WM "Crossbow" Reviewed

[Malatesta]

Review of Windows Mobile 6.0 for PPC (Crossbow) operating system

Read full story HERE


"The manufacturers are getting RTM version of Windows Mobile Crossbow in November, 2006 ? in light of this fact we predict first devices running on WM 6.0 to be released by the end of 2Q, 2007."

The list of major changes introduced in Windows Mobile 6.0 for Pocket PC:

* Revamped outlook, refined icons;
* Totally re-mastered sound theme;
* Increased interface speed;
* Bundled IP-telephony (VoIP, SIP standard);
* Smart Dial 2.0, fast search through contacts, call history; removable on-screen virtual keyboard;
* Any tune can be assigned to any event;
* Support for shortcuts in Outlook Mobile;
* Full-fledged meetings arrangement system;
* Support for HTML in messages;
* Smart Filter ? handy and fast search through messages;
* Numerous MS Exchange 2007-tailored changes;
* Integration with Windows Live online-services;
* Marketplace ? purchase, download, and install directly from the device;
* Encryption ? bundled memory card encryption

[wingzero]

Looks pretty cool. Any chances this will be on the next ppc-6800?

[budney]

Thanks for posting Mal.

That article make me wonder how soon we will see more PPCs with VGA screens, with all the graphic changes in it?

[Malatesta]

Originally Posted by wingzero

Looks pretty cool. Any chances this will be on the next ppc-6800?

Hard to say.

If yes, you won't get a 6800 till June or July.

If however, the 6800 is "already testing" (though I have yet to hear any follow ups to this gossip) and if it is slated to be released in the next 2 or 3 months, then no way...you're talking AKU 3.2 tops. And knowing how conservative Sprint and HTC are with their long testing processes, I would bet only AKU 3.0 if that.

Originally Posted by budney

That article make me wonder how soon we will see more PPCs with VGA screens, with all the graphic changes in it?

The VGA thing has more to do with cost vs. mass production. The main problem with VGAs is that they are expensive to produce and manufacture.

I don't see any mention that Crossbow will be anymore "VGA friendly" than regular WM5 but I think we'll see more VGA devices as costs come down yet still plenty of QVGAs. OTOH, the Smartphone version is supposed to go up in resolution (they were below 240 in some instances).

[gershee]

i want i want!!

[Wideawake]

yea I seen some screenies awhile back....looks like its gonna be a nice os completely rebuilt?!? but I didn't like the scheme of the screenies I saw maybe just maybe they will stick with the blue I love so much
~mike

[Malatesta]

Originally Posted by Wideawake

yea I seen some screenies awhile back....looks like its gonna be a nice os completely rebuilt?!?
~mike

Definitely not a completely rebuilt OS. More like AKU 4.0 with a face lift.

Photon in Q2 2008 is the big re-write with a new kernel and a flexible architecture, finally combining the smartphone and PPC platforms.

Some people have seen Photon already in it's rough stages but they all signed NDAs so nothing can be said outside it has some real nice features

[budney]

Originally Posted by Malatesta

The VGA thing has more to do with cost vs. mass production. The main problem with VGAs is that they are expensive to produce and manufacture.

I don't see any mention that Crossbow will be anymore "VGA friendly" than regular WM5 but I think we'll see more VGA devices as costs come down yet still plenty of QVGAs. OTOH, the Smartphone version is supposed to go up in resolution (they were below 240 in some instances).

Very true about the price of VGA screens. And it would be silly to make a OS "QVGA friendly" right now. It's just with the new 3D icons and the new today bars, a VGA deice will give them more depth.

[SpeedDemon]

I'm curious if we can get an update from MS for this. Normally you have to get an upgrade from the phone supplier. This looks to me like a nice update of the OS. I definately want it!