14 DAY TRIAL // Redmond-based company Microsoft was previously reported to be planning on introducing over-the-air updates for its Windows Mobile operating system, and now more news reports on the upcoming feature are surfacing into the wild. It seems that the software giant is determined to make OTA updates a reality quite soon, and has posted a job ad in this regard.
A lot of users out there are expecting the Windows Mobile platform to include the OTA software update feature, or another form of frequent updates, just the way the Windows platforms for personal computers do. On the other hand, a next-generation smartphone platform like those the company intends to unveil during the ongoing year or the next one should include support for OTA updates, as many other platforms already do. At the same time, Microsoft will have a lot to gain in case the feature becomes available in the near future, as Apple's iPhone needs a computer and a data cable to be updated.
Basically, the aforementioned job ad posted on Microsoft's website states that the company is seeking to hire a new Lead Software Development Engineer that will be leading the Windows Mobile device update team. Said OTA updates are not clearly mentioned in the post, yet one-click away updates are present. Here is what the announcement on the company's site says:
“Have you wished to see your Windows Mobile phone with new features “magically” show up without you buying a new one? Do you want to see greater and better quality and cool software delivered to your love ones’ Windows phones from just a click? If this is your dream, this is a place for you. Come join us to make this dream into reality! With the mobile industry’s strong growth and several competitors playing in the field, we are going to have a challenging but fun time to show customers what Windows phone can become in the next few years.
We are in Windows Mobile device update team. Our goal is to enable customers to anticipate and enjoy a predictable stream of new and improved capabilities for their Windows Phone via a Device Update service that is worry-free and easy-to-use. Broad scope and impact, deep technologies, engineering challenges, partner interfacing with OEMs and MS internal partners, and fast pace delivery are all part of our charter. In the agile development environment, you will be working with PM/architect/test and partner teams to deliver critical stack of the update solution. You will lead a team of smart developers to solve problems in mobile OS, PC applications, and interacting with web services.”
Upon taking a look at Microsoft's plans for the mobile phone operating systems in the not-too-far future, one would rather think that it is unlikely for the Windows Mobile 6.5 platform to include the Device Update service, given the fact that the OS is in its late stages of development. At the same time, work on the next-generation Windows Mobile 7 has only just begun, which means that the OS should come with the feature “out of the box.” One way or the other, it is great that Microsoft is finally making some steps towards turning its aging mobile platform into a more attractive and competitive one.