Microsoft introduces Windows Mobile 6.5, the latest version of its operating system for smartphones. Will the Redmond company to recover the shares, which have alienated BlackBerry, iPhone and Co.?
Windows Mobile 6.5 is now finished and the eighth edition of the mobile operating system from Microsoft. However, it seems even before the official start on Oct 06, 2009 under a bad star. Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer said to have questioned in the context of the Venture Capital Summit, the competitive already. Apparently, the Microsoft boss is equal to its successor, Windows Mobile 7, which will also appear under the name Windows Phone. The numbers speak for Balmer, then finally, a study by Canalys revealed that the proportion of devices running Windows Mobile is the world dropped below ten percent. But even if the Microsoft chief puts little faith in the latest addition of Windows Mobile, so users still have some reason to look forward to the new edition.
First, there is the completely revised user guide. Microsoft is trying to emulate Apple and Co. and adorns the programs in the Start menu significantly larger icons, which are arranged in a honeycomb structure. The standby screen is replaced by the larger menu items that can be operated more easily with one finger. The screen is locked, Windows Mobile 6.5 in the future but important information about upcoming events or to new messages. Also completely new is the Internet Explorer Mobile, which has been significantly improved and can take it now, almost to the top dog Opera Mobile - but lack convenience features such as tabbed browsing and bookmark synchronization.
Microsoft also has a virtual store for applications in store. The Windows Marketplace will provide users with fast access to applications for Windows Mobile - Microsoft's counterpart to the quasi Apple AppStore, the BlackBerry App World Market or Android.
