Frequently asked questions about the new version of Windows Mobile

Today, Windows Mobile 6.5 is the most up-to-date version of Windows Mobile. It runs exclusively on Windows phones.

Yes. Microsoft released a new version of Windows Mobile software, Windows Mobile 6.5, which is now available from mobile operators. Windows phones are the new phones that include the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system. See your mobile operator’s web site for dates and details on when they will make Windows phones available. Or sign up to receive "Your Mobile World," a monthly newsletter that will keep you current.

Windows phones with Windows Mobile 6.5 are designed to keep pace with your life and all the things you do every day with your phone: e-mail, instant messaging, SMS, voice mail, calendar, contacts, and more. New and improved features include the following:

In some cases, yes. Some older phones, however, may have hardware limitations or other reasons that prevent an upgrade. For more information, see updating Windows Mobile phones to Windows Mobile 6.5.

A phone can be called a Windows phone only if it comes equipped with Windows Mobile 6.5. However, some Windows Mobile 6.1 phones are still available. If you’re in the market for a new phone, make sure to ask if it’s a Windows phone. Contact your mobile operator to find out whether a Windows Mobile 6.1 phone can be upgraded to Windows Mobile 6.5.

For more information about Windows phones equipped with Windows Mobile 6.5, see our list of the latest phones.

Microsoft My Phone is a service that lets you access, manage, and back up information on your phone—contacts, calendar appointments, text messages, photos, and more—to a password-protected web-based service. That way, you can easily back up and restore your phone’s content and upgrade to new phones without the worry of losing important information.

The My Phone service is currently available for people with phones running Windows Mobile 6, Windows Mobile 6.1, and Windows Mobile 6.5. Microsoft does not charge a fee for the My Phone service at this time. But the data plan you have with your mobile operator may require you to pay data-transfer charges when you use the service. If you are unsure of your plan coverage, please contact your mobile operator.

Yes. See our new application store—Windows Marketplace for Mobile—where you can buy games, applications, and more. Windows Marketplace for Mobile makes it easy to get the latest apps. You can even download them directly to your phone if you have a Windows phone that runs Windows Mobile 6.5.

If you develop custom applications for Windows phones, you’ll find the tools and resources you need at the Windows Mobile for Developers web site. You can also distribute your applications directly to users through Windows Marketplace for Mobile. The site makes it easy for you to sell your work, and you retain 70 percent of the sales revenue from Microsoft as well as receive guidance and support throughout the development and certification process.

For more information, learn about developing for Windows Marketplace for Mobile.