by Don Burnett
I am predicting that this will be a huge year for Windows Mobile.. Why? Well some things have changed about the Windows Mobile platform that make this an exciting time.
Changes:
- Advent of Windows Live
- Silverlight Mobile Control
- Support for not just the latest Windows Mobile version.
I have been loyal to Windows CE since it's inception (before that Apple Newton) and down through it's various incarnations My first PDA had a grayscale screen. I think my favorite one was the version that looked like Windows 95 had a desktop explorer and a start menu..
I bought a Windows mobile phone over a year ago. It had Windows Mobile 2003 second edition. As soon as I did they came out with a new version. Through my four pocket PCs I kept being left behind. The products I bought have not been able to update to the latest version (including the HP IPAQ 2215 which I still have). I think that's been a MAJOR, MAJOR difficulty with the platform and keeping customer retention in the product line. I have complained about this before.
I like the Windows Mobile OS quite a bit, there are some great applications for it, and I can even myself develop for it.. I admit, I did get a little envious seeing all the hoopla over the new Apple iPhone. However I have seen the Silverlight plug-in for Windows Mobile so I know the level of graphics and overall coolness of Windows Mobile will see a big upgrade in the near future and I really think we are heading for .
On my Windows Mobile Phone I do have an SD card and I did find it really cool when I could sync a whole movie I recorded with Windows Media Center and sync it without having to think about it. I ended up using it to download and watch TV episodes of Smallville during the season a year ago, when I didn't have time to watch it. The screen was a bit small, but hey it fit in the pocket just fine. After a while the novelty wore off and the function was replaced by my brand new Sony PSP. 
I don't really load up my phone with software, it runs slower the more memory used. However, this decision on my part just changed today with software so useful that I'll probably never remove it from my phone.
That would be Windows Live Search..
Besides the typical search engine function, it displays news feeds from MSNBC, has a local search feature for landmarks, locations and businesses, gives you great maps and directions (using NAVTEQ like most commercial GPS systems use). The search function also uses an hierarchical menu system much like Apple's iPod device making navigation easy. I decided to try to simulate the Apple ad on television with it, I searched for seafood, got directions and called the actual place I got directions too.. All that without an iPhone, WOW!
The instant answers feature is quite nice too.. I could get stock quotes and find out information very easily..
This is all new features for my phone and wow they support not just the latest windows mobile but my windows mobile 2003 phone as well.. All I have to say is go Microsoft..This is the best new add-in for the phone since I got it. I am actually finding a justification for the purchase of my data plan. I think this addition should come standard on every Windows Mobile device. The utility of this software client it is unparalleled. It's available as a free download on all current Windows phones. If you have Windows Mobile you should run to download this right now. It made me feel my phone had new function and I was actually happy about my purchase as the one feature I found cool and a reason to buy one is now on the phone I have right now. I am also very happy my phone has real buttons, call me old fashioned but I am still big on real tactile feedback.
Windows Live Search is the first in a series of web connected applications from Windows Live. I am totally impressed by this application and the fact that they are addressing all the installed user base of Windows Mobile tells me that they are very serious about this market and bringing innovation. I would now call the Windows Mobile the best improved product that I have ever purchased.
So before you go out to get that Apple iPhone, check out Windows Live Search and the new Silverlight Mobile. It means a great mobile future ahead for Microsoft.
If this little video below is any indication (reminds me a lot of the Windows Media Center Interface) we are in for a great year..
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