The next version of Windows Mobile is coming and you’ve probably seen more leaks than a broken pipe. Here it is, we’ve got screenshots of the new OS plus information ahead of the 3GSM conference. Why announce this so early ? Well, a certain French publication was a little too keen to print information so here’s the low-down ahead of the announcement on Monday.
What’s new? Well, there’s improved usability and new features which were previously only available on your PC. There’s the ability to view e-mails in HTML format with live links to web and SharePoint sites. There’s Windows Live Messenger which now lets you chat with more than one person at one time, express yourself with animated figures, send a picture or file, plus you can record and send voice notes. Web-based accounts such as Windows Live and other providers will be present, as will mobile versions of Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Direct Push Technology for always up-to-date e-mail, calendars and contacts will be on-board plus you’ll get the option to remotely wipe all data if your handset is lost or stolen.
E-Mail setup has been improved, plus you’ll get a “Reply All”, folder organisation and an automatic “out-of-office” reply when you’re out and about. There’s also a new calendar ribbon allowing a quick-glance at the week ahead plus web search, e-mail, instant messaging and blogging have been brought together with Windows Live for Windows Mobile. Microsoft have also put call history where it belongs, in each individual contact card so people spend less time searching and more time communicating.
Windows Mobile 6 devices will begin appearing in shops by the second quarter of this year. You can see tonnes of screenshots below (courtesy of Jason Langridge’s Weblog)
Update – Chris Leckness has just posted a video showing Windows Mobile 6 in action. Check it out here.
Windows Mobile 6 – The low-down
February 9, 2007