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Windows Mobile 6 free to PDA manufacturers issuing upgrades
When you buy a PC, it tends to come with an operating system pre-installed. But whether you're running a Mac, Linux, or Windows-based machine, odds are you've been able to reinstall, update, or change that operating system. That hasn't typically been the case with Windows Mobile devices (unless you count attempts to port Linux to various handhelds).Early Pocket PCs had the OS built into ROM, and the only way to get an upgrade was to buy a new chip from your PDA manufacturer -- if they released one. Most modern Windows Mobile devices store the OS in flash memory, but updates tend to be device specific. And that can be expensive for PDA makers that have had to buy licenses from Microsoft, customize the new OS, and test it before sending it out. The result? Getting an official OS update for a Windows Mobile PDA has been the exception rather than the rule.
It looks like Microsoft's making it a little bit easier for manufacturers to release updates to Windows Mobile 6. The company is giving free licenses to any vendors who issue upgrades for their devices. Just because the license is free doesn't mean manufacturers won't charge the consumer. Customizing Windows Mobile 6 for each device is still a lot of work.
But does that mean we'll see updates issued for Dell Axim or HP iPaq models anytime soon? I wouldn't hold my breath. But it's possible.
Comments
20
Subscribe to commentsGenjinaroFeb 27th 2007 9:34PM
I for one look forward to the Dell Axim's X51 series to get the update, though it may be a pipe dream.
I want this, namely for its SD card encryption & its HTML email rendering. I also like the updates for the calendar and contacts too. I'd like to keep my things up to date, my X51v no less...
joelFeb 28th 2007 6:28AM
Think there is any connection between this and the recent mandate Microsoft made to xda-developer that they had to remove windows rom images?
doublejFeb 28th 2007 7:44AM
i think you might have spotted it, poster #2
I have a post on that forum that predicts they'll use it to drive hardware sales, rather than retail it.
jj
Andrew Hillman, Andrew HillmanFeb 28th 2007 9:07AM
Wow Im Very suprised!
Jacob VargheseFeb 28th 2007 12:13PM
Wow, that screen just shouts Microsoft.
So damn cluttered.
I'm no Apple fanboy, but hopefully the iPhone will force the competition to fix their mobile OSes.
epobirsFeb 28th 2007 1:23PM
This makes a lot of sense for Microsoft. Windows Mobile 6 supports a lot of new features that require an up to date Exchange Server to fully exploit. Selling Exchange licenses is much more lucrative than Windows Mobile licenses, so getting as many existing devices out there as possible to drive demand for those Server upgrades is a good strategy.
RJFeb 28th 2007 2:25PM
Whats up with this story?
http://msmobiles.com/news.php/6110.html
smartFeb 28th 2007 2:58PM
Very interesting! Thanks for posting.
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rchFeb 28th 2007 2:42PM
Very interesting! Thanks for posting.
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Logan KoesterFeb 28th 2007 3:08PM
My phone is not a desktop. I *want* as much information as possible on my Today screen. I don't care if it's cluttered; it's a lot easier to look around one chaotic screen than to navigate between 5 cleaner views while I'm driving, wearing gloves, or doing something with my other hand.
Logan KoesterFeb 28th 2007 3:13PM
Another quick thought; if you're going to require email verification for comments, it would be nice to use a mailserver that can get the message out in under an hour.
Cheers!
GBotFeb 28th 2007 4:48PM
"Wow, that screen just shouts Microsoft.
So damn cluttered."
Dude, the always-present menu bar and object dock in OSX vs. the clean taskbar of any Windows distro...
Until Apple wants to make a mobile version of their OS, you're just comparing apples to oranges, no pun intended.
If M$ hasn't done anything to amaze you lately, check this out:
http://labs.live.com/Photosynth.aspx
Thai Dang VuMar 1st 2007 1:46PM
It's interesting only if I can update the Windows Mobile 5 on my Axim 51v to Windows Mobile 6 for free (or at a low cost). So it's up to Dell ...
Nobody SpecialMar 1st 2007 8:34AM
@ #7 - MSMobiles is crap and he doesn't know what he's talking about. Pay no attention to that site.
Jacob VargheseMar 1st 2007 2:29PM
Gbot,
uh, where have you been?
check out the iphone with mobile OSX http://www.apple.com/iphone/
junlMar 14th 2007 2:20PM
Im ready to buy my first personal PDA phone but I would like to know when will the windows mobile 6 pdas and the apple iphone be coming out from cingular. Does anyone knows?
Emil GerenmarkApr 30th 2007 12:55PM
I am Will Downloadad Now
ashishMay 3rd 2007 2:17PM
i am gonnaload it on O2.
Paul CoelhoMay 8th 2007 10:45AM
Where can i download windows mobile 6.
Does anybody know where i can download it.
Thanx.
box manMay 28th 2007 8:11AM
can somone assist me, i would like to update my device's OS from mobile 5 to mobile 6.can someone send me a linkw here i can upgrade my imate K-Jam