|
|
|
23 June 2003
Today Microsoft released the long awaited Windows Mobile 2003 (previously
called Pocket PC 2003.) In addition, a host of new handhelds were also
announced as were upgrades for certain models of existing Pocket PCs. In
this first article, I thought I'd give you the highlights of the some of the
changes that are of specific interest to Bluetooth Users:
 |
Improved Connection Manager - The much maligned Connection Manager has
once again been revamped with more tabs that offer greater control for the
user. This is a step forward from the confusing Connection Manager in the
previous version of Pocket PC.
|
|
Built-in Bluetooth Support - Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC now has
Bluetooth support (of course this is hardware dependant) making it simpler
to link your Pocket PC and other Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices. This is a
great step forward in consistency, but it remains to be seen how the various
hardware vendors deal with this. Also, will companies such as Widcomm meet
the challenge of tighter integration of Bluetooth by providing even more
advanced features? Or will they simply pass on continued development for the
Windows Mobile platform in favor of other systems such as Linux and PalmOS?
|
|
Bluetooth Beaming - Allows contact and other data to be exchanged with
other Bluetooth devices using the OBEX standard.
|
|
Turn all radios off - A "one-touch" feature that allows the user to turn
off the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cell phone, etc., to conserve power or for when
traveling by air.
|
|
vCard and vCal Support - Users can now accept a vCard into the Contacts
and a vCal into the Calendar.
|
Of course there are many other features and enhancements, but the ones
listed above are most important to us because they show Microsoft's commitment to Bluetooth for their newest mobile platform.
|
|
