With Apple, Google and RIM making swift and sweeping moves in the world of handheld operating systems, Windows Mobile 6 - you know, Windows Mobile 5 / 2003 / 2002 with a slight makeover - is becoming a dated platform in many respects; we’re still a country mile from Palm OS territory, but it’s time for a major overhaul.

As I see it, the next version of Windows Mobile is in need of updating in at least five major respects.  First, the overall UI, or general look and aesthetic appeal.  Second, more touch-friendly navigation.  Third, better mobile web browsing.  Fourth, better multimedia management and control.  And finally, simple, instant and fully wireless syncing.

I’ve decided to focus my first in a multi-part editorial on the syncing possibilities of Windows Mobile and what improvements need to be added for Windows Mobile 7, which is due out next year.

Keep reading Hopes for Windows Mobile 7, Part I: Syncing.

As you may have noticed, I’ve not submitted a post to my blog in over two months.  The reason for my absence was family related; my grandfather had a stroke in early April and passed away a couple of weeks ago.  My grandfather was a brilliant man, a World War II veteran, and one who touched the lives of many people throughout his life, including myself.

He will be greatly missed.

Please visit the National Stroke Association for information on stroke risk factors, prevention and recovery.

I’ve just posted an editorial in the News section of Pocket PC Central concerning new Windows Mobile web browsers for 2008.  There are several new and upcoming browsers which show a lot of promise.  To me, the gold standard (at least in terms of what’s available in the here and now) of mobile web browsers is Apple’s Safari application which runs on the iPhone and iPod touch.  Here’s hoping that at least one of these new WM browsers can deliver nearly as well as Safari.

You can read the editorial here.  I’d also love to hear what you think about Windows Mobile web browsing in general.

HP was kind enough to send me a review unit of the new iPAQ 111, the first PDA-only (Microsoft used to call these Pocket PCs) Windows Mobile device from HP in some time.  The new iPAQ is sleek, light and very speedy, and after a few hours of putting it through its paces, I have no real complaints.  A full review is forthcoming - most likely around Thanksgiving -but based on what I’ve seen thus far, the iPAQ 111 is worth a look if you’ve been itching for a Windows Mobile PDA without telephony add-ons.

Have questions about this new iPAQ?  E-mail me and I’ll be glad to address them.  I’ll also post some of the back-and-forth if it seems to be a popular subject.

M.N.

I’ve been using Microsoft’s Windows Live services for a few months in BETA (and, in fact, I’ve been using Windows Live Writer to post to this blog).  Well, today Windows Live is out of BETA and ready for its close-up.  If you haven’t tried Windows Live - a suite of software designed to manage your online life including Live Mail, Live Messenger, Live Writer, Photo Gallery, etc. - give it a try.  It’s actually quite useful, and it’s free.

Oh, and e-mail addresses with the @live.com domain are now available, too.  Grab one while you can. 

For more information on Windows Live, visit the Windows Live Web Site.  If you’re using Windows Live Messenger, IM me at m.nichols@live.com.