Windows Mobile 6.5 confirmed

[psiphi]

Taken from http://blogs.zdnet.com/cell-phones/?p=217&tag=nl.e539

There has never been any official Microsoft announcement or release date for Windows Mobile 7, but much has been leaked about this future mobile operating system. Motorola was recently talking about its future mobile strategy and let slip that a Windows Mobile 6.5 update should be coming prior to Windows Mobile 7.

As stated by Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive of Motorola and chief executive of mobile devices:

"Windows Mobile 6 has not delivered the experience that I think Apple has been able to deliver, but as you look at the plan that is Windows Mobile 7 and even 6.5, I think there are significant new added features which will help the platform."

I wrote yesterday about how I find Windows Mobile 6.1 on my Treo Pro to be a perfectly capable and fully functional OS that may not have all the UI enhancements on the iPhone, but it is stable and relevant in today’s smartphone world. I haven’t seen anything about Windows Mobile 6.5 before, but it makes sense that there would be another update before something like Windows Mobile 7 since that is the way Windows Mobile upgrades have come at us in the past. I do hope that Internet Explorer Mobile 6 comes out before this 6.5 update and am quite curious about what other features Microsoft will throw into an update. The good thing about most of these point updates is that existing hardware can generally be updated.

Sometimes we see some of the enhancements made by ODMs and carriers implemented in these updates. For example, the T-Mobile Shadow (see my review) had a unique Home screen UI that later appeared very similar to what was seen in the Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrade to Standard (non-touch screen) devices. Maybe we’ll see some of the great UI enhancements that HTC and Samsung have made in their devices as part of WM 6.5.


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Seems quite the jump to assume 6.5 will come out, but lets hope...

[jhiciano]

there needs to be something new with the new version to keep up.

[92GTA]

Following the announced delay of Windows Mobile 7, an intermediary upgrade step has been confirmed. While visiting Australia for Liberation Day, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer spoke of the Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade for next year in his roadmap.

In talking about Windows Mobile 6.5, Steve Ballmer did not go in to specifics but did hint at an improvement in the interface and flow of the software. It is believed, however, that this will be the first release to contain the reported Zune software integration instead of the much delayed Windows Mobile 7 release.

Though there was no specific date given for Windows Mobile 7, it was believed to be scheduled for the third quarter of 2010, two years away.

Sources close to Microsoft have indicated to Neowin that Windows Mobile 6.5 is currently being readied for device partners who should receive copies within the next month. It's possible that 6.5 could be ready in 2009 Q1.

http://neowin.net/news/main/08/11/07...e-65-confirmed

[TheRealHotshot]

I would love to see windows 6.5 on the touch pro 1st Q of 2009 that would be great!

[StakeX]

Well, to keep us a little happier until WM7 (2010??!?), WM 6.5 is on the way. Supposed Zune integration is included with this along with some improved GUI, probably for more finger navigation than stylus.)

http://www.neowin.net/news/main/08/1...e-65-confirmed

[BigDiesel07]

I wonder if this will make it onto the HTC Mogul... In an official version, that is.

[Tower]

Sadly I think,but I could be wrong,that the last update for the Mogul,was just that..the last update.Didnt Sprint put this phone on is discontinued list as far as rom updates??

Im sure someone will port it over soon after release but "officially" might be a stretch

But as I said..I may be wrong

[Tiberius85]

According to an older WM 'roadmap,' WM7 was supposed to be an incremental update and WM8 was a total overhaul. What this could mean is 6.5 is the incremental update, and WM7 is the new total overhaul.

Perhaps Microsoft is trying to 'synchronize the 7s' so they release at about the same time.. Windows 7 and Mobile 7 that is.

[dannzeman]

Originally Posted by StakeX

...Supposed Zune integration is included with this...

Fantastic! because so many of us have Zunes...

[CozBoogie]

Threads merged.

late,
Coz