Windows Mobile

Windows Mobile  is an operating system family, developed by Microsoft company for mobile devices (the PDA, smartphones, communicators). Operating systems under the name of WM are known for the similarity to the Windows systems for personal computers from the same producer. Windows Mobile supports a number of applications for reproduction of files of a "computer" format and, for some, their edition.

The Windows Mobile systems are installed on various mobile devices with different functionality. Since 2005 (see article Windows Mobile 5.0) years the Microsoft company relied on a single system for the PDA, communicators and smartphones. Systems for different types of devices had insignificant shortcomings and in general resembled very much.

2016: Windows 10 Mobile

Main article: Windows 10 Mobile

Windows 10 Mobile is the version of Windows 10 OS for mobile devices with screen diagonal to nine inches. OS is focused on synchronization with the version of Windows for the PC and broader synchronization of content, "universal" applications, connectivities of devices to the external display and uses of the smartphone as the PC with the interface, a mouse support and keyboards. Smartphones on Windows Phone 8.1 could be updated to Windows 10 Mobile.

2014: Windows Phone 8.1

Main article: Windows Phone

On April 3, 2014 Microsoft provided updating of mobile OS - Windows Phone 8.1.

2010: Windows Phone 7

Main article: Windows Phone

Windows Phone 7 (the code name Photon) — the Microsoft platform for mobile phones based on Windows Embedded CE 6.0. It is announced in February, 2010. Turns on completely new minimalist graphical interface and new programming aids. In Russia sales of the first WP7 device - HTC Mozart - began in September, 2011.

2009: Windows Mobile 6.5

Windows Mobile 6.5  is the operating system for the mobile devices with the main set of applications based on Microsoft Win32 API. The planned date of an exit  — the fourth quarter 2009.

Modifications

As before, Windows Mobile 6.5 is submitted in three modifications:

• Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional. Installation on all communicators is possible. This modification is the most demanded as the share of the PDA and smartphones on Windows Mobile is very small;
• Windows Mobile 6.5 Classic. Installation is possible only on classical PDA;
• Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard. It is intended for smartphones without touch screen.

Differences from the previous version and new features

• This version of the mobile platform is most optimized under work as fingers, for this purpose in it the new main menu in the form of cells is used (there will be no usual Start menu with a matrix from icons any more). For pop-up menus the new style is also used, now they became larger and more convenient for clicking by fingers.

• The updated Internet Explorer Mobile in which the zoom slider and the most often used commands appeared.

• The structure of OS includes two new applications for access to MyPhone and Windows Marketplace services. Windows Marketplace  is a service for purchase of software on the Internet. Using MyPhone it is possible to synchronize all data of the device with the server. "all data" are meant as any data, whether it be contacts, notes and events of the calendar, or archive of text messages and pictures with video. MyPhone  is an analog of Microsoft Exchange Server.

• The new screen keyboard with big keys and a possibility of input of additional characters without transition to the special mode, holding buttons couple of seconds.

• The interface of the Windows Media Player player and window of blocking of the screen is a little updated.

System Requirements

The operating system will acceptable work with RAM with an amount of 128 MB and the processor with a frequency of 400 MHz.

2007

 Windows Mobile 5.0 Second Edition — Crossbow

In the second half of 2007 the Microsoft company released Windows Mobile 5.0 Second Edition — Crossbow  ("Crossbow"). Windows Mobile 5.0 Second Edition Photon appears in the second half of 2008. The release of new versions for mobile devices was caused by market need. The market did not stand and does not stand still, the PDA, mobile phones and smartphones constantly develop, improve their technical characteristics, new opportunities appear. The sizes of screens change, there are new standards of communication and the version of Bluetooth and WAP, there was Wi-Fi, the standard of screens became from monochrome color, there was a need to increase resolutions.

Windows Mobile 6.0

2007 was marked by WM 6.0 exit. At the heart of Windows Mobile 6.0 the kernel of Windows CE 5.0 in which there is a support of Direct3D Mobile, Windows Error Reporting, work in the form of USB storage without drivers, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi is put.

