Smart Phones that operate on Windows Mobile 6.1 have begun to build their phones on top of the Microsoft software like the present LG GM 730 which has now been made available in India. It is a refreshing change that new technology is making its way to India albeit at a sluggish pace. First it was the iPhone that was announced then followed the Black Berrys. But it is the Windows Mobile that Indians will be eagerly waiting for largely due to their familiarity with Microsoft. It helps that Apple has not hither to had any presence in India so the rivalry between Microsoft and Apple is some thing Indians are not familiar with. Android phones are yet to be announced therefore the LG GM 730 that operates on Windows Mobile OS has a head start.
Windows Mobile is likely to give the Black Berrys competition in business applications mainly due to the availability of Outlook and Exchange. The encryption that is available with the Black Berrys is mainly a concern in U.S and may not be a deciding factor with the Indians. To top it Windows Mobile 6.1 has sorted out many issues that govern interfaces and the improvements made in Office Mobile, Internet Explorer, Search and SMS give it a head lead over the others. The support for office documentation that was available with the earlier versions is another plus. With the professional version new documents can also be created.
The home screen of Windows Mobile has the usual icons that are arranged in the upper right hand corner and vertically below them are the menu icons. When the screen is scrolled the icons are magnified and highlighted. The clock and date are conveniently located at the top and sitting pretty next to them are the messaging paraphernalia. Below these is the appointment schedule and messaging menu. Multi Media options are also available on the Home Page and one need not bother to get to My Documents to gain access to multi media. The keys turn contextual depending on the menu you are in. The Task Manager can be accessed through the Control panel and it gives the details of memory etc.,
The SMS features of the Windows Mobile will no doubt be loved by Indians. It is easy to use and you do not have to move back and forth to the in box and the messages are displayed at one place with the most recent one in bold and you are also identified in the message. Deleting of messages is also easy.
Windows Mobile 6.1 does not support flash which means you may not be able to watch You Tube but if you have IE8 on your mobile then watching videos should not be difficult. Other features include Zooming of selected documents and copy paste facility, location search and compatibility with Blue Tooth devices.
Microsoft’s endeavour to endear its mobile OS to smart phone savvy users have started paying dividends and the ease of operating is evident in Windows Mobile 6.1. At the same time its support to business applications will give it a head start over the Black Berrys in India.
