So Long PocketPC

With the unofficial-official announcement this week of Windows Mobile 6, Microsoft also introduced a new naming convention for their mobile platform as well. Werner in his post earlier this week here in the Blog goes over the details of the new naming scheme so I won't bore you with details yet again. But I will ask this question: Will you miss the terms "PocketPC" and "Smartphone" and will the new namings - Classic, Standard and Professional - clear what is already a somewhat confusing landscape in the device arena?

I for one will miss the terms PocketPC and Smartphone. It probably is nothing more than fond memories on my part that make me say this but having used these devices for so long, I have grown use to using them on a daily (okay.. hourly) basis.

For sure though I can see the logic behind the change from Microsoft. Clearly there is confusion in the marketplace, especially around the term "Smartphone". This confusion leads to even further confusion when you, as a consumer, try to figure out what device you have (Smartphone or PocketPC Phone) and want to purchase software for it. From this perspective, the new names should help clear things up. BUT then next few months will be really interesting as there is a mix and hodge-podge of names out there.

And this doesn't even cover websites and magazines such as Smartphone & PocketPC magazine. How is all this going to shake out for our beloved magazine? Only time will tell but it does put an interesting spin on things.

While I don't expect the new names to take a strong hold for the next several months you will begin to see it in short order on Windows Mobile oriented sites in review and comments on those sites.

So what are your thoughts? Do you like the new names or do you like the old ones? Post up and let me know!