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Microsoft to make Windows Mobile OS upgrades easier?
While Apple and Google have let iPhone and Google Android users add new features and operating system upgrades by downloading and installing software over the air, things have always been much more complicated on Windows Mobile devices. The earliest Windows CE devices could only be upgraded by removing a ROM chip and replacing it with a new one obtained from the device manufacturer. If you had a Dell Axim, or an HP Jornada, it was up to Dell and HP to decide whether you would be able to upgrade, not Microsoft.
Eventually technological advances made it possible to upgrade a system just by reflashing the ROM on your device. But you still needed to acquire the ROM update either from the manufacturer, or get a hacked version from the gray areas of the internet.
But now it looks like Microsoft is building a "Device Update" service for Windows Mobile. In a job listing, Microsoft talks about a new service that would allow the company to deliver new features automatically much the same way it does with Windows Update on the company's desktop operating systems. This means new features and OS updates could be installed with just a click, or maybe even no clicks at all.
It will probably be a while before we see this new feature, so you shouldn't expect it in Windows Mobile 6.5. But future versions of the operating system might be easier to update.
[via IStartedSomething]
Comments
8
Subscribe to commentsJason DashApr 14th 2009 2:18PM
Maybe its just me but my HTC Touch Diamond running 6.1 already has Windows Update on it
AyleApr 14th 2009 2:48PM
Windows Mobile 6.1 always had the Windows Update software, it even already had the Microsoft Marketplace app. It's just that they don't do anything as nobody is taking advantage of them.
intellerApr 14th 2009 2:46PM
yes but almost all carriers balked at that saying that they wanted to approve any changes, so that feature is by in large unused.
Until Microsoft grows a pair and tells the carriers to F- off when it comes to the OS, no device updates like this will ever happen.
Eric D.Apr 14th 2009 4:40PM
I'll agree with that... it's the carriers that continually screw WinMo users with their restrictions, limitations, and crapware. They need to let us have the OS as is and if we want to add their skins or applications later then we will!
r3loadedApr 14th 2009 3:25PM
Freaking finally! Nokia, its your turn now, let me upgrade my E71 without having to wipe all my data!
Level 5Apr 15th 2009 7:47AM
I'd be on board with this if and only if it will allow me to update my ROM without a damn hard flash. SPB Backup makes this less painful but still, it's totally possible to update these phones without losing everything.
PhoenixApr 15th 2009 8:40PM
Windows Update was available on my HTC 8525 when I upgraded it to WinMo 6.0.
Tim LaytonMay 11th 2009 10:09PM
Microsoft will come through and deliver OTA and one-click updates. I would be surprised if we don't see it within the windows mobile 6.5 release series.