Microsoft announces an exit of two systems under the Windows Mobile logo. It is Windows Mobile 6.5 which development is at the moment complete, and the first batch of mobile devices under its management, and Windows Mobile 7, the innovation and unusual as producers promise, a system in a line prepares for an exit.

Advantages

First, the Windows Mobile interface is very similar to the interface of computer versions of software from Microsoft. And therefore it is usual and, therefore, it is convenient in use. At turning on of any device working running this operating system, the user has an opportunity to work with the same graphics and the principles of creation of programs that discards need of reeducation and accustoming to other methods of work with digital formats. The application package is presented by the same programs, as in desktop versions of Windows. There are office Word and Excel programs, with necessary and usual functions and opportunities, Outlook for the contact list, Windows Media for multimedia files, Internet Explorer for web surfing. Functions of the last application are a little limited in comparison with the computer version, but all most important main opportunities on site: Flash support, adding of pages in Favorites are present in full. Windows Mobile supports simple and familiar to all text (notepad) and graphic editors, the calculator and is a lot of others, the people who are daily used by millions, programs.

Thus, one of the main advantages of the Windows Mobile operating system is its habitualness and clearness at the intuitive level in work with the majority of the preset programs.

Secondly, Windows Mobile maintains multitasking in accomplishment of software processes. So this system can brag of ability in parallel to process several software processes.

Thirdly, to undoubted the advantage of Windows Mobile it is possible to rank simplicity of programming.

The following plus  — security and resistance to the virus attacks in what this operating system considerably exceeds the competitor of Symbian OS If standard program potential is insufficient for the user, then to expand it is not big work. On the Internet there is a set of programs for Windows Mobile both on the official sites, and at all forums where handymen leave own developments.

Differences from Windows Mobile 5.0

In Windows Mobile 6.0 there is no global reorganization of a system in comparison with Windows Mobile 5.0. All innovations are directed to support of the MS Exchange 2007 functions. As before, there is a division into WM for Pocket PC and WM for Smartphone.

Modifications of Windows Mobile 6.0

Windows Mobile 6.0 has three types:

• Windows Mobile 6.0 Classic which succeeded the version of Pocket PC for already actually "endangered" classical PDA without means of communications;
• The Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard which is replacement of Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone Edition and intended for devices without touch screen;
• Windows Mobile 6.0 Professional – instead of Windows Mobile 5.0 Phone Edition for communicators with the touch screen.

Editions Standard and Professional differ with absolutely small set of components in the field of security and remote access and also Office Mobile complete set. Applications of this packet, such as Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, are available both to smartphones, and to communicators now – unlike Windows Mobile 5.0 which is not supporting Office Mobile in the first.

Office Mobile as well as a system, has two versions – Standard and Professional which is selected with a possibility of creation of new documents, limitlessness of functions of a copying/insert, presence of the toolbars, etc.

Windows Mobile 6.0 functions

• The appearance is updated, icons are redrawn.

• The soundtrack is completely changed (all system sounds and the built-in ringtones are rewritten from scratch, old practically did not remain). Appointment support MP3/ WMA- tunes on any events, including SMS.

• The updated programs Microsoft Office Mobile for Windows Mobile.
• Advanced programs of tasks (Task) and calendar (Calendar). In the calendar in browse mode Day the horizontal strip where employment during the day is shown is added, distribution of events during the day is visually shown.
• Windows Live (the address provides with "a one click of a key" to contents of a Windows service of Live access to e-mail and communication with friends and colleagues. Search capabilities of Windows Live Search allow to find the necessary information directly from the mobile device.)
• Windows Media Player 10 Mobile player. Files WMA, WMV and MP3, the files ciphered using Windows Media DRM 10 are supported. Support of the connected management systems for digital rights (DRM) and codecs of third-party producers. The new integrated application for work with images. Intellectual technology of search.
• Internet Explorer Mobile. Support HTML XHTML CSS, Jscript WML 5.5, 2.0, IPv6 and GDI+ Imaging. Browse modes of Default (By default), Desktop (Desktop), Full-Screen (Full-screen) and One-Column (One column). Support of Document Object Model (DOM) and Mobile AJAX. Acceleration of loading for 30%.

