Now that they have their own Windows Mobile application store, dubbed Windows Marketplace for Mobile, it looks like Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) is taking an “open season” stance on Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) and their iPhone apps. A new promotional video from the Windows Mobile team has a couple engineers demonstrating handful of apps that Microsoft rejected from the Windows Marketplace. The video is funny because it’s not too hard to imagine some of the fake apps actually making onto the AppStore. There’s never any mention of the iPhone or the AppStore, but it’s clear what Microsoft is implying here.
Now, Microsoft might be thinking they got Apple good with this ad. But, we’re not so sure. The Microsoft clan is pretty fond of poking fun of Apple, but we think it usually works to Apple’s advantage. Case in point, every post related to this Windows Mobile ad is more than likely going to make mention of the iPhone, Apple and/or the AppStore. Some will probably even mention how the AppStore has gazillions of apps and the iPhone is super popular. That’s all publicity for apple and the iPhone.
Rather than poking fun at the competition, Ballmer and Co. might do better focusing on bringing their wares up to speed. Windows Mobile 6.5 is starting to look like it was released before it was fully polished and Windows Mobile 7 is about a year off (which is like “forever” in the mobile world). All the while, the iPhone, Android and webOS are picking up steam.
But, that’s not to say the video spoof isn’t totally on point or hilarious. Give it a look!
Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) launched Windows Mobile 6.5 as their supposed answer to touch-friendly mobile operating systems like iPhone and Android, but we all knew it was nothing more than a slight re-skin of the Windows Mobile platform meant to hold us over until Windows Mobile 7 was ready for consumption. Turns out, Windows Mobile 6.5 may not have even been ready to go live. The screenshots you see here from a purported Windows Mobile 6.5.1 update suggest that Microsoft is still scrambling to bring their mobile operating system up to speed with competitors. The update boasts changes to button design, button layout and button size that should make Windows Mobile 6.5 more user friendly.
The screenshots show the “Start” button has moved from the top row of the screen (the task bar) to the bottom of the screen. The task bar is now dedicated to displaying tasks, notifications and settings – all accessible with a tap of the finger.
For those of you paying attention, the new button layout meshes nicely with the new Internet Explorer Mobile’s interface (which we briefly show in this hands-on video), which lines the bottom of the display with navigation buttons. The buttons also get a refresh with a more modern look and a bump in size for easier finger input.
Is Microsoft looking to bring the Windows Mobile 6.5 UI more in line with their Windows Mobile 7 design philosophy in order to make the transition to WM7 as smooth as possible? Or does Microsoft really have no idea what they’re doing and hoping to somehow pull a miraculously enjoyable Windows Mobile 7 out of the proverbial air?
Whatever the case, Windows Mobile 6.5 shouldn’t have launched until it was really ready to launch.
Take a look at Windows Mobile 6.5’s more finger-friendly interface and it’s clear that Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) is working to fix what’s wrong with their mobile operating system. Windows Mobile 7, whenever it finally launches, should be Microsoft’s formal response to the likes of the iPhone OS, Android OS and webOS. So, what’s it going to look like? Going on newly leaked design mockups, Windows Mobile 7 looks light years beyond the tiny buttons and awkward menus we’ve come to associate with Windows Mobile.
What you see here are Windows Mobile 7 design ideas compared to the traditional “WinMo look.” Notice the large buttons, sliders, toggles and more palatable layout. The “Start” button also seems to have taken a leave of absence. We’re not sure how much of the design concepts shown here will actually make it to the final version of WM7, but if this is an indication of Microsoft’s design direction, there might be hope yet for Microsoft’s tired mobile OS.
[Update]
We’ve got more WM7 design leaks from PocketNow.
We told you about Acer’s renaming scheme and it’s happening now. The computer maker turned smartphone manufacturer has officially unveiled its Windows Mobile 6.5 lineup, consisting of two series of devices – beTouch and neoTouch.
beTouch are more affordable handsets and at the moment there are three models in the series – E100, E101 and E200. On the other end, neoTouch only has a single “member” at the moment and it’s the Snapdragon-powered S200 aka F1.
Detailed specs were not unveiled, and the same goes for exact prices. We do, however, know these babies will sell from £159 to £295 ($259 to $481) at retail, unlocked. If some carrier jumps in, expect the pricing to go further down. And yes, we’ll be watching for carrier partner announcements, have no doubts about it…
The Samsung i220 Code that had made its way to U.S. Cellular earlier this summer is now available on MetroPCS (NYSE: PCS) as well. For $299.99 off contract, you get a modest package, including a 2 megapixel camera, full QWERTY keyboard, 4-way jog wheel, and Windows Mobile 6.1. Speaking of which, this is the first WinMo handset metroPCS is offering, and fills out a rather sparce selection of proper smartphones. With Exchange support, it’ll make a fine (if blockish), cheaper e-mail alternative to the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) 8330. Hit up the metroPCS online store to check out the Samsung Code for yourself.
