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Gates Releases Details on New Mobile OS
rjelks writes "Microsoft's Bill Gates released details about the company's new mobile operating system, code-named Magneto, at the Mobile & Embedded Developers Conference in Las Vegas today. There has been a lot of recent speculation about the new OS. People have been describing it as a possible 'Blackberry killer.' Windows Mobile 2005 will be released to hardware manufacturers immediately. The OS will integrate Smartphone, Pocket PC, and Pocket PC Phone Edition operating systems into one platform. It will also include updates to the mobile versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint." Relatedly, ZDNet has an interview with Gates about the initiative.
For more about some of the new features and to see screenshots from Windows Mobile 5 (including ActiveSync 4.0, PowerPoint Mobile, Smartphone User Interface, One-Handed Interface for Pocket PC, Internet Explorer Mobile, Excel Mobile, Word Mobile, and Pocket MSN Client) here: http://www.davespda.com/special/wm5/ There is also improved WMP 10 Mobile DRM support, new photo and video API's for developers, 3G and UMTS support, and more.
LAS VEGAS - Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates released details about the company's new mobile operating system code-named "Magneto" during his keynote speech for the Mobile & Embedded Developers Conference.
"In the past five years, there's been a profound shift in the kind of data and services people access on their mobile devices -- from multimedia to business applications," Gates said. "Windows Mobile 5.0 enables our industry partners to develop exciting new hardware designs and solutions that will revolutionize how customers use mobile devices."
"Windows Mobile 5.0 is an important evolutionary step for the Windows Mobile platform, which continues to gain traction worldwide," said John Jackson, Yankee Group senior analyst. "Enhancements in the platform give wireless network operators and mobile device vendors the ability to deliver customized, differentiated services and devices, while meeting the market's demand for robust, scalable, segmented offerings."
Windows Mobile 2005, "Magneto" Details
This new version of the Windows Mobile software platform delivers on partner requests, including more platform flexibility to customize devices and solutions; productivity enhancements that include updated Microsoft Office software and persistent memory storage for more efficient data management; and a powerful multimedia experience with Windows Media(R) Player 10 Mobile and support for hard drives.
Enhancements to Windows Mobile 5.0 will include:
Persistent memory storage. The most requested productivity feature from partners and customers alike, persistent memory storage retains information even when the device's battery is depleted.
Microsoft Office software for Windows Mobile. Users will be able to view and create charts in Excel Mobile, and edit documents with graphics using Word Mobile while maintaining document formatting with files created on a PC. A new PowerPoint(R) Mobile application has been included for Pocket PC, giving road warriors the ability to view and rehearse presentations.
Security. Complementing a number of security features already included in the Windows Mobile platform, such as Bluetooth authorization and end-to-end encryption over a virtual private network, Windows Mobile 5.0 has gone through extensive threat-modeling testing and completed the rigorous Microsoft Trustworthy Computing full security review. The platform is also FIPS-140-2-certified, meaning it meets the stringent U.S. government security requirements for IT products.
Enhanced Multimedia Capabilities
Windows Media Player 10 Mobile. Customers can enjoy a larger number of protected digital music, video and recorded television files that can be synchronized easily from a PC or downloaded from many Internet-based services and mobile operators' music stores with Windows Media Player 10 Mobile. The updated player also enables synchronization of users' playlists, album art and song ratings. Partners can plug in additional digital rights management (DRM) technologies to help advance their specific media business models.
Pictures and video. A new pictures and video application will add advanced features such as burst mode and timer function previously found only on high-end digital cameras.
Extended storage. Additional support for hard drives and Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 will enable people to easily and quickly store large amounts of information -- such as entire digital picture and music libraries -- on a mobile device and synchronize this content with a PC.
Shoring up the Leaks
Up until now, details about "Magneto" have been scarce. Microsoft has been busy trying to quiet rumors that have been buzzing around the web. Neowin.com, Engadget.com and Modaco.com all posted leaked information about the new mobile OS.
Microsoft sent letters to silence the Web sites, claiming that posting screen shots and details of unreleased software violated the company's intellectual property rights. Engadget was the only site that lef
Why, yes in fact. It does:/ 13/linux_pocket_pc.html
http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/pub/a/linux/2003/11
mattdev@server$ touch
cannot touch `/dev/genitals': Permission denied
I have one, won it in a contest, an Orange SPV-C500.
They're going to have to make a whole lot of changes to make this dog hunt. Problems with the current SmartPhone:
* Sync: you can sync with (just) one device. Don't ever try to unsync with that device, tho - in my case, you just can't. My notebook and phone are bonded forever.
* Interface: One more time: the Windows Start button metaphor doesn't work on small devices. Other issues include that it can take several steps to get to common programs.
* Non-intuitive/inconsistent UI: Sometimes, you can cancel out of something with the "red phone" button like on other phones. Sometimes you have to back out of things with the cursor button. Users of pretty much any other phone UI will go crazy.
* Not invented here syndrome: MMS uses AMR encoding for audio. Smartphone (at least my version) just doesn't support it, period.
* Crashes: It crashes a lot more than other phone OSes I've tried. Sometimes the crashes are partial - like losing networking ability.
* LONG boot time: takes over a minute for my phone to come up.
* Difficult to configure: the interface for configuring email and other internet apps is horrid and slow. Can't do it from a desktop app.
* Web browser is just totally wonky: some things load. Some things don't. What loaded yesterday doesn't work today.
* Slow: I believe that my device as a 200mhz processor in it, but screen updates and nav is really, really slow.
* You get charged for everything: there is seemingly no community, but just software vendors. Folks that are spoiled by all the nice gadgety apps available on Palm and Symbian are going to be disappointed.
Give me a Treo or Symbian device any day. I only use the thing because it was free, and I'm thinking seriously about ebaying it anyway.
Microsoft has a lot of work here before they kill anything. I'm hating this thing so much that I'm about ready to go back to my "dumb" phone and PDA combo that I used before.
jh
>I never take advice from an opinionated source which does not do credible research, and hope to urge others to also make informed decisions.
And well you should.
I've used Windows since Windows/286 and I've written lots of software for Windows. I've also rolled-out lots of Microsoft products for various projects and work environments.
I've made up my mind based on my own research and come to the conclusion that I have through logic.
Sounds like you do the same. I can't argue that.
I don't know the meaning of the word 'don't' - J
From what you want:
1. small as possible -- Got that, I have a Mpx200 which is 4 oz. and 1.90x3.5x1.06 in. Certainly a phone form factor first.
2. best screen possible -- It's an old phone, so it's only 176x220 pixel display, but certainly works for my phone/PDA needs. Newer devices will have better displays I'm sure.
3. blackberry/treo keyboard -- Nope, shortcoming here, but once again, it's an old device.
4. push email -- EAS allows push email, calendar, etc.
5. IM -- Has that too.
Added things I like you didn't mention: over-the-air update, passthrough connection when connected via USB to a computer, use as a modem.