Not getting WM6.5? Don't sweat it

When Microsoft unveiled the latest version of its mobile operating system (OS), Windows Mobile 6.5, it said that this iteration would be available to upcoming devices and, according to reports, not to smartphones that are currently out on the market.

In a recent CNET Asia TV interview with Lena Goh, director of marketing with Windows Mobile, we were told that Microsoft has given manufacturers a list of hardware requirements and it would be up to them to provide upgrades to the upcoming Windows Mobile 6.5.

At first glance, there seems to be an apparent contradiction in the two accounts. But if you think about it, they do align correctly and one of the key factors, the way we see it, is that Microsoft requires all WM6.5 devices to have a physical button with the Start menu logo.

A closer look at the buttons on the Touch HD. No Windows logo to be found there.

Consider the Touch HD, HTC's flagship entertainment model and its impressive list of features. It has almost identical specifications with the upcoming Touch Diamond2 and Touch Pro2. While Microsoft will not reveal to us what its detailed hardware requirements are for WM6.5, it's very unlikely that the Touch HD is not powerful enough to fulfill them. In fact, thanks to XDA developers, we saw an early build of WM6.5 on current devices and these don't run any worse than the official Touch Diamond2 demo set shown to us by Microsoft.

But if Microsoft is strict about the Start button logo requirement, the Touch HD is effectively excluded from the update, which would be perfectly in line with Engadget's report that only future devices will come with the new version.

The official stance regarding the insistence of the Start button is that it will provide users with a consistent experience, letting them know that it is a Windows phone at a glance. Marketing reasons aside, we can see another advantage to the manufacturer as well. In effect, Microsoft has absorbed the pressure felt by manufacturers to provide this update in Q3. Companies like HTC and Samsung need not go into long explanations as to why they are not providing updates to devices like the Touch HD or Omnia simply because the lack of a Start logo on its buttons will suffice.

Now, as a consumer using a high-end product from one of these brands, you may feel shortchanged. You may not like us for saying this, but we feel it's perfectly fine. Firstly, Windows Mobile won't be ready for the market till some time in Q3 this year. By that time, the Touch HD or Omnia wouldn't be the latest and greatest devices anymore and the prideful sting felt by your inner geek of not having the latest OS may not be that pronounced.

Secondly, these hardware companies need not spend extra time and effort testing their current devices and adapting their bundled apps for WM6.5. Rather, they can now work on more important matters. Though upgrading the OS is only a matter of flashing the firmware or making a trip to the service center for us, it takes many man-hours on the part of the manufacturers to make it happen. It is time that could be better spent developing new products for the platform instead.

Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, WM6.5 is not that great. Yes, it's nice to have a fancy new Home screen and that Honeycomb menu is certainly better-looking than the drop-down Start list, but these aren't critical to the user experience. In fact, you can get the same functionality through third-party apps already available. HTC's TouchFLO that comes with all its devices does a better job for user-friendliness in some aspects. Furthermore, one of the most compelling features that will come with WM6.5, the My Phone over-the-air backup service, will be available to WM6.1 users, too.

That's our take on the matter. Even if none of the current Windows Mobile devices get updates to WM6.5, it shouldn't matter much to most users, and in fact, might be a good thing overall. Of course, you may feel a tinge of jealousy when the new version ships later in the year and your product doesn't have it. In that case, we're pretty sure you will be able to find a solution in the world of unofficial software updates for your WM6.1 Touch Pro or Diamond. It's not something we recommend because there's always the risk of breaking your device and you'll void your warranty. But, hey, whatever makes you happy.