Windows Mobile
From pocketnow.com
Contents |
Introduction
Windows Mobile is the name applied to Microsoft's mobile operating system for phones and other mobile devices. Windows Mobile is derived from Windows Embedded CE. The operating system runs on devices with ARMS based processors.
Editions
Windows Mobile is available in 3 editions
- Windows Mobile Standard - Edition used on phones that do not have touch screens
- Windows Mobile Professional - Edition used on phones that have touch screens
- Windows Mobile Classic - Edition used on devices with touch screens but no phone radio.
Windows Embedded CE Base Versions
The version of CE used to build a Windows Mobile image can be viewed by navigating to the Control Panel on the device and selecting "About."
The base version of Windows Embedded CE for each version of Windows Mobile can be found in the following table
| Windows Mobile Version | CE base |
|---|---|
| Pocket PC 2000 | CE 3.0 |
| Pocket PC 2002 | CE 3.0 |
| Windows Mobile 2003 | CE 4.2 |
| Windows Mobile 5 | CE 5 |
| Windows Mobile 6 | CE 5.2 |
Adaptation Kit
Microsoft releases Windows Mobile in what is called the Adaptation Kit for Windows Mobile. The adaptation kit is similar to the Platform Builder for Windows Embedded CE. It contains part of the operating system code. An OEM will add the remaining bits of code that are needed to adapt a Windows Mobile build to their hardware by either writting the necessary code or licensing it from component suppliers. Additionally the OEM may add other applications (sometimes these additional applications are added by the request of the carrier selling the phone). The final result of this process is the creation of a Windows Mobile Image. Customization is both an intrinsic and necessary part of the Windows Mobile build process. So all Windows Mobile devices are running builds of Windows Mobile created for their specific hardware.
Adaptation Kit Updates
Between Windows Mobile versions Microsoft also releases a number of adaptation kit updates, or AKUs. The updates normally contain newer functionality or minor bug fixes. Once an OEM receives an update it may or may not be used to create updated Windows Mobile Images depending on the decisions of the OEM and sometimes the carrier under which a phone is branded.
Windows Update
As of Windows Mobile 6.0 Microsoft added Windows Update Services to Windows Mobile. Unlike the desktop Microsoft does not release updates directly to devices. The updates must be first approved and tested by an OEM to ensure that it doesn't conflict with their customizations. A carrier may also require that software updates be tested before being pushed out. The result of the chain of approval necessary for an update to go out Windows Update Services on Windows Mobile has been largly unused. Samsung and AT&T made use of of Windows Update Services to selectivly push a software update for some Samsung Epix phones.
