... As much as I don't like Apple, this article isn't biased towards Apple.
JerJer @ Feb 18th 2009 12:39PM
lol i had to double take when i read "pornotube" in your list. was taht really necessary? hahaha
Derbeste @ Feb 18th 2009 12:40PM
You're an idiot.
Find me ANY mention of apple in this entire article. It's clear the author went out of his way to avoid any such comparisons and STILL Apple fans still see a need to defend it from big ole' nasty Engadget.
Seriously, Apple fans....me thinks thou dost protest too much.
LondonConsultant @ Feb 18th 2009 12:44PM
I actually read this article as reasons to get an Android phone...
Look_Around_You @ Feb 18th 2009 12:45PM
"Oh c'mon... As much as I don't like Apple, this article isn't biased towards Apple."
It reads as the predicted hit piece that everyone and their grandmother knew Engadget had ready to go last week, critical of WM in many areas that the iPhone (perfection as seen by some on Engadget) also has trouble in, and is predictably ignored as a minus when it's brought up...If it's ever brought up.
pimlicosound @ Feb 18th 2009 1:25PM
The article doesn't even mention Apple or the iPhone - not even once. There's no obvious bias, but it is obvious that WinMo6.5 is way behind the iPhone's OS, Palm's webOS or Android, when it comes to offering an attractive and easy-to-use touch interface.
KRingg @ Feb 18th 2009 12:48PM
I'm all for pointing out bias, but this certainly doesn't seem to be the case. I generally hate Apple with a fiery burning passion (similar to when I pee), but this totally doesn't apply here.
boxeeftw @ Feb 18th 2009 1:00PM
@ derbeste
Im pretty sure he was saying that engadget was biased towards apple and that he was in fact not an apple fan. So I think tho dost protest too much. Seriously this apple hating has got to stop, people keep saying there are so many article that are apple related, and yet i struggle to find more than 1 in 10 article skewed towards, or even about apple products.
Templarian @ Feb 18th 2009 12:55PM
I have to agree this doesn't really seem biased. It does appear to be VERY premature in its points. But for what they showed so far I have to agree. (I love windows mobile, but I'm happy to say my next phone will probably be Android based).
John Doe @ Feb 18th 2009 12:56PM
Well...I partially agree with Engadget here. We are still looking at a pre-beta (may be pre-alpha version) of WinMo 6.5 and may be they add some of these features when they come out with the final version. But yeah...IE, Media Player and UI too look like a decade old. I dont know why MS needs to shell out 6.5 when 7 is on its way (don't know when though). They should go on the lines of Windows 7 and rightly said 'learn from their mistakes'.
I will agree with you too Alan...Engadget would never even in its dreams blast apple like this when there so many features to add, improve and change in the iphone as well, which would make it the perfect device. This is why I go to CNET as well...when they list some product's short-comings, they also list their advantages (or nice/unique features). Yeah, CNET is biased too but they look at both sides of the coin.
suicycle.com @ Feb 18th 2009 1:06PM
I think the real point to make about WinMo is not who makes it, but that its UI is becoming less and less relevant. Since it is Microsoft, there will be consumers who insist on it and device manufacturers that cannot ignore it. However, when you look at some of the newer WinMo phones, if it weren't for that flag (Start button), you might not even know what OS is being used. For some -- myself included -- that is not a bad thing.
ZSX @ Feb 18th 2009 1:32PM
I agree with you. One of the strengths of Windows Mobile is ease with which you can change the interface. That many of these interfaces no longer make the old interface visible is probably something Microsoft recognizes, hence the insistence now that devices running Windows have a Windows key. So that despite the varied UIs the underpinning OS is the same. That is where they need the most work though.
--------- @ Feb 18th 2009 1:58PM
Here's an idea for a future post.
10 reasons why nonsensical flame-bait postings are great for Engadget's traffic.
UnixSystemsEngineer @ Feb 18th 2009 2:02PM
Have you actually read the article?
First of all, the summary specifically notes that they are the opinions of one man, and not everyone at Engadget agrees.
Secondly, his points are all valid.
adrian @ Feb 18th 2009 2:39PM
Here we go again. When Engadget points out problems with Microsoft software, Lets blame it on Apple bias. Christ, this defence is getting weak.
The level of complaining by Winchumps is starting to reach legendary status.
MaxSMoke @ Feb 18th 2009 5:03PM
No kidding.
insky @ Feb 18th 2009 6:41PM
While I agree this update isn't really too exciting, I can't help but think when Apple releases 2.2.2 it won't get this kind of treatment. Some of these reasons are just quite lame. You think we'll ever see this?
Editorial: Ten reasons why iPhone OS 2.2.2 misses the mark
1: It's exactly the same as iPhone OS 2... er, 1.9
It's exactly the same as the last version the only thing added is blocking jailbreakers.
2: The interface improvements are still way behind the curve.
The grid is just a glorified list.
3: The UI tweaks are mostly just skin deep, and third-parties can't go way deeper.
You have a better idea? Too bad!
4: It doesn't support resistive touchscreens.
Seriously, how am I supposed to type my Chinese characters on there? (Honestly I agree with Engadget on this one, it should support capacitive screens.)
5: It's not due out until "later this year."
Word on the street in Cuperetino is It'll come out when it comes out.
6: You probably can't upgrade your phone if you've jailbroken it.
Wan't to upgrade the firmware on any other mobile OS that you've modified without fear of bricking it? Fine.
