Windows Mobile 6.1 is by no means a complete overhaul of the Windows Mobile 6.0 Operating System. Instead I prefer to think about the update like a service pack upgrade for your device. While not a complete overhaul the new features that were previously unavailable for Windows Mobile 6.0 are still very much appreciated.
I've highlighted the main upgrades below. Here's a look at some of the newly added options:
Users now have the ability to use a Copy and Paste function which works wonders if you happen to be editing MS Office applications on your device, or if your a professional user who may be editing in other programs as well.
Domain Enroll is a new function and its actually a pretty useful new application that allows you to enroll your device with your companies domain, thus accessing your company resources. This is a nice feature for business professionals who require more connectivity to their work space, either on the road or in the office. The application allows users to access mobile VPN support, to allow/disallow the use of applications including hardware settings such as cameras, and to offer over-the-air provisioning, including encryption standards along with remote wipe which allows users to hard reset their devices if lost, ensuring private information is not obtained by third party users.
Next, the New Home Screen on Windows Mobile 6.1 for Smartphones (Non-touch screens) now features horizontal tiles. Better yet the tiles will actually expand to display more information on each application when you zoom over one of the tiles. The new home screen actually has a very "Windows Vista" looking feel to it. The home screen also includes several panels on the home screen for quick access to your calendar, the message center which features email and SMS / MMS messaging and access to the system settings feature.
Threaded SMS is also a much appreciated add-on. This may seem like a pretty basic function, and honestly it should have arrived several years ago. In this case users can look at messages as if they are involved in an IM conversation. Essentially the SMS feature was put forward to match the iPhone messaging capabilities, while not as clean as those features found on the iPhone, its still a welcomed addition.
An Improved Task Manager is also offered with Windows Mobile 6.1, the new task manager shows overall CPU usage, along with the allocated amount of memory each application is currently using. This is a great addition for monitoring the workload of your device, while allowing the user to close unused applications to help save battery life.
Internet Explorer has also finally been upgraded with Windows Mobile 6.1, while still not as rich as the Opera Mini browser, the upgrade offers 6 Zoom functions that make web browsing all that much easier, while the copy / paste function also helps speed up browsing and data collecting. Internet Explorer also now features a very much improved font that is easier to read.
Active Sync also gains some much needed streamlining. Simply enter your email address to your Exchange Server and Windows Mobile 6.1 will attempt to auto configure your active sync settings to your server. While normally this doesn't take to long, its a great feature for implementing email access for agents in the field without the help of a network administrator.
In terms of creating easier access Windows Mobile 6.1 offers a shortcut to your Recently Used Programs which now shows up in the Start Button, a feature that mimics a Windows desktop operating system.
The overall infrastructure of Windows Mobile 6.1 has also been increased. For instance Microsoft has added what they claim is 33% more efficiency in terms of battery life when using Windows Mobile 6.1 Direct Push email services.
Those are the main features of the new Windows Mobile 6.0 to Windows Mobile 6.1 upgrade. Essentially the new upgrade was implemented to give users more of the features they've come to expect on their home and office computers, while still staying true to the look and feel of the Windows Mobile operating system.
While the features may not be a complete overhaul, they are still crucial components for many users, that probably explains why, Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile among other worldwide carriers and device manufacturers have all embraced Windows Mobile 6.1 for all of their new Windows Mobile devices. It is important to note however that not all Windows Mobile 6.0 devices have been given the greenlight for an upgrade, you'll have to check with your device manufacturer or wirless carrier to determine if your device offers an upgraded version.
Now the only question is, How can Microsoft out do themselves? If Windows Mobile 7.0 is any indication I would have to say with the ability to use Multi-Touch capable screens and an overhauled user interface with easier accessibility, but we'll have to wait until 2009 to find out. Sorry for the teaser!
Quick note: There are two versions of Windows Mobile 6.1 - Professional (Touchscreen devices) and Standard (Non-Touchscreen devices).