• ActiveSync 4.5 и Windows Mobile Device Center .
• The integrated support of Wi-fi. Includes the service of the wireless Zero Configuration setup for Wi-Fi which is specially created to facilitate connection to wireless networks 802.11 and the corresponding authentication. Zero Configuration is supported also at connection of the modem for transfer on a switched line or the network Ethernet-card.
• Support of networks of third generation. Supports such networks as UMTS and HSDPA, and allows to use a voice communication and data transmission at the same time.
• Integration of Direct Push technology. Provides timely updating using Exchange Server of these contacts, the calendar, tasks and incoming messages. E-mail messages arrive on the mobile device right after their receiving by the server.
• The integrated support of Bluetooth and IR-port (Bluetooth 2.0, the stereo profiles, "without hands" and "headset").
• IPSec/L2TP with support of several virtual private networks. Windows Mobile 6 supports the Internet Protocol Security/Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol protocol (IPSec/L2TP) which is the standard for connection to Microsoft VPN.
• Support of the IP telephony (VoIP).
• Compatibility with FIPS 140-2. Windows Mobile 6 conforms to requirements of the federal standard of security of the USA in the field of information processing of FIPS-140-2 U.S. for IT products.
• Support of the limited mode of the program interface Remote API (RAPI). This function allows producers to develop mobile devices on which only the RAPI applications work.
• Support of 128-bit enciphering for Crypto API. Function allows third-party software developers and corporate developers to create additional resources of security.
• Remote erasing and remote control of the password. Administrators have an opportunity to completely erase from the device all data in case of its loss or theft and also to exercise remote control of passwords.
• Support of QWERTY keyboards. Integration of soft keys, support of landscape orientation and standard QWERTY keyboards allows producers to develop mobile devices, managed C the help of the keyboard for one hand thanks to what users have an opportunity to work with information without stylus. It is possible to enter information into the device in several ways. It is possible to enter the text from hardware QWERTY keyboard (if it is present), it is possible to connect the external keyboard. All new devices support the Bluetooth HID profile so problems with connection of Bluetooth keyboard will not arise. Support of combinations of the hardware QWERTY keyboard keys and the number pad is improved, they are similar to the desktop version of Microsoft Outlook. For example, being in browse mode of the letter, having clamped the 2 or R key, you will respond to the letter, "4" or "F" – will send the message, "7" or "D" – will mark the message for loading. The mechanism of predicative input is a little improved. After the first entered letter a system offers four options (in Windows Mobile 5.0 one word is by default offered) words at choice, using the built-in dictionary and earlier entered words, i.e. a system studies as you enter information. One more innovation – can be cleaned base of words which a system remembered after you, i.e. to return to untrained option.
• Remote Desktop Mobile. It is the program installed on devices with the touch screen and allowing to be connected remotely to the PC.
• Support of several e-mail accounts.
• Games Bubble Breaker and Solitaire.

Hardware requirements

Resource requirements of a system are as follows: 32 MB of Flash ROM, amount of RAM – 32 MB. The most typical for devices will remain the volume of 64 MB of ROM and 64 MB of RAM, at the same time the volume of ROM can reach several gigabytes depending on model. The operating system will acceptable work at frequency of processor of 200 MHz.

Microsoft closes acceptance of Windows applications of Mobile 6

Microsoft announced that since July 15, 2011 in Windows Marketplace for Mobile annexes for the Windows Mobile 6.x operating system will not be adopted any more, including updates. Information was published by the website WinRumors. Besides, since July 15 developers who placed in shop of the application for WM 6.x earlier will not be able to change their cost and the description. The only thing that can be made, it to delete the program - and that having only addressed technical support service.