7: No Zune integration. Not even a new Windows Media Player.
Nothing here, I agree it sucks there's no Zune integration, but I seriously don't think that will come until WinMo 7.
8: Where's the keyboard?
Not having an external keyboard is horrible. How do they even expect me to actually type without it? (but I agree Microsoft should have a universally accessable soft keyboard by now).
9: The browser still crashes all the time.
Want to install one that doesn't? Too bad!
10: It doesn't innovate in any way.
There's nothing different from 2.2.1. It offers nothing innovative. I mean innovation totally comes with a point change and not an actual revision right?
VanillaSpice @ Feb 18th 2009 10:53PM
@Derbeste, seriously, what are you talking about? What Apple fans? There was no pro-Apple comment before you in the thread! Who are you thinking was defending Apple from Engadget?
@boxeeftw, thank you for your sane and rational comment. Don't get to see that many of 'em.
@insky, read the review that Engadget did on the iPhone. Actually read it. Properly. Then come back here and tell me that Engadget will not criticise the iPhone as you claim ... I think you will find you cannot. Their review was very harsh on many aspects of the iPhone, they criticised it for many reasons and on many bases, and since then they have also repeatedly stated their disappointment with the device, in many articles.
I know how popular the "Engadget is biased towards Apple" urban myth is, what I do not know is how it has managed to gain such traction despite their being absolutely no evidence for it. Literally. If you read what Engadget has said about the iPhone, it has been roughly 30% positive and 70% negative.
They have criticised it, they have slammed it, they have blasted it and they have made snide remarks about it. So WTF does Engadget have to do, before you guys realise that they are not in love with, fanatical about, or biased towards, the iPhone?
I think the only way to convince you, that Engadget is not biased towards the iPhone, is for them to have only ever criticised it, and never mentioned the things they do like about it. In other words, to be biased *against* the iPhone. Clear bias the other way - is that what you would regard as a lack of bias?
ms$a @ Feb 18th 2009 11:22PM
Seriously you guys? Engadget cannot flame Apple products because, let's face it, Microsoft just has more problems. Let me say this: I do not own a single Apple device other than a shuffle. I envy the iPhone because, compared to my Touch Diamond, it simply works better. The iPhone certainly has its faults but it utilizes an amazing UI and integrates well with thousands of applications. There are reasons why it has become one of the most sought after phones on the market.
The author may indeed be inadvertently be referring to some of Apple's innovations here but why shouldn't he? When one company innovates it is expected that others do the same or die in a consumer market. Be it beta or not Microsoft should be able to at least meet current consumer expectations when so many other companies are doing so.
Let's not bake the author because he is an intelligent consumer with a critical eye. If Microsoft, with all its capital and prowess, has problems with its products there is no reason people like Joshua should not point them out.
loosely_coupled @ Feb 19th 2009 2:42AM
I love to see all the idiotic windows mobile fanboys who try to deflect the criticism from their favorite POS operating system by claiming "Pro Apple Bias".
This has NOTHING To do with the iPhone. Yes, the iPhone's OS is far superior to Windows mobile, but so is Android, Blackberry OS, and the many custom extensions and interfaces placed over the top of windows mobile.
To put it bluntly, Microsoft's latest attempt is pathetic and they continue to highly underwhelm everyone.
Blitzkreig @ Feb 19th 2009 10:39PM
This effort is not that bad. Keep in mind this is Windows Mobile 6.5, not 7. Its not supposed to be a complete rewrite.
I agree that this article is not particularly biased toward Apple, but it is doesn't cut Microsoft any favors either. While it may not support multi touch or include Zune integration, it does have an App store, a newer, touch-friendlier interface (which is way better than 6.1 even if it is not as good as Android or the iPhone), a newer IE, and some other new features. If you were expecting a complete interface rewrite with a new kernel and such, your expectations were a little high for a .4 upgrade. Its like expecting Vista SP2 to make vista look exactly like Windows 7 and have a new kernel.
Mike @ Feb 20th 2009 10:19PM
If someone criticizes Apple, the Mac geeks get their feathers ruffled. If they criticize Microsoft, fanboys come out of the woodwork. Guess there's just no way to win, Engadget.
I'm sick of how back and forth you commenters get whenever your favorite product gets criticized, and it's annoying. Face it, WinMo isn't the greatest thing ever, as much as I wish it was, and saying so doesn't make Engadget an Apple fanboy (even if they really are). Sure, WinMo isn't crap, but this is a market where we're all looking for the next big thing, the next technological leap forward, so it's pretty irritating to see Windows Mobile just inch along. We expect big things from Microsoft, and we're feeling pretty bummed that they're not happening.
chance @ Feb 23rd 2009 3:28PM
Wow, so much nerd rage. Go outside and have a cigarette before you abuse yourself.
Chris Macdonald @ Feb 28th 2009 11:20PM
typical engadget... make a little joke and get flamed 25 times...
Dave @ Mar 22nd 2009 4:37AM
It would seem to me that Engadget is not consumed by Apple but rather most of the posters on this blog. The article makes no mention of Apple.
It's a simple fact that in the mobile space they're lots of other choices that are (IMHO) better then WinMo. A number of which do not come from that fruit based company.
Just look at the gphone or the pre... hell if you want a winmob that works better look at what HTC is doing. No one wants to use the default install of WinMo because its not good enough anymore.
Should Engagdet not call to task a product that is not up to scratch??