Version of the Windows Mobile operating system | |
Developer | Microsoft Corporation |
---|---|
OS family | Microsoft Windows |
Working state | No longer supported |
Source model | Closed-source |
Released to manufacturing | May 11, 2009 |
Platforms | ARM |
Kernel type | Windows CE |
Preceded by | Windows Mobile 6.1 |
Succeeded by | Windows Phone 7 |
Support status | |
Unsupported as of January 8, 2013 [1] |
Windows Mobile 6.5 is a version of Windows Mobile. It was a stopgap update to Windows Mobile 6.1 intended to bridge the gap between version 6.1, that arrived in 2008, and Windows Phone 7 that was released in 2010.
It was never part of Microsoft's original mobile phone roadmap, and has been described by its former chief executive Steve Ballmer as "not the full release Microsoft wanted" (which later became Windows Phone 7). [2] Ballmer also indicated that the company "screwed up with Windows Mobile", lamenting that Windows Mobile 7 was not yet available and that the Windows Mobile team needed to try to recoup losses. [3] Microsoft unveiled this version at the 2009 Mobile World Congress in February, [4] and several devices were supplied with it. [5] It was released to manufacturers on May 11, 2009; the first devices running the operating system appeared in late October 2009. [6] Several phones that officially shipped with Windows Mobile 6.1 can be officially updated to Windows Mobile 6.5. [7] This update includes some significant new added features, such as a revamped GUI, a new Today screen resembling that of Microsoft's Zune player with vertically scrollable labels (called 'Titanium'). [8] WM6.5 also included the Internet Explorer Mobile 6 browser, with improved interface. [9]
Along with Windows Mobile 6.5, Microsoft announced several cloud computing services codenamed "SkyBox", "SkyLine", "SkyMarket". [10] "SkyBox" has been confirmed as My Phone, [11] while "SkyMarket" has been confirmed as Windows Marketplace for Mobile. [12] This version was designed mainly for easier finger usage. [13] Some reviewers have noted interface inconsistencies, with some applications having small buttons making them harder to operate using only a finger. [14] Whilst this version of Windows Mobile does not natively support capacitive screens, mobile manufacturers have been able to use them on their devices. [15]
In the months following the release of Windows Mobile 6.5, development shifted from Windows Mobile to its successor Windows Phone. As such no major upgrades were planned or released, although three minor updates; 6.5.1, 6.5.3 and 6.5.5; were made to satisfy consumers during the transition period. 6.5.1 brings larger user interface elements, [16] including icon based soft buttons (rather than text-based), [17] an updated contacts app, [18] native support for A-GPS, [16] improved threaded text messaging, [19] and performance improvements. [20] It was unofficially ported to several Windows Mobile phones. [21]
The second minor update was announced on February 2, 2010, along with the Sony Ericsson Aspen which was the first phone to use this version. [22] 6.5.3 continues the trend of attempting to provide a more finger-friendly user interface with several new usability features such as native support for multitouch; although device maker HTC Corporation created proprietary workarounds to allow multi-touch to work on some applications it installed on its HD2 handset (However, Microsoft applications on this handset, such as the Internet Explorer web browser, did not support multi-touch. [23] ) and drag-and-drop start menu icons. Touchable tiles replaced soft keys. [24] Internet Explorer Mobile 6 also received some major updates including decreased page load time, improved memory management and gesture smoothing. [25] As with other updates it was unofficially ported to some other devices. Additional features include threaded email and Office Mobile 2010. [26]
The last minor update and the last released version is 6.5.5. It first leaked in January 2010, and was unofficially ported to some Windows Mobile phones. [27] The name Windows Mobile 6.5.5 has been applied to these newer builds, although this name remains unconfirmed by Microsoft.
Windows Mobile 6.5 has received negative reviews. Gizmodo criticized it for being a superficial upgrade from Windows Mobile 6.1 and noted that it is "just not enough". [28] TechCrunch described typing with the keyboard on the OS as an "absolute miserable chore" due to it being laggy and clunky. [29]
A Pocket PC is a class of personal digital assistant (PDA) that runs the Windows Mobile or Windows Embedded Compact operating system that has some of the abilities of modern desktop PCs. The name was introduced by Microsoft in 2000 as a rebranding of the Palm-size PC category. Some of these devices also had integrated phone and data capabilities, which were called Pocket PC Phone Edition. Windows "Smartphone" is another Windows CE based platform for non-touch flip phones or dumber phones.
Windows Mobile was a mobile operating system developed by Microsoft for smartphones and personal digital assistants.
HTC Corporation, or High Tech Computer Corporation, is a Taiwanese consumer electronics corporation headquartered in Xindian District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. Founded in 1997, HTC began as an original design manufacturer and original equipment manufacturer that designed and manufactured laptop computers.
Internet Explorer Mobile was a mobile version of Internet Explorer developed by Microsoft, based on versions of the MSHTML (Trident) layout engine. IE Mobile comes loaded by default with Windows Phone and Windows CE. Later versions of Internet Explorer Mobile are based on the desktop version of Internet Explorer. Older versions however, called Pocket Internet Explorer, are not based on the same layout engine.
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Windows Mobile 6, formerly codenamed "Crossbow", is a version of Windows Mobile released on February 12, 2007 at the 3GSM World Congress 2007. It comes in three different versions: "Windows Mobile 6 Standard" for Smartphones, "Windows Mobile 6 Professional" for Pocket PCs with phone functionality, and "Windows Mobile 6 Classic" for Pocket PCs without cellular radios.
A mobile operating system is an operating system used for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smartglasses, or other non-laptop personal mobile computing devices. While computers such as typical/mobile laptops are "mobile", the operating systems used on them are generally not considered mobile, as they were originally designed for desktop computers that historically did not have or need specific mobile features. This line distinguishing mobile and other forms has become blurred in recent years, due to the fact that newer devices have become smaller and more mobile unlike hardware of the past. Key notabilities blurring this line are the introduction of tablet computers, light laptops, and the hybridization of the two in 2-in-1 PCs.
Windows Phone (WP) is a discontinued mobile operating system developed by Microsoft for smartphones as the replacement successor to Windows Mobile and Zune. Windows Phone featured a new user interface derived from the Metro design language. Unlike Windows Mobile, it was primarily aimed at the consumer market rather than the enterprise market.
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