The possibility of loading of applications on the devices at users after the specified date will remain. Revenue received from sale of applications will be sent to developers according to rules of the publication.

2005: Windows Mobile 5.0

On May 10, 2005 there was a Windows Mobile 5.0 Magneto operating system which had a number of essential differences and innovations in comparison with the previous systems. From new applications Windows Media Player v10, Photo Caller ID, upgraded version of Office Mobile, the preset ActiveSync 4.0 program appeared. the protocol of communication Bluetooth was significantly improved, support of the QWERTY keyboard appeared.

The question of the final name of the operating system was open up to the announcement, and it was supposed that it will be called Windows Mobile 2005. It is the fifth version of the operating system for mobile devices from Microsoft, besides, the release dropped out for 2005. The fractional part allows the developer to release new versions of a system without adding of bulky suffixes of "Second Edition", "Third Edition". Thus, the final choice of the name looks quite logically.

System requirements and short characteristic

Resource requirements of a system are as follows: 32 MB of Flash ROM, 32 MB amount of RAM. The volume of 64 MB of RAM and 64 MB of RAM will become the most typical for devices. To requirement processor capacity at the operating system remained the same, i.e. it will normally function also at a frequency of 200 MHz since at the expense of a new core the speed of work with the interface grew up a little.

Operating system is based on a kernel Windows Compact Edition (WinCE) of version 5.1. Its main differences from the previous versions were emergence of support Direct3D of Mobile (it is initially optimized under Wireless MMX) Windows Error Reporting, an opportunity for work as USB the drive without drivers, the improved support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, many other changes. But it changes of a core, the cover underwent where big changes. Read article Windows Error Reporting

Updates of a system

At the first start of Windows Mobile 5.0 asks to set the password (simple four-digit or resistant, it is in addition possible to enter the hint for the code). Change is relevant in the light of the fact that earlier many just used default settings, and it meant absence even of the most elementary protection. System sounds underwent high-quality changes in, undoubtedly, the best side. System messages open in the bottom of the screen now, but not on top in the form of cloudlets as it was earlier.

The interface at first sight remained the same. The design of a cross in the upper right corner of the display is changed. As before, it serves only for closing of the active program, but not for its closing. OS Windows Mobile 5.0 itself decides what programs are necessary at the moment to the user and what can be closed as superfluous (the concept of Smart Minimizing). The starting screen looks also: two standard subjects are available.

The main idea of change of the interface is directed to that all its opportunities could use one hand, without use of the touch screen. In the bottom of the screen operational keys appeared. It is possible to appoint them for start of any applications at will. In this regard the design of all built-in applications changed, all options are taken out on software key.

The following that was made for convenience of the user, is an opportunity to manage easily the device, without getting the stylus. For this purpose there was a luchshena navigation using the joystick which functions were limited earlier. Work with QWERTY keyboard underwent changes too – practically all actions can be made from the keyboard (earlier it could not be made without stylus).

Relevance of changes

The effect of the entered changes is obvious: with emergence in smartphones QVGA of screens need for the separate version Windows Mobile for smartphones disappears. Sense to support two versions of the operating system (Windows Mobile for Smartphone and Windows Mobile for Pocket PC) is not present when one combines possibilities of two. Earlier separation was justified owing to two factors: restrictions for display resolution and impracticality of old versions Pocket PC and Windows Mobile to receiving the user commands by means of such means of input as the joystick and the number pad. Nevertheless, two branches still remained to exist jointly in the market of software for mobile devices, the version for smartphones will be operated still some time. In spite of the fact that WM for PPC it is possible to manage without use of the touch screen, not all functions are available without touch screen, on ergonomics two OS still have essential differences. During development of this operating system there was quite viable opinion that the company Microsoft intends to integrate two branches into one. And it turned out actually, and it was very far-sighted step.

