| Industry jumps on Windows Mobile 5.0 bandwagon |
May 12, 2005
 [Updated May 19, 2005] -- Moments after Bill Gates announced the release of Windows Mobile 5.0 in Tuesday's opening keynote address at the Mobile and Embedded Developers Conference (MEDC), numerous industry partners began unveiling their plans to support the new mobile device software platform.
(Click for larger view of T-Mobile's MDA IV, which is reportedly the same hardware platform as the "HTC Universal" Windows Mobile 5.0 phone)
Among the first out of the gate (in alphabetical order) are: - Action Engine -- will port its Mobile Application Platform and Brand-n-Go mobile applications pack to Windows Mobile 5.0. Applications running on the new release, expected in July, will include one-touch integration with a variety of device software, including Outlook email, MapPoint maps and driving directions, Windows Media Player 10 Mobile and core device functionality, like messaging and telephony, according to the company.
- Adesso Systems -- A Windows Mobile 5.0 version of Adesso's Instant Mobility Platform will ship in Q4, 2005, the company says, offering "significant extensibility enhancements that enable the integration of external, standards-based plug-ins and Microsoft .NET components into Adesso-based applications."
- Bsquare -- Bsquare says Windows Mobile 5.0 includes code licensed from the 2.0 version of its SDIO Now! product, and that its roadmap for SDIO Now! 2.x includes support for Windows Mobile 5.0. Other new features will include support for 2GB MMC/SD cards and 4GB SD cards, and SD password protection. Also coming is support for MMCV4 cards in 4 Bit mode, which promises up to 300 percent higher performance than 1-bit mode. Bsquare says it will introduce support for 8-Bit mode as host controllers become available.
- Good Technology -- Announced that its GoodLink and GoodAccess products will support Windows Mobile 5.0. GoodAccess and GoodLink are combined software and service offerings that extend enterprise applications such as Microsoft Exchange Server and Oracle to mobile workers using end-to-end AES encrypted, FIPS 140-2 certified security, and cradle-free, real-time synchronization, according to the company.
- Handango -- Announced a new version of its InHand download client for Windows Mobile devices. The new version allows licensees to quickly and easily deploy branded versions of InHand and create a dedicated download catalog on their customers' mobile devices, according to Handango. Additionally, the company says that InHand for Pocket PC and Smartphone is now Microsoft Windows Mobile Certified and has received the "Designed for Windows Mobile" logo.
- High Tech Computer (HTC) -- The Taiwanese ODM says it plans to release the "world's first 3G Windows Mobile 5.0-based device" to mobile operators in Europe, North America, and Asia in the second half of this year. The "HTC Universal" is said to feature a clamshell design with 180 degree pivoting screen and a built-in keyboard. The display can automatically switch between portrait and landscape modes. The HTC Universal is rumored to be the same as the T-Mobile MDA IV.
- Intellisync -- Intellisync says its Mobile Suite will support Windows Mobile 5.0, and that Mobile Suite provides seamless synchronization, secure wireless email, device control, and mobility management software.
- Intermec Technologies -- announced plans to upgrade its CN30 and CK60 rugged mobile computers to Windows Mobile 5.0. The new versions are expected to be available for delivery in the third quarter of this year.
- Intrinsyc Software -- Intrinsyc announced a technology program to leverage its licensable Radio Interface Layer (RIL) telephony components for Windows Mobile 5.0-based device development. The "iQuickStart 3G Program" provides mobile and wireless device manufacturers with licensable tools, technology and services necessary to develop a 3G Windows Mobile 5.0-based device. In addition, developers will be able to integrate new key features, such as customized user interfaces, high resolution camera support, and enhanced battery life, according to the company.
- NS Basic -- announced that NS Basic/CE will run on all Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone Edition devices. NS Basic/CE is a VB-like development tool that supports creating mobile applications on a Windows desktop or directly on a mobile device, according to the company. Existing NS Basic/CE applications will be able to run on Windows Mobile 5.0 devices without modification.
- Odyssey Software -- will support Windows Mobile 5.0 with its ViaXML2 and CFCOM tools that provide Visual Studio developers with data access and interoperability features targeting Windows Mobile- and Windows CE-based devices. The company's remote management and control package, Athena, also moves to Windows Mobile 5.0.
- Openwave Systems -- The Openwave Mobile Device Manager (MDM) is "fully compatible and interoperable" with the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 platform, according to the company. Openwave MDM provides applications that support remote management of firmware updates, handset configuration, device diagnostics, and user data management.
- PhatWare -- says its PhatPad and PhatNotes notes organizers are "immediately compatible" with Windows Mobile 5.0. Other PhatWare products, including its CalliGrapher handwriting recognition software, will soon support the new platform, according to the company.
- Socket Communications -- Socket says its Wi-Fi Companion and SocketScan bar code scanning and RFID applications "are operational" on Windows Mobile 5.0. "Socket's strategic membership in the Mobility Partner Advisory Council enabled us to deliver early support for Windows Mobile 5.0," said Peter Phillips, vice president of marketing.
Additional announcements are expected throughout the week. Stay tuned to WindowsForDevices.com for the latest on Windows Mobile 5.0.
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