windows mobile 6.5

Reminder: Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace closing up shop on May 9th

Submitted by Rich Edmonds on Mon, 04/09/2012 - 16:56

A friendly reminder to our beloved Windows Mobile 6.x users: the Windows Mobile Marketplace is to be discontinued on May 9th, 2012. From that date on, users will no longer be able to access the service to download content. All apps and games already installed on handsets will continue to work as expected after the Marketplace is closed down, but further downloading of already purchased apps will no longer be available.

Microsoft recommends users review apps and games installed on any Windows Mobile handsets and install all available updates in advance. According to the reminder email sent out by the company, all apps and games that are compatible with the platform may still be available from developers directly or via third-party Marketplaces.

Should you be looking to upgrade and leave the golden days behind, now is a perfect opportunity with Windows Phone. The Lumia family of handsets are rolling out globally, with devices from popular OEMs including HTC, Samsung and LG. Be sure to check out our reviews of any device you may be interested in for more information and a detailed walkthrough. Check out the reminder email after the break.

Windows Mobile 6.x Marketplace to be discontinued on May 9

Submitted by Seth Brodeur on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 15:25

Microsoft is sending out email notices to current and former Windows Mobile 6.x users to prepare them for the upcoming shutdown of the 6.x Marketplace. As of May 9, browsing, purchasing and downloading functionality will be discontinued. While currently installed apps and games will continue to function, users are warned to check for updates sooner, rather than later, as they will no longer be provided for the soon-to-be legacy software.

It's the end of an era and an opportune time to upgrade. There is a wide range of Windows Phone devices out there at every price range (unless you're on Verizon or Sprint). However, with Apollo due out later in the year, does it make sense to cut off Windows Mobile users and inspire them to upgrade, only to prompt buyer's remorse when Windows Phone 8 hits? Could this timing signify the arrival of Apollo, or at least offer hope that WP7 can be upgraded to WP8?

Source: Microsoft

Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 OS released

Submitted by Seth Brodeur on Tue, 01/11/2011 - 18:31

Way back in June, we told you that Microsoft was developing a new OS designed specifically for enterprise hardware, like pricing and inventory scanners, like the Motorola/Sprint ES400S. Yesterday, MS made it officially available for use. As the name implies, Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 is built on the Windows Mobile 6.5 platform and "can take advantage of multiple screen sizes and input methods, peripherals to extend device capabilities and multiple connectivity options." It is already set to be used on products by Motorola, Intermec and Honeywell.

MS started with version 6.5 to give its customers a clear upgrade path from the current software, to Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5, to a newer version of the OS that will be based on Windows Phone 7. While official support for version 6.5 will last up into 2014, the newer WP7-based OS is due out in the second half of 2011, according to the big guy himself, Steve Ballmer.

Source: Microsoft

Robbie Bach's Windows Mobile open house keynote

Submitted by Daniel Rubino on Thu, 09/09/2010 - 10:49

For those of you who didn't join us Tuesday for the liveblog from Microsoft's launch of Windows Mobile 6.5, here's Robbie Bach's keynote, in its entirety.

Full list of Windows Mobile 6.5 phones

Submitted by Daniel Rubino on Thu, 09/09/2010 - 10:24

Today's launch of Windows Mobile 6.5 truly is a global event, with dozens of phones either already available or being unveiled. At home, we have the following [via Microsoft]:

HTC Pure from AT&T, available now.
HTC Imagio from Verizon Wireless, on sale online.
Samsung Intrepid from Sprint, available Oct. 11, 2009
HTC Tilt 2 from AT&T, available in the coming weeks

And after the break, a list of everything released worldwide.

Sprint announces the Samsung Intrepid

Submitted by Daniel Rubino on Thu, 09/09/2010 - 10:21

Sprint this morning announced the addition of the Samsung Intrepid to its Windows Mobile lineup as a follow-up to the Ace. Here's what's we know thus far:

Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional.
2.5-inch touchscreen at 320x240.
WiFi b/g.
3.2MP camera.
World Phone.
Microsoft's Tell Me service is on board!

Other rumored specs were a 528MHz Qualcomm processor, with 512MB ROM/256MB RAM.

The Intrepid will be available Oct. 11 for $149.99 after contract and rebate.

Full presser after the break.

Sync your Windows Mobile 6.5 device with a Linux box

Submitted by Daniel Rubino on Mon, 05/17/2010 - 17:53

Confession: we here at WMExperts, unfortunately, know jack about Linux, their distros (sounds like a fun party) nor how to really do anything in the OS.

Still, we imagine there are a handful of you who want (but can't) sync your trusty WM6.5 device with your favorite Linux OS. True? False? We dunno.

Luckily Linux pro 'Feedsbrain' (ahem) has written a nice tutorial on how to just that.