Two systems under one brand

It is stipulated above that Microsoft released two separate modifications: Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC and Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone. Too many producers did not hurry to increase hardware opportunities of the phone models, and many users, in turn, did not hurry for these opportunities to pay extra. As a result of Windows Mobile 5.0 it was not demanded and rather heavy for many smartphones and communicators that became the reason of emergence of the separate facilitated modification Windows of Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone. Hardly someone from users of phone with the compact screen and small amount of memory very much will be upset by lack of such program as, for example, Word Mobile.

Smaller insistence to resources Windows of the Mobile 5.0 for device Smartphone is its only difference from Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC. In terms of new OS, CPC is the same smartphone, only with higher performance and advanced functionality. Therefore in modification for CPC the full support of cellular and wireless communication of the majority of widespread standards is stated. Besides, operating system has the interface constructed by the same principle as at smartphones. In turn, modification for smartphones is allocated with many opportunities earlier characteristic only for CPC: support of wireless networks Wi-Fi, QWERTY keyboard or horizontal mode of the screen.

Thus, the Microsoft company took the first step in creation of the single operating system which can be installed both on the PDA, and on the smartphone. Performance and possibilities of smartphones strongly increased lately that proved correctness of similar approach

Interface

During the work on the Windows Mobile interface 5.0 developers tried to combine all the best from the interfaces characteristic of the mobile phone and for the desktop computer.

At the screen there is a mass of characters for purpose of tasks and management of them causing unambiguous associations with operating system Windows for personal computers.

The desktop of Windows Mobile 5.0 is an independent element of the interface which can be configured for needs of specific model or the specific user.

The device of the main thing is almost complete copy of the desktop version. Its structure was considerably optimized and began to bear a strong resemblance to structure of the main menu in Windows XP.

In general, the Windows Mobile 5.0 interface is quite harmonious and convenient. Many solutions could absorb all the best from interfaces predecessors and at the same time save convenience.

The system of voice actuation in Windows Mobile 5.0 is much more functional and more reliable, than in last versions.

In this version of OS all problems with localization which took place in last versions were solved. Implementation of use of codings, fonts and layouts causes only positive reviews.

Telephone opportunities

The program for voice calls is completely processed into Windows Mobile 5.0 in the direction of appearance.

The user during a call can take notes or include a dictophone. There are ordinary functions, such as deduction of a call and conference communication. The possibility of fast set using deduction of one of nine programmable screen buttons is implemented. It is possible to carry to minuses that history of perfect calls has no grouping on subscribers.

Voice calls became only one of communication functions, it is simple the application, and so much attention as earlier when they were one of key functions of the device is not paid to them.

Naturally, there is a possibility of use of service Small Message Service (SMS)

Other opportunities

The Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system combines a number of the functions inherent in the bigger number of modern phones, smartphones and the PDA and such devices demanded by the ordinary user. Treat them:

• organizer
• Internet access
• number of office applications (Office Mobile: Excel Mobile, Word Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile)
• camera and multimedia
• support of GPS

Organizer

Functions of an organizer in Windows Mobile 5.0 are implemented by Outlook Mobile packet. The interface of a packet is intuitive, especially for the users who were in time to study desktop versions of a packet. There are following features: appointment to contact individual pictures and tunes of a call to give sound or written comments to contact, the role of voice calls is gradually equalized with a role of text messages, e-mail and other methods of communication, the calendar (very similar to the computer version), purpose of tasks, etc.

Internet

Windows Mobile 5.0 is constructed so that at users net surfing was associated only with the Internet Explorer program.

The appearance of the Internet Explorer program differs from the previous versions a little. There was an icon of the protected connection. In the bottom of the screen there was an additional line displaying progress of loading of the page.

The list opened in the connections given the moment as with the Internet, and all others, it is possible to see at any time just having clicked an icon at the top of the screen.

Now there is an opportunity to download and save files, including - images and music. There is a possibility of switching of the browser in the full-screen mode.

Practically without changes there was left a page display mechanism. The greatest disappointment is the lack of a possibility of simultaneous viewing several pages.

Available tools for exchange of e-mail.

The built-in Internet pager is absent.

