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 our list of phones that can be updated from your mobile operator’s web site. To stay current on updates and other Windows phone information, sign up to receive Windows Phone News.

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 mobile operators and phone manufacturers, however, are not providing updates to their phones. For more information, see Updating Windows Mobile phones to Windows Mobile 6.5.

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.