Did you hate Windows Mobile 6.1? Prepare to remain in the same position with version 6.5 of the platform, as it remains the same OS, albeit with a few shallow improvements. If you found 6.1 critical to business use and passable for everything else, then you’ll appreciate the few touch-ups that found their way on this new iteration.
So, what’s new with Microsoft’s attempt to scale back the demise of its dying mobile platform?
A new Today screen. Basically the screen that pops up anytime you want to go anywhere on the phone, the Today screen has received a much-needed facelift, closely resembling the same experience on the Zune HD.
A new Start screen. The placeholder for apps and shortcuts, the Start screen has been updated to reflect modern aesthetics. It’s gorgeous, making for a nice replacement to the tired menu system of old.
Improved Internet Explorer. Compared to the previous browser, this one is a full turnaround. The engine was revamped, the UI was improved and support for full HTML standards has been fine-tuned. It works, for the most part, although it still takes a backseat to browsers on other phones. During various tests, speed proved to be a tremendous change, although the rendering is still hit-or-miss for many complex pages.
Better finger-tapping support. Mmmm…not really. Sure, the updated Today and Start screen work perfectly well for tapping actions without the aid of a stylus. Here’s the problem: you still can’t use the rest of the phone with your finger (it’s impossible). Even the built-in keyboard remains a pain in the ass without a stylus, which is, honestly, unthinkable nowadays.
A thoughtful lock screen. I love 6.5′s lock screen, giving you multiple entry points back into the device.
That’s it. Everything from the core functions to the inner pages remain the same as Windows Mobile 6.1. Honestly, it’s like taking a shitty, old but running car and putting spoilers on it. With, maybe, new headlights. By the way, the Windows Marketplace comes with the OS by default, too.
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