Windows Mobile 6.5 to be redubbed Windows Phone Classic?
By Ross Miller 
posted February 17th 2010 7:23PM
posted February 17th 2010 7:23PM
What, you didn't think Microsoft would really keep up with the non-parallel syntax of "Windows Phone 7 Series" and "Windows Mobile 6.x," did you? We knew Windows Mobile 6.5.3 would continue its admittedly less chic existence, but now comes word via I Started Something that it'll be rebranded as Windows Phone Classic. The name change apparently won't take effect until the 7 Series devices start hitting consumer hands -- can't have a classic without something newer to take its place, right? No worries, Sense UI fans, it looks like you'll still have plenty of WinMo support, even if that portmanteau goes the way of the dinosaur.
why do they need two os. come on get your act toghter.
@danhawk911
Just like how Windows XP co-exist with 7. So people can't let go
@danhawk911 Windows Mobile is huge in the corporate world, especially with those little pocket PC scanners nearly every store(even Apple) has.It isn't just a consumer phone operating system.
@danhawk911
"some" no so
@danhawk911
Ha! I predicted this! WinMo Classic will not die so easily. It's too versatile. Not only does it have a brazillion apps for it, it's customizable as hell, and some manufacturers have sold millions of phones skinning it.
I like the new WinMo7 and can't wait to get my hands on it, but Cleveland in IT is gonna breathe a little easy knowing he can continue to rock the Classic.
@mailbox01 I think most people can let go of winmo 6.5
http://www.windowsphoneclassic.com/
Looks like someone is gonna get some monies...
It was registered on November 4th of last year. If I only knew!
@danhawk911
Yes make WP7S skinnable
(I'll stick with classic)
@danbrunell
apple does not have them anymore.
@danbrunell Not anymore they now use those iPod touch mods now.
Epic Fail
@I was swhite237 I lost my passwo
Yeah! Epic fail supporting users (business and personal) from previous OS!
/s
@I was swhite237 I lost my passwo
You lost your password.
Epic Fail!
@I was swhite237 I lost my passwo
Theres nothing classic about Windows Mobile 6.5 especially considering it came out late last year
A better name would be ''Windows Phone Dated'', as it looks really dated compared to Windows Phone 7, and not much different to Windows Mobile 2003 or 5 or 6 or 6.1
@Dking7 I meant the name was an epic fail. Calling an OS classic is like saying it's heading for the trash bin.
WoW. I wounder why Windows Vista was not named "Windows Classic" yet.
and I am CAPPPTTAIIN PLLAANNEETT!
@CaptainPlanet
More like Captain Obvious.
Windows Phone Classic = Captain Ron.
@mianmian
Ive all ways wondered why Microsoft keep changing names of Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile, Windows Phone, Windows CE, Pocket PC, PalmPC
@CaptainPlanet
WHO?!?!
@mianmian
That's XP's title. Vista's "Windows Fail"
@OCEAN CLAK
Windows CE is not Windows Mobile. CE is the underlying core of Mobile, Zune OS, and plenty of other operating systems that you've probably used but not noticed.
@Kira
I meant Windows CE Pocket PC Edition (2000)
I prefer the old, stagnant taste of Windows Classic, while my kids prefer the hip, bold flavor of new Windows Phone 7 Series.
It rolls right off the tongue!
This kind of reminds me of that one futurama episode, where they create a new slurm (diet?) to promote the sale of slurm classic!
Sense UI will live on, on Android.
@RioRyan But, but, it won't be the same!
Eh, I would've figured since this is one of those "it's broke, let's fix it" they would want to keep a walled off brand name on the "new and improved", but what do I know?
Since we all know the hardware requirements now, I wonder if we'll see new WinMo phones through the rest of the year be marketed as "crossover devices" and sold on their ability to upgrade to WinPho7. I get the whole "classic" moniker means that 6.x support won't be dropped entirely, but that won't be adopted until the release of 7 and I can't help but think that only tragic fools and the uninformed will buy WinMo phones running an OS that has a specific date this calendar year for obsolescence.
I'm envisioning an HD2 type device with the proper button layout, maybe drawing on the AMOLED screen and noise cancellation features of the Nexus and an upgraded camera? I'd tap that... you hearing me, HT&T?
@schismal
It's not that easy. In my company, our guys working in the field have tremendous use for this software, as it becomes an accurate way of writing down every order and details and then sync it right to the office so the budget department can bill customers.
@rhesusplus ( I forgot to say. We have a WinMo software that there is no alternative for on any other devices)
@rhesusplus I still see a great benefit for an optional crossover. You need/like Win Classic? Keep it. You bought this phone because it'd be upgraded, upgrade. Engadget keeps saying that sales will plummet because who would buy a phone when they know WP7S is on the way? Well, those who need it and those who want WP7S but like the current hardware and form factor of a phone while settling for Win Pho Classic.
There's no reason to cede sales in the meantime, just because there is a group of people who don't want to upgrade, if both like the current phone then both can live on happily after WP7S comes available.
@schismal
You can't upgrade because the button configuration at the front of the Classic devices is different. You'd have to re-purpose existing buttons and MS doesn't want anyone to do that. They want the "search" button to be a search button, not an unused "home" key.
Windows Mobile Classic is more robust and versitile then 7 series or any other mobile operating system in the world. Maybe the dumb phone concept that apple introduced isnt for everyone?
@JayZ
Should have called it Windows Nerd Phone! We still have a place in popular culture....
You forgot the series...
Windows Mobile Classic Series
@TheGM Series is presumptuous, we know series is on the WP7S because that's how it was told to us.
From the source link: "Going forward, Windows Mobile 6.5 (and Windows Mobile 6.5.3) will be rebranded as Windows Phones Classic, and presumably the devices as Windows Phones Classic Series." They didn't forget anything, just didn't add the presumption.
@TheGM
Windows Mobile Classic is the PDA (Pocket PC) version of Windows Mobile
@TheGM
Yeah because you know what rocks about BMW's and Mercedes?
The word 'series'....
*snickers...
WinMo? That's so last year... it's all about WinPho now!
@MowDownJoe
Pho sho'!
@(Unverified)
WinPoo series 6.5
Microsoft Windows Phone Classic 6 Series - nice name.
I think this is a good idea. While we love the fact that Microsoft is trying something different, there are too many people who rely on the old Windows Mobile. So Microsoft can't ditch it just yet.
@XTer
Having trouble reading? It'll be named Windows Phone Classic not Windows Phone Classic 6 Series.
There is another SKU...Windows Phone 6® Starter Edition.
http://www.bsquare.com/EventCalendar/EventDetails.aspx?ItemID=289&mid=221
Its full name should be 'Windows Phone Classic(Understatement of the Century Eh?)'. Just joking.
Interesting. I like this news. 6.5.3 + Sense is a good OS. And I hate to say it, but more versatile than WM7 (although probably not as stable).
a dinosaur that no developer will waste time developing for..
I think a better name would be Caprice Classic.