Now to us, his directions are written in an alien language, but for your linux-experts out there, we're pretty sure this will make sense.

Now go read and let us know if this was remotely helpful!

"Synchronize Windows Mobile 6.5 and Linux Box"

Sprint Touch Pro 2 update definitely coming tomorrow

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Thu, 03/18/2010 - 13:50

Need more proof that the Sprint Touch Pro 2 is finally getting the official Windows Mobile 6.5 update on Friday? Look no further than the official Sprint playbook itself.

And so you can go ahead and torture their servers, bookmark Sprint.com/downloads and htc.com/www/support_select_product.aspx and get your F5 on. Thanks, 99accordv6!

Sprint Touch Pro 2 Windows Mobile 6.5 update may come this week

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Tue, 03/16/2010 - 20:06

For all of you who have kept on us about the Sprint Touch Pro 2 Windows Mobile 6.5 update, well, good on ya. We now may finally (FINALLY!) have an answer, courtesy of a post at ppcgeeks. What you see above purportedly is an internal Sprint memo that points to March 19 as the day of days. "Sense UI enhancements" are mentioned, but it's still anybody's guess as to whether we're talking Sense 2.5 or what. So stay tuned, folks. [ppcgeeks]

Sprint document shows Touch Pro 2 Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade in March

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Tue, 03/09/2010 - 17:40

All but confirming what we've been telling you for what seems like forever, a "Sprint Small Business Catalog" mailer posted at PPCGeeks shows the Touch Pro 2 "software update coming in March." Seeing as how we're about a third of the way through the month, we should be seeing it any time now. Or not. We're not going to count our chickens on this thing until the update's in hand.

And the question remains: Will we see Sense 2.5, like on the HTC HD2? Or just the regular flavor? [PPCGeeks]

Adobe to stop Flash development for WM 6.5?

Submitted by George Ponder on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 16:30

Adobe may have let it slip on its forums that it will no longer pursue development of Flash 10.1 for Windows Mobile 6.5. The question was asked about the availability of Adobe Flash 10.1 and a forum member, that some are identifying as a Adobe representative replied, "As for WinMo, we have made the tough decision to defer support for that platform until WinMo7. This is due to the fact that WinMo6.5 does not support some of the critical APIs that we need." The same representative also mentions that the HD2 will be first Windows Phone to support Flash.

If Adobe doesn't plan on continuing development towards WM 6.5, instead will focus on WP7S and the first Windows Phone to run Flash will be the HTC HD2 ... could this add more credence to the thought that the HD2 might be upgradeable to Windows Phone 7 Series? Or are we stretching things a wee bit too much?

Read: Electronista.com

T-Mobile Touch Pro 2 update officially out now

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Sun, 01/17/2010 - 18:32

The Windows Mobile 6.5 update for the T-Mobile Touch Pro 2, which leaked out a while ago, is now available through official channels, if you're into that sort of thing. (Looks like that rumored Jan. 20 date got blown, eh?) You're going to need your IMEI number (look under the battery), and then head here to get it. [via TmoNews]

T-Mobile reportedly set to update Touch Pro 2, Dash 3G on Jan. 20

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Mon, 01/11/2010 - 21:48

Headline pretty much says it all here. TMoNews has it on good authority that updates to Windows Mobile 6.5 for the Touch Pro 2 and Dash 3G (aka the HTC Snap) will be coming on Jan. 20 (after that rumored Jan. 6 date came and went). Here's exactly what they heard:

Touch Pro2 and Dash 3GOn January 20, the Windows Mobile 6.5 software upgrade will be available for customers with the T-Mobile Touch Pro2 and the Dash 3G. Customers can obtain the update on T-Mobile.com at www.t-mobile.com/wmupgrade.

Considering T-Mobile was the first carrier to launch the Touch Pro 2, it's an update we're very happy to finally see. Now, where's that HD2?

Windows phone marketing campaign appears to be in the works

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Sat, 12/19/2009 - 03:43

Looks like we might be in store for a new Windows phone marketing push, right about the time of CES. Gizmodo snagged shots from a Crispin Porter ad agency wall (note to any business that splurges on a projector -- that's how it's done!) showing real-time jobs. Listed under Jan. 4 is "Windows Phone Banners - Phase 2 Media." Jan 8 brings "Windows Phone Q3 Media Refresh."

Breaking out our crystal ball, that could mean a few things:

Some long-awaited Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrades could be on the way.
It could mean the Windows Marketplace for Mobile Phase 2 we'd heard about, though the timing would be off.
Third-quarter media refresh? Windows Mobile 7 might still be possible then, or it could be some sort of multimedia/Marketplace thing. Or it could just mean new ads, as in advertising media. We're just throwing things against the wall here.