If you’ve been hankering for the HTC Tilt2 on AT&T (NYSE: T) since the announcement earlier this month, wait no longer – you can now pick up the Windows Mobile full-QWERTY slider for $299.99 after rebates and on contract. If you haven’t had a chance to check out our review, the Tilt2 is packing a 3.5″ WVGA resistive touchscreen, 3.2 megapixel camera, and, of course, Windows Mobile 6.5 with a TouchFlo user interface. If you’re a media junkie, the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack might turn you off, but for the heavy messengers who need a big keyboard and a lot of options for apps, the Tilt2 will likely do the trick.
The Samsung Omnia II seems to pop up every now and again, but we have yet to see or hear any details of the touchscreen smartphone coming to the US. But, if a new tip from one of PhoneArena’s readers pans out, we’ll be seeing the Omnia II going live in less than a month! The Omnia II boasts an eye-popping 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED touchscreen display, 5-megapixel camera (auto-focus and dual-LED flash), GPS, WiFi and hefty on-board memory stores, so you can see why we’re excited.
We recently spied the Omnia II, at CTIA Fall 2009 conference, wearing a Verizon (NYSE: VZ) logo, so there’s no doubt Big Red will soon offer the Omnia successor. Black Friday (the Friday following Thanksgiving) was a good bet for the Omnia II’s launch, but now we’re hearing that Verizon Wireless could very well go live with the Omnia II on November 1st.
The Omnia II will launch with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional installed, but can soon thereafter be upgraded to Windows Mobile 6.5 as a free update from Samsung. Of course, Samsung’s TouchWIZ UI is a big part of the Omnia II experience, which is going to suck or be awesome for you, depending on how much you like the widget-based UI. We’re not too big on Windows Mobile, and even less on TouchWIZ, but the Omnia II’s feature-set might be enough to distract us from the awkward UI.
AT&T’s own on-contract pricing for their HTC PURE (AT&T (NYSE: T)’s branded Touch Diamond2) wasn’t too bad, but it’s got nothing on Amazon’s asking price. Amazon is now offering the just-launched AT&T PURE for just a penny, when purchased with a new 2-year contract through AT&T. Leave it to Amazon to undercut AT&T on a spanking brand-new Windows Phone.
What can you expect for your penny? Expect to get a 3.2-inch WVGA resistive touchscreen, GPS, WiFi, 3G data, Bluetooth, 5-megapixel (autofocus) camera and microSD card slot with your penny’s worth of PURE. Of course, with Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional already installed, the new PURE is noticeably more usable and responsive than the Touch Diamond2 with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional installed. The WM6.5 update makes a significant difference.
Find the 1¢ HTC PURE here. Remember, you’re going to have to sign your life away for a couple year of AT&T-servitude to get the price. Or, as msmobiles puts it, “24 months of misery.”
Toshiba is pushing out a little present to Toshiba (OTCPK: TOSBF) TG01 owners today. Following on the official launch of Windows Mobile 6.5, TG01 users around the world can now update to the new Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional OS for free! The update is being rolled out to English, German and French language devices, which should just about cover all TG01 owners out there.
You can download the Windows Mobile 6.5 through Toshiba’s website here.
HTC has released Windows Mobile 6.5 firmware updates for two of its devices – Snap and Touch Pro2. At the moment it’s a Europe thing only, but I’m sure updates for devices sold elsewhere are coming in the near future, as well. This is not to say you can’t download the latest firmware and try it out for yourself no matter where you bought the device – it’s only that you will be doing that on your own hand with an option to brick your phone, and you don’t want to do that, right?
Anyway, if you live in Europe and have one of the devices mentioned, hop over to HTC’s support page and click on the appropriate link.
Now that they have their own Windows Mobile application store, dubbed Windows Marketplace for Mobile, it looks like Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) is taking an “open season” stance on Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) and their iPhone apps. A new promotional video from the Windows Mobile team has a couple engineers demonstrating handful of apps that Microsoft rejected from the Windows Marketplace. The video is funny because it’s not too hard to imagine some of the fake apps actually making onto the AppStore. There’s never any mention of the iPhone or the AppStore, but it’s clear what Microsoft is implying here.
If you’ve been hankering for the HTC Tilt2 on AT&T (
The Samsung Omnia II seems to pop up every 
AT&T’s own on-contract pricing for their 
Toshiba is pushing out a little present to Toshiba (
