Barcelona debut for Windows Mobile 6

Stephen Withers
Friday, 09 February 2007 03:16

Business IT - Technology

Windows Mobile 6 (previously code-named Crossbow) will be launched on Monday by Microsoft at the 3GSM World conference in Barcelona.

The new version of the PDA and smartphone operating system  has a Vista-like appearance, and incorporates several new features.

High on the list is the ability to view and edit Office documents and HTML emails complete with tables and images and honouring Information Rights Management settings. However, support for Office 2007 formats will be delivered as an update later in the year.

Windows Mobile 6 also takes advantage of features of Exchange Server 2007, including the ability to remotely erase Exchange-delivered data from a lost or stolen device, and more efficient email delivery.

Other features reportedly include Windows Live messaging, support for synchronisation with Vista via the new Windows Mobile Device Center, improved search, encryption of data stored on removable memory cards, .NET Compact Framework, SQL Server, and an easy way of using the device as a modem for a notebook computer.

Practically all applications written for Windows Mobile 5 should run on Mobile 6.

Microsoft has claimed that sales of Windows Mobile phones will double in the 2006-07 financial year, and again in 2007-08. Manufacturers expected to release new devices running Windows Mobile 6 include Lenovo, LG and Samsung.