WM6
Latest
Windows Vista gadgets running on WM6
If you're already a Windows Vista fan, are you using all the gadgets on your desktop too? If so, would it not be great to take some of the sleek usefulness of those Vista gadgets on your WM device? How about Vista gadgets on that shiny new WM6 handheld -- or even newer Windows Mobile-powered digital picture frames like the i-mate Momento 70? There is a proof-of-concept being worked up by Microsoft-ite Mel Sampat that may indeed allow you to get those wonderful gadgets on that WM6 device -- hopefully soon. Perhaps Microsoft will get official on WM6 gadgets soon before the iPhone's OS X steals a little thunder. Until then, those WM6 gadgets are apparently in pre-beta stage for the time being with no available timeline on an official Microsoft release. [Via Slashgear]
Homebrewed Windows Mobile 6 on HTC Hermes!
Are you the proud owner of an Cingular / AT&T 8525 or other variant of the HTC Hermes WM5 handset? If so, you will be glad to know that some regular users/experts on that particular device have managed to get the newer Windows Mobile 6 OS onboard for that oh-so-good-upgrade feeling we all know and love. The residents over at xda-developers have posted a near-final WM6 ROM for that sweet Hermes from a recent carrier leak, with these niceties: an anti-CID / SIM lock was hacked, a custom installer was made and even a few apps were pre-installed on the WM6 ROM that may be begging to live inside that Hermes you have in your hand or pocket. Get it quick, though, as rumor has it xda-developers will be pulling all ROM images down, like, this week.[Thanks, Aaron]
Toshiba announces G500 WM5 device with extended PC connectivity
Toshiba's higher-end G500 was announced and fondled quite a bit at the 3GSM show in Barcelona, Spain a few weeks ago. The G500's Bluetooth, WiFi, tri-band HSDPA, USB on-the-go and WM5 support (why no WM6 yet, Toshy?) seems fairly standard and par for the course. As such, there is little to set this unit off from all the other WM5 devices on the market now -- except for that Toshiba nameplate we're starting to see more and more these days as it steps up to the plate against the likes of HTC and others. One thing that's mentioned includes "extended" PC connectivity for the G500 as it acts as a the keyboard for a PC. While that sounds a little odd, we'll use that ergonomically-enhanced split soft-touch PC keyboard, thank you very much.
Gigabyte's g-Smart t600 and q60 phones
Taiwan's Gigabyte is a bit of a darkhorse in the Windows Mobile game around these parts, but it's been in the game for a while now and its latest round of devices -- getting passed around this week at 3GSM -- shows some R&D savvy. First up, the q60 looks sorta like a Nokia E61 on performance-enhancing substances, bringing tri-band GSM / EDGE plus HSDPA 2100, GPS, WiFi, and a DAB receiver atop a 520MHz XScale core. Next, the t600 tops out with GPRS data, but rocks DVB-H and a gorgeous (well, we can only imagine it's gorgeous) VGA display in addition to the usual spoils like WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0. Expect both to be very hard to come by stateside, but we're sure it's nothing a determined importer can't overcome. See a big shot of the t600 after the break.Read - Gigabyte g-Smart t600Read - Gigabyte g-Smart q60
Lenovo shows Windows Mobile 6 offerings
Lenovo's been pushing phones in its native China for some time -- including some bearing Windows Mobile -- and the company is among Microsoft's launch partners for version six at 3GSM this week. Details are slim for both of these units, but we're guessing the Standard device on the right will be destined for Russia on account of its rather, um... Russia-ish keypad. The Professional handset on the left, though, we're going to call the "Peacemaker." We're not sure exactly how a Google logo found its way prominently onto the frontside of a Microsoft-powered handset, but hey, if all parties involved are cool with that, we're cool with that, too.%Gallery-1610%
i-mate goes deep with Ultimate line, five models promised
i-mate is taking a pretty interesting approach with its newest range of Windows Mobile devices -- the WM6-equipped "Ultimate" range -- by shoving a full five models out the door, all differing only in form factor. Clockwise from the upper left, we have all five in purely theoretical, rendered form: the 5150, 6150, 7150, 9150, and 8150. The strategy makes sense, really; everyone wants a solid spec sheet, but getting everyone to agree on a single shape is an exercise in futility. With 256MB of ROM, VGA displays across the board, tri-band 3G radios, Bluetooth 2.0, and FM radios, the Ultimates definitely hold their own in the spec department -- the only question, then, is whether they've nailed the industrial design. The first model being shown all public-like, the 5150 slider, is admittedly an acquired taste, but some of the others really caught our eyes (7150 and 9150, we're looking at you). Gallery: i-mate's Ultimate line
Palm Treo 750 running Windows Mobile 6
And now, for your viewing pleasure, a Treo 750 supping upon Windows Mobile 6 Professional's sweet, sweet nectar. No, we've no details on when, where, or how this might find its way to existing Treo owners, but it's an encouraging sign, is it not? Follow the break for a little more visual confirmation.