Regardless, we'll keep our eyes peeled in Las Vegas for anything new. (And we'll keep our eyes peeled for those Burger King funnel cake sticks, too.)

webOS review - Smartphone Round Robin

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Fri, 12/18/2009 - 17:17

Myriad metaphors come to mind when thinking about Palm and Microsoft. David and Goliath. A young upstart fighter who took a couple of punches, versus an aging but still powerful opponent. A young executive overtaking the old man in the corner office. Take your pick.

In the past year, Palm announced and delivered on a new (and some say revolutionary) operating system and a pair of new phones. Microsoft announced and delivered another iteration of its operating system, which has found itself on a number of new devices. Their stories parallel each other, though many say the companies and their platforms are traveling in opposite directions.

After the break, we go in-depth with Palm's webOS from a Windows Mobile perspective, Smartphone Round Robin-style.

SPB Backup gets update for WinMo 6.5

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Thu, 12/03/2009 - 19:30

SPB Backup, one of our top choices for full-device backups, got a slight spec bump this week. Tilt Mobility spied it and notes the following changes:

Windows Mobile 6.5 support
Windows Mobile upgrade 6.1 to 6.5 support
Small interface updates
Various bug fixes based on user reports

You can snag the new download over at SPB's site.

AdMob shows interesting mix of old, new(ish) phones running Windows Mobile

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 18:13

AdMob, which, "serves ads for more than 15,000 mobile Web sites and applications around the world," recently released its October smartphone numbers. [pdf link] And as expected, Windows Mobile isn't exactly causing anyone to faint. The most damning chart shows Windows Mobile with a mere 4 percent of requests (as in hits) from smartphones, compared to 5 percent from WebOS, 12 percent from BlackBerries, 20 percent from Android and a whopping 55 percent from the iPhone.

Really, that's no great surprise. And we'd expect Windows Mobile's numbers to tick up a bit over the November, December and January, after the flurry of phones that hit the market upon launch of Windows Mobile 6.5.

But what's even more intriguing to us is the breakdown of Windows Mobile phones (these aren't Windows phones, as they're not running WinMO 6.5). Take a look at the chart below.

The most recent phones on there: The HTC Snap, at No. 20, with 0.9 percent share of requests. A couple versions of the Samsung Omnia come in at Nos. 6-7, and the Treo Pro's at No. 9. The HTC Touch Pro is at No. 1, and we have to remind ourselves it's not THAT old, but still ... There are some aging (as in gray hair and hearing aids) devices on that list.

And that says to us a couple of things:

1. You guys and gals love your Windows Mobile phones. So much so that you're still rocking last year's (and beyond) devices. Good for you.

2. You have some tough choices ahead of you. Windows Mobile 7 still hasn't been officially announced, and we still don't know exactly what to expect (other than much better hardware). So, to upgrade, or not to upgrade. We'll revisit that soon. In the meantime, sort things out in the comments.

No Windows Mobile 6.5 update for Xperia X1

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Wed, 11/18/2009 - 15:47

Those of you holding out hope that the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 will get an official update to Windows Mobile 6.5 can let that dream die. An SE rep apparently has told Crave Asia that there will be no update, quit asking, now go buy the Xperia X2. (OK, we made up those last two parts.)

The good news? Unoffocial ROMs have been available for quite some time now in the usual places, so long as you don't mind a little hardSPL trickery. And as a reminder, here's the link to the semi-official (and still rather sparse) upgrade list, so check it to see if good news is headed your way. [Crave Asia via wmpoweruser]

Meet the Toshiba Dynapocket X02T, with a cameo by Quentin Tarantino

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Fri, 11/13/2009 - 19:15

Here's the Toshiba Dynapocket X02T from Japan's Softbank. If it looks familiar, it should. It's really just a rebranded Toshiba TG01. But what's new this time is that Softbank has U.S. filmmaker Quentin Tarantino (perhaps you've heard of him) shilling for it, and it's definitely entertaining. Peep video of the Q-Man (that's what he asked us to call him -- really) and more of the Dynapocket X02T (great phone, lousy name) after the break. [dvice via newlaunches]

What's on your Today Screen?

Submitted by Phil Nickinson on Thu, 11/12/2009 - 17:57

Fess up: You can't leave good enough alone. You can't just use the stock Windows Mobile 6.5 interface. You have to crack open TouchFLO 3D and tweak every little setting you can. SPB Mobile Shell. Point UI. The list goes on.

After the break, see what we're all rocking here at WMExperts. Then, it's your turn. We want to see what you guys and gals have come up with on your Windows phones. (But let's keep it clean, folks. PG-13 and under.) Head into the forums and show us your stuff. And no need to fret if you don't have Windows 6.5 yet. We want to see from you guys, too.

windows mobile 6.5

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