Office

Office Mobile, in addition to the new name, underwent significant changes: from global changes of Word Mobile and Excel Mobile, to emergence of absolutely new PowerPoint Mobile program. Let's note failure from use of a pocket format of documents, only the desktop format is used. It is possible to forget about not got accustomed file formats * .PSW (Pocket Word Document) and * .PXL (Pocket Excel Workbook).

Excel Mobile supports six schedule types now. zoom, an output to the full screen is available, there is a possibility of fixing of areas. There are personal settings of a control panel.

Word Mobile underwent strong changes. Developers refused an internal format of files (Pocket Word Document). Opportunities during creation of documents are limited to simple formatting of the text, paragraph, lists, and here it is impossible to insert the table or the picture, not to mention more difficult registration. But almost all formatting of the initial, created on the computer text, including even notes, tables and drawings, remains at reproduction on the mobile device.

PowerPoint Mobile is the new program as a part of a packet. It is intended only for viewing the presentations, it is impossible to edit them. Works practically without massive faults, displaying pictures and the main graphics. Big files are loaded quickly enough.

Camera and multimedia

The Picture & Video program intended for viewing results of shooting received rather weak filling by tools. This extremely primitive means for viewing photos and rollers. But it is possible to consider reasonably that you should not consider simplicity of the program as a shortcoming, considering quite low requests of users of the built-in cameras and abundance of the software from third-party producers which is traditionally created for these tasks.

As the standard program for playing of a multimedia content Windows Media Player 10 Mobile is used.

An opportunity to appoint actions to buttons in standby mode was gone in this version. Settings of an equalizer are absent. But there was an opportunity to estimate musical compositions.

GPS

Support of GPS was strongly improved. Now information from one GPS receiver can be used by several programs at the same time. The GPS setup became very simple.

Security

The Windows platform of Mobile 5.0 is mentioned by the certificate of FIPS-140-2 which confirms compliance to the security requirements imposed to products of information technologies by the U.S. Government.

System of security

In addition to functions of authorization Bluetooth and end-to-end enciphering through a virtual private network, the comprehensive protection [[ [[Microsoft| Microsoft Trustworthy Computing Full Security Review]] appeared.

It is possible to refer big flexibility of a system of the protection constructed on use of SIM cards to small additions. At the first start the device asks to set the password, than users earlier often neglected.

The possibility of remote synchronization through TCP/IP was sacrificed to security. It is improbable that such step was explained by technical impossibility of providing safe TCP/IP of connection at synchronization. Most likely, this problem was just left unresolved to the next version.

2004: Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition Ozone Update

The release of the Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition Ozone Update operating system is dated on March 24, 2004. Its second name  — Pocket PC 2003 Second Edition or Pocket PC 2003SE. It is based on Windows CE 4.21 and can be considered as peculiar "as the answer to competitors". The release is connected with the changes announced by Palm in the operating systems, were basic of which:

• horizontal orientation of the screen instead of vertical
• support of permission of VGA (640x480) and symmetric permissions: 240х240; 480х480.
• support of Wi-fi

2003: Windows Mobile 2003 Ozone

Windows Mobile 2003 Ozone appeared on June 23, 2003. This version of software for mobile devices was created on the basis of Windows CE 4.20 and appeared in three packets:

• Pocket PC 2003 for Pocket PC
• Pocket PC 2003 Phone Edition
• Pocket PC 2003 for Smartphone

The first two versions in general are similar. the third was created on a bit different platform which requires a certain completion of applications, and is held for use in the devices without touch screen managed from the keyboard.

2001: Pocket PC 2002 Merlin

On October 4, 2001 there was the first operating system under the brand Pocket PC 2002 Merlin. This version was released to a basis Windows CE 3.0 and was generally held for use in keyboardless PDA and other handheld devices with permission of QVGA (320х240 pixels). A system was equipped Microsoft Windows with the programs MSN Messenger, Reader, Media Player 8.0. there was a support WAP Transcriber Terminal Server Client.

See Also

• Microsoft Windows
• Symbian OS
• Google Android