HTC Vox officially unveiled
HTC finally took the wraps off its hotly-anticipated (and well-scooped) "Vox" handset at 3GSM today. The feature set is, by and large, pretty indistinguishable from any other Windows Mobile device these days (quadband EDGE, 2 megapixel camera, 2.4 inch QVGA display, microSD support, WiFi, 128MB of Flash, and 64MB of RAM), but it gets juicy when you slide the Vox's two halves apart to reveal a (gasp!) full QWERTY keypad. By Pocket PC WM6 Professional standards, that's nothing new -- heck, HTC's own devices have had that trick up their sleeves for ages -- but never before in Smartphone trim. Because it's a Smartphone, it'll come equipped with the Standard version of Windows Mobile 6, and we're thinking it'll be likely packing one of the most luxurious typing experiences of any WM6 Standard device on the market (which, of course, we can use to express in email and SMS our frustration to HTC about the lack of a 3G radio). Click on to the gallery for the full exposé of HTC's newest, leanest, meanest QWERTY device doing its thing!%Gallery-1581%
ASUS Aries
Either we're dreaming a lovely dream, or phone manufacturers are finally starting to embrace the concept of tri-band UMTS; for the sake of speed-loving Americans everywhere, we're hoping it's the latter. The "Aries" from ASUS will come bearing all the sweet, sweet fruits of Windows Mobile 6 Standard (that's like Smartphone, for you WM5-toting gals and gents) combined with UMTS on the 850, 1900, and 2100MHz bands for global coverage. Other features include a true scroll wheel (none of that Excalibur-style touch strip action here), 2 megapixel camera, front facing secondary cam for video calls, 520MHz XScale processor, and -- in the event you couldn't deduce it from the pictures -- a QWERTY keypad. We're told the Aries clocks in just a hair wider and thicker than the Excalibur, and if we're going to get global 3G in exchange, well, we're just fine with that. If in-the-flesh shots of phones aren't your thing, peep a decidedly more conceptual view of the Aries after the break!
i-mate adds splash of color, WM6 to SPL
It looks like i-mate's SLVR-like Smartphone, the TechFaith-sourced SPL, has gone to finishing school and learned a few new tricks in the process. First up, the phone will now be offered in red, blue and pink -- all welcome additions to the slightly less-exciting gloss black launched back at CTIA last fall -- but that's only half the story. The other (arguably more interesting) half is that we're seeing shots of the phones bearing Windows Mobile 6 Standard, and while no announcement is being made at 3GSM regarding available of the re-upped OS on this particular device, we reckon it's a good sign for the future. Internally, the new colors look exactly the same as the original model -- meaning that 3G, EDGE, and GSM 850 are all no-shows -- but really, who doesn't want a bright red candybar rocking Bluetooth, a 2 megapixel cam, 128MB of Flash, 64MB of RAM, and the platform formerly known as Crossbow? Hit up the gallery for more shots of the full SPL prism! i-mate's SPL in color
i-mate Ultimate 5150 in the wild
That gold sheen just oozes tri-band HSDPA in its natural environment, does it not? This here is one of i-mate's new Ultimate devices, the 5150, packing pretty much every specification we could hope for in a Windows Mobile 6 package: quad-band GSM / EDGE plus the aforementioned tri-band UMTS / HSDPA, 802.11b / g, 256MB of onboard ROM and 128MB RAM, microSD expansion, Bluetooth 2.0, FM radio, 2 megapixel camera, and VGA (yes, we said it, VGA) display atop a 533MHz XScale core. The unusual layout and style of the navigational controls could throw users a curveball, but, uh... did we mention it does tri-band HSDPA? Check out the gallery for some more champagne-hued hotness.%Gallery-1574%
i-mate JAQ4
By any measure, i-mate and one of its post-HTC era manufacturing partners, Inventec, had some explainin' to do after the debacle that was the JAQ; while packing Windows Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition into a device of its form factor was pretty innovative for its time, the chubby dimensions and somewhat bizarre appearance left us wanting. Enter the JAQ4, which will become i-mate's first phone to launch with Windows Mobile 6 (Professional, no less) and makes good on the JAQ's indiscretions with a more understated look integrated into a black shell. Specs are pedestrian but workable, starting with a quad-band GSM / EDGE radio (no 3G here), 802.11b / g, 128MB ROM, 64MB RAM, Bluetooth 1.2, a camera of the 2.0 megapixel variety, and a 2.8 inch QVGA touchscreen. Follow the gallery link for some shots of the JAQ4 doing its thing, including some alongside i-mate's Ultimate 5150, which is also being announced today. Oh, and don't worry about the blasphemous presence of Windows Mobile 5 on the phone -- we've been assured that it'll be hitting with 6. i-mate JAQ4
