Richard Kenyon wrote a post where he asked why he couldn't upgrade his xv6600 to Windows Mobile 5.0. I started to answer him, then realized that's a great topic for a blog entry. Thanks, Richard!
A lot of people ask me why they can't upgrade their devices to Windows Mobile 5.0. I'll avoid the quick answer, and will try to explain why it may not make sense.
First, what major features did Windows Mobile 5.0 introduce? Let's cover a few of the biggest ones:
- Network support: Higher-bandwidth 3G networks, WiFi, improvements to Bluetooth.
- One-handed operation: Support for switching between portrait/landscape, QWERTY keyboards, etc.
- Persistent Memory Storage: Retains settings even when the battery's depleted. (Yes!!!)
- Extended Storage: Support for hard drives (!) and USB 2.0 devices.
- Security: The ability to remotely reset the device, and enforce policies to reset the device after so many unsuccessful login attempts.
Next, which of these major features is available on an upgraded device?
Answer: None of them.
To be sure, Windows Mobile 5.0 undoubtedly includes some additional performance and reliability enhancements. But the major features, the things that really make you want to buy a magneto device immediately? They all require hardware implementation. Network support, one-handed operation, persistent memory, extended storage, incredible security . . . all come from the close integration of newly-designed hardware with Windows Mobile 5.0 software.
Would I love to have Windows Media Player 10 Mobile on my Audiovox SMT5600? Absolutely. But Digital Rights Management (DRM) isn't a gotta-have for me--at least not yet--so I'm willing to wait for the next Windows Mobile 5.0 device that catches my eye.
And my wallet. ;-)