14 DAY TRIAL // Redmond-based software giant Microsoft announced on Tuesday the first handsets that would come to the market with its new Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system, and also stated that some of the already existing Windows Mobile-based devices would be updated to the latest flavor of the platform. While the update is something that manufacturers and carriers decide when it comes to the phones out there, Microsoft provides now some more details on the process.
First and foremost one should know that only some of the mobile phones that are currently running under Windows Mobile 6.1 will be updated to the new iteration of the platform. This means that users who are not sure what version of the OS their devices are running under will have to make sure that 6.1 is on board. To do so, those who own a touchscreen device need to “tap Start, tap Settings, tap System, and then tap About.” The first line on the window that appears then should display the name and version of the Windows phone. Non-touchscreen phone owners need to “Tap Start, tap Settings, and then tap About.”
According to Microsoft, the updates for the Windows Mobile 6.1-based handsets will be delivered by its partners within the following months, and each manufacturer and carrier involved in the process will offer download links and instructions on how the process needs to be performed. As for the makers that are expected to provide upgrades to the new Windows Mobile flavor, Microsoft lists HTC, Samsung and Pharos (we should mention here that Toshiba already announced it would also offer upgrades for its TG01 smartphone).
HTC's phones that will see a Windows Mobile 6.5 upgrade are Dash 3G, Ozone, Snap, Touch Diamond 2 and Touch Pro 2. While the last two of them should receive the upgrade in October – November this year, there are no details on when the other handsets will be upgraded. On a side note, we should mention that Touch Diamond 2 already has a WM 6.5 ROM available from Vodafone. Samsung's Omnia 2, Epix and Jack are to be upgraded to 6.5, and an October/November time window has been announced for Jack only. As for Pharos' Traveler 137, there are no details on when it will see a Windows Mobile 6.5 makeover.
More details on how to upgrade to the new operating system and on the handsets that will see the upgrade should emerge in the near future, so watch this space to stay informed.