HP iPAQ 510 Voice Messenger
It looks like HP's taking another shot at the Smartphone market -- a market it's only halfheartedly attempted to breach in the past -- with the new iPAQ 510 Voice Messenger. The candybar (which, in our humblest of opinions, bears an uncanny resemblance to the Nokia N70) will run Windows Mobile 6 Standard and top out with quadband GSM / EDGE, though the inclusion of 802.11b / g spices things up a bit on the data side and throws the possiblity of VoIP into the mix. A quick glance at the spec sheet shows a 220 x 176 display, 128MB ROM and 64MB RAM, microSD expansion, Bluetooth 1.2, and a lowly 200MHz OMAP850 to keep everything humming along without killing battery juice. See the latest iPAQ minus the glitz and glamor of the press photography in the gallery! HP iPAQ 510 Voice Messenger
Windows Mobile 6 Professional in pictures
So Smartphone Edition's successor, Windows Mobile 6 Standard, is really only half of the story behind the launch of Microsoft's tweaked mobile platform next week. Well, technically, it's a third of the story if you count Classic, which we don't -- Classic is to Pocket PC what Standard is to Smartphone, and it's not the phoneless Pocket PCs that get our hearts pounding these days (our apologies, Axim). Instead, it's Professional that's the real prize here, filling Pocket PC Phone Edition's shoes. Revolutionary it ain't, but for folks who love (or own and merely tolerate) Windows Mobile devices, this sucker's fresh look makes it the new king of the hill on the Microsoft side of the fence. Enjoy the eye candy!%Gallery-1532%
Verizon XV6800 in the flesh
Hold on, Apache owners, your knight in shining armor is just around the corner! At least we think it is, now that we've seen some shots of a Verizon-branded XV6800 doing its thing in the wild. It may not look much different than the XV6700 it replaces, but we figure that if the EV-DO Rev. A doesn't tempt you -- or the promise of a Rev. A upgrade at some point, at least -- the 2 megapixel camera and 256MB of Flash just might. Hit the gallery for more pictures.[Thanks, anonymous tipster] Verizon XV6800 in the wild
Microsoft says WM6 coming to T-Mobile in Q2
Microsoft dropped a semi-bomb by stating that its next-generation mobile operating system -- Windows Mobile 6 -- will be coming to T-Mobile USA shelves in the second quarter of 2007, according to Microsoft. This just-released information -- which had previously been embargoed by the software giant -- was given after an extensive pre-briefing on its capabilities to wireless industry analysts and press this week. Based on information from Microsoft officials, the latest version of Windows Mobile will be given first to T-Mobile here in the U.S. before any other wireless carriers get their official mitts on it. The question then becomes: Will T-Mobile USA immediately make the OS upgrade available to owners of current-generation WM5 devices? After all, there are "ten thousand" changes in WM6 from WM5 according to Microsoft. We hear some massive testing by T-Mobile USA in the near future.[Thanks, TJ]
Windows Mobile 6 Standard in pictures
In light of Microsoft raising the curtain on Windows Mobile 6 and the fact that we have our paws on a couple devices running late pre-release builds, we figured there was really no better way to commemorate the occasion than with a good ol' fashioned gallery detailing every last nook and cranny. Our first collection of eye candy takes a closer look at Standard (what Windows Mobile 5 users will know better as Smartphone Edition), but not to worry, touchscreen fanboys and girls -- your Professional gallery is coming up soon!%Gallery-1517%
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-inNo 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!
Microsoft switches up names for Windows Mobile 6
Some of us are still trying to keep straight in our brains the difference between Windows Mobile Smartphone, Pocket PC, and Pocket PC Phone Edition devices, but with the impending arrival of Crossbow, that ship has apparently sailed. In the realm of new Windows releases, Vista has obviously been garnering the lion's share of the attention, but Windows Mobile 5 is about to ride off into the mobile platform sunset in favor of Windows Mobile 6 -- codenamed the aforementioned Crossbow -- and the naming convention to differentiate between its various flavors is riding with it. Smartphone (read: phones without touchscreens) is rumored to be replaced by the slightly less colorful "Standard," Pocket PC Phone Edition becomes "Professional," and the plain ol' Pocket PC becomes "Classic," perhaps to reflect the fact that phoneless Pocket PCs have been all but shunned to niche markets in recent years. With all due respect to Microsoft and its hardware partners, they could call it "The Stopgap Version To Hold Us Over Until Photon" for all we care; let's just get some product moving in the pipeline, eh?
