Microsoft oddly quiet after decent Windows Mobile upgrade

by Stevie Smith - Feb 5 2010, 12:38

Given that Google’s Android operating system is currently all the rage when it comes to mobile operating systems, you’d think Microsoft would looking to score marketplace points by trumpeting the arrival of Windows Mobile v6.5.3 from the Redmond rooftops.

Strangely however, the American software behemoth has actually rolled out its latest Windows Mobile upgrade with a shockingly unusual lack of fanfare – which is doubly disappointing because we do love watching a sweaty and overenthusiastic Steve Ballmer lurching back and forth on stage during Microsoft events.

So, given the quiet release, you’d be forgiven for thinking v6.5.3 of Windows Mobile is a cursory addition that fixes little and introduces less. Actually, it’s a pretty decent package… and once again we’re left scratching our heads regarding Microsoft’s subtlety.

The official feature list for Windows Mobile v6.5.3 has been scooped by the diligent industry watchers over at ZDNet and it reveals some really rather solid additions for those who might fancy a handset dalliance with Microsoft’s platform.

Ease of use:

* Capacitive touchscreen support
* Platform to enable multitouch
* Touch controls throughout system (stylus not required)
* Consistent Navigation
* Horizontal scroll bar replaces tabs (think ‘settings>system>about screen’)
* Magnifier brings touch support to legacy applications
* Simplified out-of-box experience with fewer steps
* Drag-and-drop icons on Start Screen

Internet Explorer browser performance:

* Page load time decreased
* Memory management improved
* Pan & flick gestures smoothed
* Zoom & rotation speed increased

Quality and customer satisfaction features:

* Updated runtime tools (.Net CF 3.5, SQL CE 3.1)
* Arabic read/write document support
* Watson (error reporting) improvements and bug fixes

If Microsoft’s latest efforts are coaxing you towards v6.5.3 (and capacitive touchscreen functionality is certainly a point of temptation) then you can put the latest update through its paces on the recently released Sony Ericsson Aspen (pictured).

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