Q: You've described some of the more obvious features of Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software for Pocket PC in previous columns. Describe some of the more subtle changes in Second Edition.
The biggest enhancements to Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software were made with our hardware partners in mind. We enabled new functionalities in this version of Windows Mobile that are allowing our partners to design and build some exciting devices with new form factors and capabilities. Primary enhancements include support for VGA resolution for Pocket PCs and QVGA resolution for Smartphones, support for square screen devices, and native landscape capability for Pocket PCs.
Enabling our partners to build exciting new devices was the biggest priority for Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, but we also included some important new features that you'll notice on Pocket PCs. Support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is one such feature. This provides an additional measure of security when connecting to WPA-enabled hot spots. In an effort to improve the Web browsing experience we also added One Column browsing, which intelligently organizes Web pages into a single column within Pocket Internet Explorer, reducing the need to scroll left to right. This improvement has dramatically enhanced the customer experience using Pocket Internet Explorer. Additionally, we added the ability to personalize font size, as well as a new Transcriber feature called “shorthand,” which allows users to run programs or insert text messages by simply writing certain pre-selected symbols or letters.
Q: We've noticed that MS Reader is no longer built into Pocket PCs running Second Edition software. Will you continue to make this application available to Pocket PC users?
The challenge was to build new functionality into Windows Mobile software while keeping the ROM size manageable for our device manufacturing partners. To do this, we had to prioritize the programs. While Microsoft Reader does not ship natively with Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software, we offer it for download for free for Pocket PC devices, so that those who wish to use it can install it at no cost. When using Microsoft Reader on Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition-based Pocket PCs, you can now view your e-books in landscape mode for a more natural, comfortable reading experience. If you don't have Microsoft Reader on your Pocket PC, you can download it from Microsoft's Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/ppc.asp).
Q: Microsoft just introduced Windows Media Player 10 Mobile. How has this program been enhanced from WMP 9? How can users of existing Pocket PCs get a copy of the program?
Windows Media Player 10 Mobile for Windows Mobile-based Smartphones and Pocket PCs is an all-in-one mobile media player that provides a rich media experience and works great with Windows Media 10 and your Windows XP PC. With this release, we set out to create the best audio and video experience on a mobile phone or PDA. We focused our efforts around three main design goals: improving the device experience, seamless integration with Windows XP PCs to easily transfer your music files, and the ability to personalize your Windows Mobile-based device. Some of the new key features include: support for WMA Lossless and WMA Professional formats, (formats for high quality audio and video that are less compressed then more typical formats such as WMA), a new and easy-to-use interface with the ability to change skins, the ability to display album art, automatic content sync capabilities via AutoSync, support for your favorite playlists, and the ability to play your favorite TV programs recorded on your Windows XP Media Center Edition PC.
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