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Frequently asked questions about Windows Mobile 6.1

Microsoft Windows Mobile is software that puts the smart in smartphone. It turns a mobile phone into a device that frees you from your office or home. Windows Mobile 6.1 is the latest version of this software.

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How is Windows Mobile 6.1 different from previous versions?

Windows Mobile 6.1 includes enhancements that help make setting up your phone, text messaging, checking your e-mail, and countless other smartphone tasks simpler and speedier than ever before. Here are just a few examples of how Windows Mobile 6.1 improves upon earlier versions:
  • The home screen is more efficient. More of what you use every day is immediately at your fingertips. You can view notifications and calendar appointments, go straight to the Getting Started Center, and even listen to your favorite music.

    Home screen
  • Step-by-step help setting up your phone. Your smartphone now arrives equipped with help so that you can start using it right away. Easy-to-follow help is available when you want to set up a Bluetooth-enabled headset or set up your e-mail. In fact, Bluetooth-enabled headsets can be automatically connected to your smartphone—you no longer need to know the pairing code.
  • No more mysterious text messages. Rather than seeing a stand-alone response when you open a text, you’ll view the details of your entire conversation. Now you can easily see how the conversation has progressed.

    Conversation history
  • Browse the Internet more easily with Internet Explorer Mobile. You now have the ability to view a complete Web page and choose sections to zoom in on so that you can see the text and images that you are most interested in.
  • Stay hands-free when making calls in your car. Windows Mobile 6.1 allows your Bluetooth-enabled car kits to access phone book information.
  • Security enhancements. The security improvements in Windows Mobile 6.1 are many. To read a detailed explanation, read our Web page on new security features.
  • Device management. If you’re responsible for managing your company’s mobile phones, you’ll be interested to know that Windows Mobile 6.1 enables Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008.
Want a complete picture of the features of Windows Mobile 6.1 and how they compare to earlier versions? Take a look at this comparison chart.

Can I download the new version now?

When Microsoft releases new versions of Windows Mobile software, we release it directly to the mobile operators so they can ensure it works correctly on their phones. For that reason, you cannot download it directly from Microsoft. Check out your mobile operator’s Web site for dates and details on when they will release the 6.1 update.

Here are the upgrade sites for some of the most popular phones:

Operator Phones

AT&T

Motorola Q9h, Pantech Duo, Tilt

Samsung

BlackJack II (XP, Vista), SCH-i760

HTC

Touch Cruise, Touch Dual, HTC TyTN II

Motorola

MC7090 (requires a purchased license)

Sprint

ACE (SPH-i325), Mogul, HTC Touch

Verizon Wireless

Motorola Q9c, XV6800

US Cellular

HTC Touch

For a complete list, visit smartphonethoughts.com.

How can I be sure that if I buy a new phone, it will be 6.1 ready?

You’ll find that most new smartphones come equipped with Windows Mobile 6.1, but that some Windows Mobile 6 phones are still available. Contact your mobile operator to find out which Windows Mobile 6 phones are eligible for free updates to 6.1.
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