I don’t cover WidnowsMobile happenings a whole lot but that may soon change. Windows Mobile 7 is looking more and more exciting as MWC draws closer with my only hesitations being focused on the issues of multi-tasking and Marketplace-only app installs. Other than that, it’s looking good. Really good. New word from MS Mobiles today has revealed some exciting news for travelers (and those whom find themselves lost more often than not) — Free navigation!
Much like Android and Symbian already offer, the next version of WindowsMobile will throw in Navigation outright, making the use of standalone units even less necessary for the mass population. I’ve only used the Google Navigation a couple of times but find it highly accurate and easy to use. Microsoft has a nice bullet point on their hands here. It begs the question: If more OS’s come standard with maps and robust navigation capabilities, how much longer will companies such as Garmin, Navigon, and TomTom last in the mobile software realm?
With all of the hub bub surrounding Windows Mobile 7, previous versions of Windows Mobile have been receiving little, if any news coverage. If you’re fishing for some breaking announcement regarding older versions of WM, sorry to say that feature wise, that ship has pretty much set sail. However, there is still good news to be had. The same source of MS Mobiles is also claiming that without a doubt, after Windows Mobile debuts, Microsoft will cut Windows Mobile 6.x down to FREE.
Such a move may increase the number of low to mid-range WM handsets that get released in the next 6-12 months. Though as fast as the mobile world is moving, I don’t see too many people sticking around with WM 6.x, even if it is free.
The rest of the rumors concerning WM 7 such as Xbox and Zune integration as well as a completely revamped UI still stand. With all of the news we’ve seen the last several weeks, 2010 could be the first year I actually want a WinMo device. Traveling in the same boat as me?
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