The next version of Windows Mobile, code-named "Photon," will likely be named simply Windows Mobile 7, and is due out in early 2009. Until recently, we had very little information on Windows Mobile 7, but a recent post to a Microsoft blog have given us a glimpse at some of what we can expect.
In this Pocket PC Central Product Brief, we'll explore some of the features of Windows Mobile 7. Bear in mind that this information is not yet official, and so may change in whole or in part before the final release.
A Focus On Touch...
Since the release of the Apple iPhone, Microsoft has been pushing its software designers to move toward a more touch-based User Interface (UI) for the Windows Mobile OS. The results of this push are seen clearly in Windows Mobile 7. Moving through menus, up and down through documents and web pages, etc., will be accomplished through touch motions; flicking a finger up and down, left and right, for example, will replace conventional scrolling.
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While many WM7 devices will include styli, focus on touch-based menu navigation and general OS interaction has been greatly expanded, and is at the core of what WM7 will be.
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... And Gestures
Along with users using their finger or fingers to interact with the OS, Windows Mobile 7 will also include support for gestures. Accomplished by using onboard cameras found on many Windows Mobile devices, the OS will sense tilts, shakes and twists to help the user enter commands into the OS and secondary software.
According to the same Microsoft blog entry, Windows Mobile 7 will be able to detect when the unit is in a pocket or other enclosure; this may also be accomplished by way of the onboard camera, but this is not clearly stated in the text of the entry.
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Adding a Windows Live Look
Windows Mobile 6 featured a more candy-styled Vista appearance, but Windows Mobile 7 takes this change to the next level, with an styling focused on a blend of Vista and Windows Live.
There's more glow and transparency to the WM7's screens and menus. There also appears to be more of a focus on screen transitions and animation effects.
A New Media Interface
WM7 appears to feature a more unified multimedia playback center for viewing video, listening to music and browsing through photos. Windows Mobile 7 also seems to be able to interface with the Zune online music store so that users can purchase new music even when they're away from their PCs. Notice the Zune icon in the screen below:
