Editing Windows Mobile

{{short description|Family of mobile operating systems by Microsoft (2000–2013)}}
{{About-distinguish|the mobile phone platform from 2000 to 2013|Windows 10 Mobile|Windows Phone|Microsoft Mobile}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2012}}

{{Use American English|date=December 2023}}

{{Infobox OS
| name = Windows Mobile
| logo = [[File:Windows logo - 2006.svg|64px]]
| screenshot = [[File:Windows Phone 6.5 home screen, WVGA variant.png|300px]]
| caption = Windows Mobile 6.5 screenshot, showing the Today screen
| developer = [[Microsoft]]
| kernel_type = [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]]
| ui = [[Graphical User Interface|Graphical]]
| released = {{Start date and age|2000|4|19}}
| latest_release_version = 6.5.3
| latest_release_date = {{Start date and age|2010|2|2}}
| latest_preview_version =
| discontinued = yes
| marketing_target = [[Mobile device]]s
| updatemodel = [[Adaptation kit upgrade]]
| working_state = Discontinued
| license = [[Proprietary software]] licensed to [[OEM]]s
| website = https://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/default.mspx
| succeeded_by = [[Windows Phone]]
| support status = Unsupported
}}
'''Windows Mobile''' is a discontinued [[mobile operating system]] developed by [[Microsoft]] for [[smartphone]]s and [[personal digital assistant]]s (PDA).<ref name="infoworld2005">{{cite web|last=Evers |first=Joris |url=http://www.infoworld.com/d/hardware/microsoft-phase-out-pocket-pc-smartphone-brands-232 |title=Microsoft to phase out Pocket PC, Smartphone brands &#124; Hardware |website=[[InfoWorld]] |publisher=[[IDG]] |date=January 6, 2005 |access-date=July 14, 2011}}</ref> Designed to be the portable equivalent of the [[Windows]] desktop OS in the emerging [[Mobile device|mobile/portable]] area, the operating system is built on top of [[Windows CE]] (later known as Windows Embedded Compact) and was originally released as [[Pocket PC 2000]].

Microsoft introduced the [[Pocket PC]] keyboard-less PDAs in 2000, with Pocket PC 2000 being the software. It was based on version 3.0 of Windows CE, the operating system originally developed for the [[Handheld PC]] in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web| title=Handheld Computers and Windows CE | url=https://jingxinwang.forestry.wvu.edu/files/d/ef7172fc-ffbe-4698-ab92-03b55829f3ed/hpcwce.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103022751/https://jingxinwang.forestry.wvu.edu/files/d/ef7172fc-ffbe-4698-ab92-03b55829f3ed/hpcwce.pdf | archive-date=2021-11-03}}</ref> The next versions were [[Pocket PC 2002]] and Smartphone 2002, the latter of which would power a new category of keypad-based [[cell phone]] devices named Smartphone.<ref>{{Cite web | title=MS Stinger smartphones finally poised to ship {{!}} The Register | url=https://www.theregister.com/2002/03/19/ms_stinger_smartphones_finally_poised/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040602013051/http://www.theregister.com:80/2002/03/19/ms_stinger_smartphones_finally_poised/ | access-date=2025-05-24 | archive-date=2004-06-02}}</ref> With the release of [[Windows Mobile 2003]], the software was rebranded to a single "Windows Mobile" for both Pocket PCs and Smartphones, and to connect the brand with its desktop counterpart.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.microsoft.com/2003/06/23/microsoft-announces-windows-mobile-a-strategic-addition-to-the-windows-brand-family/ | title=Microsoft Announces Windows Mobile, A Strategic Addition to the Windows Brand Family | date=June 23, 2003 }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Pen Computing Magazine: Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC |url=https://www.pencomputing.com/frames/windowsmobile2003.html |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=www.pencomputing.com}}</ref> Support for [[SuperH|SH-3]] and [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] processor architectures were dropped, focusing only on [[ARM architecture family|ARM]].<ref name=":2" /> In the next major release, [[Windows Mobile 5.0]] in 2005, Microsoft unified the separate developments of Pocket PC and Smartphone software into a single Windows Mobile codebase.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.crn.com/news/security/163100795/microsoft-launches-windows-mobile-5-0 | title=Microsoft Launches Windows Mobile 5.0 &#124; CRN }}</ref> Data could be synchronized with desktops using [[ActiveSync]] software, and later using [[Windows Mobile Device Center]].

[[Windows Mobile 6.0]] and [[Windows Mobile 6.1|6.1]] were the next major releases, in 2007 and 2008 respectively, by which time the hardware devices were also solely under the Windows Mobile banner. Along with the final major release, [[Windows Mobile 6.5]], the first to be designed for use without a [[Stylus (computing)|stylus]] on touchscreens,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herrman |first=John |date=2009-10-06 |title=Windows Mobile 6.5 Review: There's No Excuse For This |url=https://gizmodo.com/windows-mobile-6-5-review-theres-no-excuse-for-this-5374876 |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=Gizmodo |language=en-US}}</ref> Microsoft also introduced the [[Windows Marketplace for Mobile]] for software distribution, for Windows Mobile 6.x devices. Following the success of newer mobile operating systems like [[iOS]], Windows Mobile faded rapidly; in 2010, Microsoft announced the more modern and consumer-focused [[Windows Phone 7]] as its replacement, and Windows Mobile has been [[deprecated]] since existing devices and software are incompatible with [[Windows Phone]].<ref name=future/><ref name="eWeek_Explains">{{cite web|url=http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Microsoft-Explains-Windows-Phone-7-Lack-of-Compatibility-588900/ |title=Microsoft Explains Windows Phone Lack of Compatibility |author=Nicholas Kolakowski |date=March 15, 2010 |work=eWeek }}</ref><ref name="TerryMyerson_explains">{{cite web |url= http://www.msteched.com/2010/NorthAmerica/WPH201 |title= Windows Phone: A New Kind of Phone (36:47 min. in) |publisher= Microsoft |date= June 13, 2010 |access-date= September 9, 2010 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://archive.today/20121227175926/http://www.msteched.com/2010/NorthAmerica/WPH201 |archive-date= December 27, 2012 |df= mdy-all }}</ref>

==Features==
Most versions of Windows Mobile have a standard set of features, such as [[Computer multitasking|multitasking]] and the ability to navigate a file system similar to that of [[Windows 9x]] and [[Windows NT]], including support for many of the same file types. Similarly to its [[Windows 9x|desktop counterpart]], it comes bundled with a set of applications that perform basic tasks. [[Internet Explorer Mobile]] is the default [[web browser]], and [[Windows Media Player]] is the default [[media player (software)|media player]] used for playing [[digital media]]. The mobile version of [[Microsoft Office]] is the default [[office suite]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

[[Internet Connection Sharing]], supported on compatible devices, allows the phone to share its Internet connection with computers via USB and Bluetooth. Windows Mobile supports [[virtual private networking]] over [[PPTP]] protocol. Most devices with mobile connectivity also have a [[Radio Interface Layer]]. The Radio Interface Layer provides the system interface between the Cell Core layer within the Windows Mobile OS and the radio protocol stack used by the wireless modem hardware. This allows OEMs to integrate a variety of modems into their equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CS8601 Notes Mobile Computing |url=https://pdfcoffee.com/cs8601-notes-mobile-computing-pdf-free.html |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=pdfcoffee.com |language=en}}</ref>

The user interface changed dramatically between versions, only retaining similar functionality. The ''Today Screen'', later called the ''Home Screen'', shows the current [[calendar date|date]], owner information, upcoming appointments, e-mails, and [[task (project management)|tasks]]. The taskbar displays the current time as well as the volume level. Devices with a cellular radio also show the signal strength on said taskbar.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

==History==
[[File:Winpad93.png|thumb|left|150px|An Alpha build of WinPad in the early days of development showing off stylus compatibility]]
Windows Mobile is based on the [[Windows CE]] [[kernel (operating system)|kernel]] and first appeared as the ''Pocket PC 2000'' operating system. It includes a suite of basic applications developed with the Microsoft [[Windows API]], and is designed to have features and appearance somewhat similar to [[desktop environment|desktop]] versions of [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]. It allowed [[Video game development party#Third-party developers|third party developers]] to [[software development|develop software]] for Windows Mobile with no restrictions imposed by Microsoft. Software applications were purchasable from [[Windows Marketplace for Mobile]] during the service's lifespan.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

Most early Windows Mobile devices came with a [[stylus (computing)|stylus]], which can be used to enter commands by tapping it on the screen.<ref>{{cite news |title=Windows Mobile: where's the love? And where's the sales figure? |author=Charles Arthur |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=October 20, 2009 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/blog/2009/oct/20/windows-mobile-reviews-negative | location=London}}</ref> The primary touch input technology behind most devices were [[resistive touchscreen]]s which often required a stylus for input. Later devices used [[capacitive sensing]] which does not require a stylus. Along with touchscreens, a large variety of [[Mobile phone form factors|form factors]] existed for the platform. Some devices featured slideout keyboards, while others featured minimal face buttons.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

===Windows CE===
{{Main|Windows CE}}

Microsoft's work on handheld portable devices began with research projects in 1990, with the work on Windows CE beginning in 1992. Initially, the OS and the user interface were developed separately. With Windows CE being based on Windows 95 code and a separate team handing the user interface which was codenamed WinPad (later Microsoft At Work for Handhelds). Windows 95 had strong pen support making porting easy; with some saying "At this time, Windows 95 offers outstanding pen support. It is treating pens right for the first time." WinPad was delayed due to price and performance issues, before being scrapped in early 1995 due to touchscreen driver problems relating to WriteTouch technology, made by NCR Microelectronic Products. Although WinPad was never released as a consumer product, Alpha builds were released showcasing many interface elements. During development of WinPad a separate team worked on a project called Pulsar; designed to be a mobile communications version of WinPad, described as a "pager on Steroids". This project was also canceled around the same time as WinPad. The two disbanded groups would form the Pegasus project in 1995. Pegasus would work on the hardware side of the Windows CE OS, attempting to create a form factor similar to a PC-esque PDA like WinPad, with communications functionality like Pulsar. Under the name [[Handheld PC]], a hardware reference guide was created, and devices began shipping in 1996, although most of these devices bore little resemblance to the goal of a pen-based touchscreen handheld device. A specification for a smaller form factor under the name Palm-size PC was released in 1998.<ref name="cehistory">{{citation |last=Tilley |first=Chris |title=The History of Windows CE Humble Beginnings |url=http://www.hpcfactor.com/support/windowsce/}}</ref><ref name="writetouch">{{citation |title=NCR, Scriptel push cordless digitizer |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EKF/is_n2040_v40/ai_16289299/}}</ref><ref name="winpaddelay">{{citation|url=http://www.telecompaper.com/news/microsoft-delays-launch-of-winpad-pda|title=Microsoft Delays Launch Of WinPad PDA}}</ref><ref name="winpadui">{{citation|url=http://www.betaarchive.com/screenshots/index.php?load=Windows%20CE%201.0%20Alpha/|title=Screenshot Gallery}}</ref><ref name="cehistory2">{{citation |title=The History of Windows CE:Windows CE 1 |url=http://www.hpcfactor.com/support/windowsce/wce1.asp}}</ref>

===Pocket PC 2000===
[[File:Pocket PC 2000.png|thumb|150px|Pocket PC 2000 Today screen]]
{{Main|Pocket PC 2000}}
Pocket PC 2000, originally codenamed "Rapier", was released on April 19, 2000, and was based on the [[Windows CE]] 3.0 kernel.<ref name="codenames">De Herrera, Chris. [http://www.pocketpcfaq.com/wce/versions.htm ''Windows CE/Windows Mobile Versions''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904061634/http://www.pocketpcfaq.com/wce/versions.htm |date=September 4, 2019 }}. pocketpcfaq.com. Retrieved September 6, 2007.</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Pöhls |first=Henrich |date=August 31, 2003 |title=Risk Analysis of Mobile Devices with Special Concern of Malware Contamination |url=http://www.2000grad.com/papers/dpa_henrich_poehls.pdf |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=www.2000grad.com}}</ref>

Pocket PC 2000 was the debut of what was later to become the Windows Mobile operating system, and was meant to be a successor to the operating system aboard [[Palm-size PCs]]. Backwards compatibility was retained with such Palm-size PC applications.{{cn|date=January 2024}}

Pocket PC 2000 was intended mainly for [[Pocket PC]] devices; however, several Palm-size PC devices had the ability to be updated as well. Furthermore, several Pocket PC 2000 phones were released (under the name Handheld PC 2000), however at this time, Microsoft's "Smartphone" hardware platform had not yet been created.{{cn|date=January 2024}}

At this time, Pocket PC devices had not been standardized with a specific CPU architecture. As a result, Pocket PC 2000 was released on multiple CPU architectures, such as [[SuperH|SH-3]], [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]], and [[ARM architecture|ARM]]. The only resolution supported by this release was 240 x 320 ([[QVGA]]). Removable storage card formats that were supported were [[CompactFlash]] and [[MultiMediaCard]]. [[Infrared]] (IR) File beaming capability was among the original hardware features.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

Aesthetically, the original Pocket PC operating system was similar in design to the then-current [[Windows 98]], [[Windows 2000]], and the yet-to-be-released [[Windows Me]] desktop operating systems. Crucially, the Pocket PC had a less cluttered interface more suitable for a mobile device, unlike the interface on predeceasing Palm-size PCs. Mainstream support for Pocket PC 2000 ended on September 30, 2005, and extended support ended on October 9, 2007.<ref name=cehistory2/><ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Microsoft Support Lifecycle |url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=2634 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316072745/http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=2634 |archive-date=March 16, 2013 |website=Microsoft Support |language=it}}</ref>

This initial release had multiple built-in applications,<ref>De Herrera, Chris. [http://www.pocketpcmag.com/cms/_archives/May00/MorethanPDA.asp ''More Than a PDA!''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821195751/http://www.pocketpcmag.com/cms/_archives/May00/MorethanPDA.asp |date=August 21, 2008 }}. Pocket PC Magazine. Retrieved September 14, 2007.</ref> many of them similarly branded to match their desktop counterparts; such as [[Microsoft Reader]], [[Microsoft Money]], [[Pocket Internet Explorer]] and [[Windows Media Player]]. A version of [[Microsoft Office]] called [[Pocket Office]] was also bundled and included Pocket Word, Pocket Excel and Pocket Outlook. Notes, a note-taking app saw its first release and would be supported by most later versions of Windows Mobile. [[Intelligent character recognition]] support allowed Notes to distinguish styles of handwriting to be learned by the OS during processing to improve accuracy and recognition levels.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

===Pocket PC 2002===
[[File:Pocket PC 2002 Screenshot.png|thumb|150px|Pocket PC 2002 Today screen]]
{{Main|Pocket PC 2002}}
Pocket PC 2002, originally codenamed "Merlin", was released on October 4, 2001, and was based on the [[Windows CE]] 3.0 kernel, like with Pocket PC 2000.<ref name=codenames/><ref name=":0" /> Although targeted mainly for 240×320 ([[QVGA]]) [[Pocket PC]] devices, Pocket PC 2002 was also used for Pocket PC phones (Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition).<ref>Morris, John; Taylor, Josh, {{cite web |title=''Microsoft jumps in the all-in-one game'' |url=https://www.zdnet.com/products/stories/reviews/0%2C4161%2C2824082%2C00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011217080411/http://www.zdnet.com/products/stories/reviews/0%2C4161%2C2824082%2C00.html |archive-date=December 17, 2001 |access-date=2017-05-24 |website=[[ZDNet]]}}, zdnet.com, Retrieved from the [[Internet Archive]] September 6, 2007.</ref>

Aesthetically, Pocket PC 2002 was meant to be similar in design to the then newly released [[Windows XP]]. Newly added or updated programs include<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/pocketpc2002/default.asp |title=''Announcing the New Pocket PC 2002'' |website=[[Microsoft]] |access-date=2007-09-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020124155709/http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/pocketpc2002/default.asp |archive-date=January 24, 2002 }}, Microsoft, Retrieved from the [[Internet Archive]] September 6, 2007.</ref><ref>Gray, Douglas. [http://www.itworld.com/Comp/1279/IDG010906jornada/ ''HP to unveil Jornada 560 series of handhelds''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714224210/http://www.itworld.com/Comp/1279/IDG010906jornada/ |date=July 14, 2007 }}. ITWorld.com. Retrieved September 14, 2007.</ref><ref>Gray, Douglas. [http://archives.cnn.com/2001/TECH/ptech/10/05/new.handhelds.idg/ ''Palming new handhelds: Pocket PC 2002''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022093945/http://archives.cnn.com/2001/TECH/ptech/10/05/new.handhelds.idg/ |date=October 22, 2007 }}. CNN. Retrieved September 14, 2007.</ref><ref>De Herrera, Chris. [http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/jan02/PocketPC2002.asp ''The Pocket PC 2002 Gets More Features for Work and Play''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011154011/http://pocketpcmag.com/_archives/jan02/PocketPC2002.asp |date=October 11, 2007 }}. Pocket PC Magazine. Retrieved September 14, 2007.</ref> [[Windows Media Player]] 8 with [[streaming media|streaming]] capability; [[Windows Live Messenger Mobile|MSN Messenger]], and [[Microsoft Reader]] 2, with [[Digital rights management]] support. Upgrades to the bundled version of Office Mobile include a [[spell checker]] and [[word count]] tool in [[Microsoft Office Mobile|Pocket Word]] and improved [[Microsoft Office Mobile|Pocket Outlook]]. Connectivity was improved with file beaming on non-Microsoft devices such as [[Palm OS]], the inclusion of [[Terminal Services]] and [[Virtual private network]]ing support, and the ability to synchronize folders. Other upgrades include an enhanced [[User interface|UI]] with theme support and savable downloads and [[Wireless Application Protocol|WAP]] in [[Internet Explorer Mobile|Pocket Internet Explorer]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pen Computing Magazine: Windows Pocket PC 2002 |url=https://pencomputing.com/WinCE/ppc2002.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=pencomputing.com}}</ref>

=== Smartphone 2002 ===
[[File:Smartphone 2002 screenshot.jpg|thumb|Smartphone 2002 Today screen|172x172px]]
Smartphone 2002, originally codenamed "Stinger", was released in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft's phone software ready to talk |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/microsofts-phone-software-ready-to-talk/ |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref> Based on Windows CE 3.0 like Pocket PC 2002 and Pocket PC 2000, Smartphone 2002 was built for [[GSM]] cell phones with standard keypad-based form factors, as opposed to Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition which targeted standard touch-based PDAs.<ref>{{Cite web | title=MS Stinger smartphones finally poised to ship {{!}} The Register | url=https://www.theregister.com/2002/03/19/ms_stinger_smartphones_finally_poised/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040602013051/http://www.theregister.com:80/2002/03/19/ms_stinger_smartphones_finally_poised/ | access-date=2025-05-24 | archive-date=2004-06-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pocket PC dials up Phone Edition |url=https://www.cnet.com/culture/pocket-pc-dials-up-phone-edition/ |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref> The first device that was supposed to ship with Smartphone 2002 was the [[Sendo Z100]] which was canceled after Sendo sued Microsoft.

===Windows Mobile 2003===
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| width             = 150
| image1            = Windows Mobile 2003 First Edition.png
| caption1          = Windows Mobile 2003 Today screen
| image2            = PPC2003 001.png
| caption2          = Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition Today screen
}}
{{Main|Windows Mobile 2003}}
Windows Mobile 2003, initially named as Pocket PC 2003 and originally codenamed "Ozone", was the first release under the Windows Mobile banner, released on June 23, 2003, based on the [[Windows CE]] 4.2 kernel.<ref name=codenames/><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

It came in four editions: "Windows Mobile 2003 for [[Pocket PC]] Premium Edition", "Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Professional Edition", "Windows Mobile 2003 for [[Smartphone]]" and "Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Phone Edition". The last was designed especially for Pocket PCs which include phone functionalities. The Professional Edition was used in Pocket PC budget models. It lacked a number of features that were in the Premium Edition, such as a client for [[Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol|L2TP/IPsec]] VPNs. All versions of Windows Mobile 2003 were powered by Windows CE 4.20.{{cn|date=January 2024}}

Communications interface were enhanced with [[Bluetooth]] device management, which allowed for Bluetooth file beaming support, Bluetooth headset support and support for Bluetooth add-on keyboards. A pictures application with viewing, cropping, e-mail, and beaming support was added. Multimedia improvements included [[Musical Instrument Digital Interface|MIDI]] file support as ringtones in Phone Edition and [[Windows Media Player]] 9.0 with streaming optimization. A puzzle game titled ''[[Jawbreaker (Windows Mobile game)|Jawbreaker]]'' is among the preinstalled programs. GAPI was included with this release to facilitate the development of games for the platform.<ref name="windows1">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.windows.com/windows_phone/b/windowsphone/archive/2009/07/14/just-say-no-to-gapi-what-you-need-to-know-about-allkeys-and-input-management.aspx |title=Just say no to GAPI – What You Need to Know About AllKeys and Input Management |website=Blogs.windows.com |date=2009-07-15 |access-date=2013-07-11}}</ref>

Other features/built-in applications included the following: enhanced [[Microsoft Office Mobile|Pocket Outlook]] with [[vCard]] and vCal support, improved [[Internet Explorer Mobile|Pocket Internet Explorer]] and [[Short message service|SMS]] reply options for Phone Edition.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=De Herrera |first=Chris |date=November 2003 |title=Windows Mobile 2003 |url=http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/nov03/windowsmobile2003.asp |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914012730/http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/nov03/windowsmobile2003.asp |archive-date=September 14, 2007 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |website=Pocket PC Magazine}}</ref>

===Windows Mobile 2003 SE===
Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, also known as "Windows Mobile 2003 SE", was released on March 24, 2004, and first offered on the [[Dell, Inc.|Dell]] [[Dell Axim|Axim x30]]. It was based on the [[Windows CE]] 4.x kernel. This was the last version which allowed users to back up and restore an entire device through [[ActiveSync]].

This upgrade allows users to switch between [[portrait]] and [[landscape]] modes and introduces a single-column layout in [[Internet Explorer Mobile|Pocket Internet Explorer]]. It includes support for [[Wi-Fi Protected Access]] (WPA) and new [[screen resolution]]s:  640×480 ([[VGA]]), 240×240, and 480×480. It was powered by the same OS as with Windows Mobile 2003, which was Windows CE 4.20.

===Windows Mobile 5===
[[File:WM50today.png|thumb|150px|Windows Mobile 5.0 Today screen]]
{{Main|Windows Mobile 5.0}}
Windows Mobile 5.0, originally codenamed "Magneto",<ref name=codenames/> was released at Microsoft's Mobile and Embedded Developers Conference 2005 in Las Vegas, May 9–12, 2005, and was based on the [[Windows CE]] 5.0 kernel. It requires at least 64&nbsp;MB of RAM and an ARM compatible processor.<ref>[http://www.mobiletechreview.com/editorials/windows-mobile-5.htm Lisa Gade: An introduction to Windows Mobile 5.0] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413153051/http://www.mobiletechreview.com/editorials/windows-mobile-5.htm |date=April 13, 2016 }} (Sept. 5, 2005)</ref> [[Microsoft Office Mobile]] and [[Windows Media Player]] 10 Mobile were pre-installed.

Windows Mobile 5.0 included [[Microsoft Exchange Server]] "push" functionality improvements that worked with Exchange 2003 SP2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa995996.aspx|title=New Mobility Features in Exchange Server 2003 SP2|publisher=Microsoft Technet|date=October 2005|access-date=June 4, 2007}}</ref> The OS used the [[.NET Compact Framework]] 1.0 SP3, an environment for programs based on .NET. New software features included an enhanced battery-saving capability called ''persistent storage'' capability, which was designed to seamlessly move data between RAM and flash memory to avoid data loss. New hardware features included enhanced [[Bluetooth]] support, default [[QWERTY]] keyboard-support and a management interface for [[Global Positioning System]] (GPS). 

OS updates were released as [[adaptation kit upgrade]]s, with AKU 3.5 being the final released.  Mainstream support for the OS was offered through October 12, 2010, and extended support through October 13, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=11906|title=Microsoft Support Lifecycle|publisher=Microsoft|date=January 2009|access-date=January 9, 2009}}</ref>

===Windows Mobile 6===
{{Main|Windows Mobile 6.0}}
[[File:Windows_Mobile_6.0_screenshot,_Today_view.png|thumb|200x200px|Windows Mobile 6.0 Today screen]]
Windows Mobile 6, formerly codenamed "Crossbow",<ref name=codenames/> was released on February 12, 2007<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/feb07/02-11WM6SoftwarePR.mspx|title=Windows Mobile 6 press release|publisher=Microsoft|date=February 7, 2007|access-date=February 18, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310090007/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2007/feb07/02-11WM6SoftwarePR.mspx|archive-date=March 10, 2007|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> at the [[Mobile World Congress|3GSM World Congress 2007]] and was based on the [[Windows CE]] 5.2 kernel. Three different versions were released: "Windows Mobile 6 Standard" for smartphones without touchscreens, "Windows Mobile 6 Professional" for Pocket PCs with phone functionality, and "Windows Mobile 6 Classic" for Pocket PCs without cellular radios.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/blogfiles/jasonlan/WindowsLiveWriter/WindowsMobile6whatsthedifferencebetweent_9738/clip_image001.png|title=Differences between platforms|format=png|publisher=Microsoft MSDN blogs|first=Jason|last=Langridge|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070227214544/http://blogs.msdn.com/blogfiles/jasonlan/WindowsLiveWriter/WindowsMobile6whatsthedifferencebetweent_9738/clip_image001.png|archive-date=February 27, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Windows Mobile 6 was strongly linked to the then newly introduced [[Windows Live]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/microsoftprograms/live.mspx |title=Windows Live |website=Microsoft.com |access-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015195734/http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/microsoftprograms/live.mspx |archive-date=October 15, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and [[Exchange 2007]] products, and was meant to be similar in design to the then newly released [[Windows Vista]]. Functionally, it works much like Windows Mobile 5, but with improved stability. 

Along with the announcement of [[Microsoft Office Mobile|Office Mobile]] 6.1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/handhelds/ontheradar/0,39050970,62019010,00.htm|title=Office Mobile 2007 to be offered on Q3 2007|date=June 6, 2007|website=[[CNET]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070610174022/http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/handhelds/ontheradar/0%2C39050970%2C62019010%2C00.htm|archive-date=June 10, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref> with support for Office 2007 document formats (pptx, docx, xlsx); OneNote Mobile, a companion to [[Microsoft Office OneNote]] was added to the already installed version, and improvements were made to existing applications, such as enabling [[HTML email]] support in [[Microsoft Outlook|Outlook]] Mobile.

===Windows Mobile 6.1===
[[File:Windows Mobile 6.1.4 screenshot.png|thumb|150px|Windows Mobile 6.1 Today screen]]
{{Main|Windows Mobile 6.1}}
Windows Mobile 6.1 was announced April 1, 2008, and was based on the [[Windows CE]] 5.x kernel.

It is a minor upgrade to the Windows Mobile 6 platform with various performance enhancements and a redesigned ''Home'' screen featuring horizontal ''tiles'' that expand on clicking to display more information, although this new home screen is featured only on Windows Mobile Standard edition. This was not supported in the Professional edition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsexperience/archive/2008/04/01/experiencing-the-goodness-that-is-windows-mobile-6-1.aspx |title=Experiencing the goodness that is Windows Mobile 6.1 |website=Windowsvistablog.com |access-date=July 14, 2011}}</ref> Several other changes such as [[Short Message Service#Threaded SMS|threaded SMS]], full page zooming in Internet Explorer and 'Domain Enroll' were also added, along with a "mobile" version of the [[Microsoft OneNote]] program and an interactive "Getting Started" wizard. Domain Enroll is functionality to connect the device to [[System Center Mobile Device Manager]] 2008, a product to manage mobile devices.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/apr08/04-01WM61PR.mspx |title=Microsoft Unveils Smartphone Advancements to Improve Ability to Work and Play with One Phone: Company demonstrates new version of Internet Explorer Mobile with desktop-grade Web browsing, introduces updated Windows Mobile operating system |website=Microsoft.com |access-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203211732/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/apr08/04-01WM61PR.mspx |archive-date=February 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Windows Mobile 6.1 also had improved bandwidth efficiency in its push-email protocol ActiveSync up to 40%;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.msdn.com/devmktg/archive/2008/04/04/windows-mobile-6-1-announced.aspx |title=GerardoDada: Windows Mobile 6.1 Key Features |website=Blogs.msdn.com |access-date=April 27, 2010}}</ref> this considerably improved battery life in many devices.

Aside from the visual and feature distinctions, the underlying CE versions can be used to differentiate WM 6.0 from WM 6.1. The version of Windows CE in WM 6.0 is 5.2.*, where the third and final number being a four-digit build ID (e.g. 5.2.1622 on HTC Wing). In WM 6.1, the CE version is 5.2.* with a five-digit build number (e.g. 5.2.19216 on Palm Treo 800w).

===Windows Mobile 6.5===
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| width             = 150
| image1            = Windows Phone 6.5 home screen, WVGA variant.png
| caption1          = Windows Mobile 6.5 Today screen
| image2            = Windows Mobile 6.5.3 Professional, Today (Home) screen.png
| caption2          = Windows Mobile 6.5.3 Today screen
}}
{{Main|Windows Mobile 6.5}}

Windows Mobile 6.5 is a stopgap update to Windows Mobile 6.1, based on the [[Windows CE]] 5.x kernel, intended to bridge the gap between version 6.1 and the then yet-to-be released [[Windows Phone 7]], which arrived in 2010. It was released to manufacturers on May 11, 2009; the first devices running the operating system were released in late October 2009.<ref name="blogs.zdnet.com">{{cite web | url =http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1908 | title =Windows Mobile: What's coming when - All About Microsoft - ZDNet.com | access-date =February 21, 2009 | archive-date =March 4, 2009 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090304110726/http://blogs.zdnet.com//microsoft//?p=1908 | url-status =dead }}</ref> Several phones that officially shipped with Windows Mobile 6.1 can be officially updated to Windows Mobile 6.5.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/meet/wm65-upgrade.mspx |title=Updating your phone to Windows Mobile 6.5 |publisher=Microsoft |date=March 4, 2010 |access-date=June 20, 2010}}</ref> 

This update includes some significant new added features, such as a revamped GUI, a new Today screen resembling that of Microsoft's [[Zune]] player with vertically scrollable labels (called 'Titanium') in terms of functionality with a styling similar to that of [[Windows 7]].<ref name="PCWorld">{{cite web| url = http://www.pcworld.com/article/173186/windows_mobile_65_arrives_mostly_disappoints.html| title = Windows Mobile 6.5 Arrives, Mostly Disappoints| date = October 6, 2009| access-date = February 2, 2010| archive-date = January 26, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100126062856/http://www.pcworld.com/article/173186/windows_mobile_65_arrives_mostly_disappoints.html| url-status = dead}}</ref> WM 6.5 also includes the new Internet Explorer Mobile 6 browser, with improved interface.<ref name="cnet">{{cite web | url =http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12261_7-10367686-10356022.html | title =IE 6 for Windows phones: Interface improved | access-date =February 2, 2010 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20101108051539/http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12261_7-10367686-10356022.html | archive-date =November 8, 2010 | url-status =dead }}</ref> Along with Windows Mobile 6.5, Microsoft announced several [[cloud computing]] services codenamed "SkyBox", "SkyLine", "SkyMarket".<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/01/19/microsoft-set-to-unveil-mobileme-competitor-next-month | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090120231534/http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/01/19/microsoft-set-to-unveil-mobileme-competitor-next-month | url-status =dead | archive-date =2009-01-20 | title =Microsoft set to unveil MobileMe competitor next month }}</ref> 

In the months following this release, development shifted from Windows Mobile to its successor Windows Phone. As such no major upgrades were planned or released, although three minor updates; 6.5.1, 6.5.3 and 6.5.5; were made to satisfy consumers during the transition period. The last minor update and the last released version is 6.5.5. It first leaked in January 2010, and was unofficially ported to some Windows Mobile phones.<ref name=xda>{{cite web |url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=567850 | title=WM6.5.5<nowiki>|</nowiki>101m<nowiki>|</nowiki>6.5 kernel<nowiki>|</nowiki>Full Roms By jjblaster3<nowiki>|</nowiki>upd 23529<nowiki>|</nowiki>translatable<nowiki>|</nowiki>16/Feb/2010 |access-date=June 20, 2010| year=2010}}</ref> The name Windows Mobile 6.5.5 has been applied to these newer builds, although this name remained unconfirmed by Microsoft.


==Hardware==
{{See also|List of Windows Mobile devices}}
There are three main versions of Windows Mobile for various hardware devices.<ref>{{cite web |title=Windows Mobile Editions Get Less Confusing Names: Professional, Standard and Classic |url=https://gizmodo.com/232300/windows-mobile-editions-get-less-confusing-names-professional-standard-and-classic |publisher=[[Gizmodo]] |date=January 29, 2007 |access-date=October 4, 2009}}</ref> '''Windows Mobile Professional''', which runs on [[smartphone]]s with touchscreens; '''Windows Mobile Standard''', which runs on mobile phones without touchscreens; and '''Windows Mobile Classic''', which runs on [[personal digital assistant]] or [[Pocket PC]]s. [[Windows Mobile for Automotive]] and Windows Mobile software for [[Portable Media Center|Portable Media Centers]] are among some specialty versions of the platform.

Microsoft had over 50 handset partners,<ref>{{Cite news |title=We Learned Just How Great of a Partner HTC is to Microsoft |newspaper=mocoNews |date=February 17, 2009 |url=http://moconews.net/article/419-mwc-we-learned-just-how-great-of-a-partner-htc-is-to-microsoft/ |access-date=October 26, 2009 |archive-date=September 28, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928151110/http://moconews.net/article/419-mwc-we-learned-just-how-great-of-a-partner-htc-is-to-microsoft/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> when Windows Mobile was still being shipped on new devices. 80% of the 50 million Windows Mobile devices that were made from launch to February 2009 were built by one contract manufacturing group, [[HTC Corporation|HTC]], which makes handsets for several major companies under their brands, and under its own brand.<ref>{{cite web|last=McLean |first=Prince |url=https://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/02/18/microsoft_htc_has_made_80_of_all_windows_mobile_phones.html/ |title= Microsoft: HTC has made 80% of all Windows Mobile phones |website=Appleinsider.com |date=February 18, 2009 |access-date=July 14, 2011}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+Naming conventions for each version
|
! Pocket PC 2000
! Pocket PC 2002 / Smartphone 2002
! Windows Mobile 2003
! Windows Mobile 2003 SE
! Windows Mobile 5.0
! Windows Mobile 6
! Windows Mobile 6.1
! Windows Mobile 6.5
|-
! Pocket PC (without Mobile Phone)
| Pocket PC 2000
| Pocket PC 2002
| Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC
| Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC SE
| Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC
| Windows Mobile 6 Classic
| Windows Mobile 6.1 Classic
| ''N/A''
|-
! Pocket PC (with Mobile Phone)
| Pocket PC 2000 Phone Edition
| Pocket PC 2002 Phone Edition
| Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC Phone Edition
| Windows Mobile 2003 SE for Pocket PC Phone Edition
| Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC Phone Edition
| Windows Mobile 6 Professional
| Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
| Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional
|-
! Smartphone (without touch screen)
| ''N/A''
| Smartphone 2002
| Windows Mobile 2003 for Smartphone
| Windows Mobile 2003 SE for Smartphone
| Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone
| Windows Mobile 6 Standard
| Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard
| Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard
|}

===Embedded Handheld===
{{see also|Windows IoT#Embedded Handheld}}

On January 10, 2011, Microsoft announced Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5. The operating system has compatibility with Windows Mobile 6.5 and is presented as an enterprise handheld device, targeting retailers, delivery companies, and other companies that rely on handheld computing. Unlike Windows Phone, Windows Embedded Handheld retains backward compatibility with legacy Windows Mobile applications.<ref>{{cite web
 |url=https://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/evaluate/windows-embedded-handheld-key-features.aspx
 |title=Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 Key Features
 |work=Windows Embedded portal
 |publisher=Microsoft
 |access-date=19 January 2013
}}</ref>

===Pocket PCs===
{{Main|Pocket PC}}
[[Pocket PC]]s and [[personal digital assistant]]s were originally the intended platform for Windows Mobile. These were grouped into two main categories: devices that lacked mobile phone capabilities, and those that included it. Beginning with version 6 devices with this functionality ran "Windows Mobile 6 Professional" and those that lacked it ran "Windows Mobile 6 Classic". Microsoft had described these devices as "a handheld device that enables you to store and retrieve e-mail, contacts, appointments, play multimedia files, games, exchange text messages with MSN Messenger, browse the Web, and more".<ref>{{cite web |title=What is a Pocket PC Phone? |work=Buyers Guide FAQ |publisher=Microsoft |year=2003 |url=https://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/buyersguide/educateme/default.mspx#1 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20030626045829/http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/buyersguide/educateme/default.mspx#1 |archive-date=2003-06-26}}</ref> From a technical standpoint Microsoft also specified various hardware and software requirements such as the inclusion of a touchscreen and a directional pad or touchpad.

===Smartphones===

Smartphones were the second hardware platform after Pocket PC to run Windows Mobile, and debuted with the release of Smartphone 2002. Although in the broad sense of the term "Smartphone", both Pocket PC phones and Microsoft branded Smartphones each fit into this category. Microsoft's use of the term "Smartphone" includes only more specific hardware devices that differ from Pocket PC phones. Such Smartphones were originally designed without [[touchscreen]]s, intended to be operated more efficiently with only one hand, and typically had lower [[display resolution]] than Pocket PCs. Microsoft's focus for the Smartphone platform was to create a device that functioned well as a phone and data device in a more integrated manner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/mobile/phones/smartphone/integrated.asp |title=Mobile Phones/Smartphone – Software Features Overview |website=[[Microsoft]] |access-date=2017-05-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020608124628/http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/phones/smartphone/integrated.asp |archive-date=June 8, 2002 }}. Microsoft. Retrieved September 6, 2007.</ref>

==Market share==
{| class="wikitable floatright"
|+Windows Mobile market share
|-
!scope="col"| Year
!scope="col"| U.S. marketshare
|-
| 2004 || 11.3%<ref name=marketshare1>{{cite web| url = https://www.zdnet.com/article/mobile-os-market-shares-in-2005-symbian-51-linux-23-windows-17/ |title=Mobile OS market shares in 2005 |website=[[ZDNet]] }}</ref>
|-
| 2005 || 17%<ref name=marketshare1 />
|-
| 2006 || 37%<ref name=marketshare2 />
|-
| 2007 || 42%<ref name=marketshare2 />
|-
| 2008 || 27%<ref name=marketshare2 />
|-
| 2009 || 15%<ref name=marketshare2 />
|-
| 2010 || 7%<ref name=marketshare2 />
|-
| 2011 || 3%<ref name=marketshare2 />
|-
| present || <0.1%
|}
Windows Mobile's share of the [[smartphone]] market grew from its inception while new devices were being released. After peaking in 2007,<ref name=marketshare2>{{cite web| url =http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/13/apple-and-google-dominate-smartphone-space-while-other-vendors-scramble/ | title=Apple and Google dominate smartphone space while others scramble| date=December 13, 2011}}</ref> it saw decline year-on-year.

In Q1 2003, Windows Mobile was the third largest operating system in the smart handheld market, behind [[Symbian]] and [[Palm OS]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-11-04|title=Mobile devices market in EMEA on its head - Geek.com|url=https://www.geek.com/blurb/mobile-devices-market-in-emea-on-its-head-551010/|access-date=2021-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104091046/https://www.geek.com/blurb/mobile-devices-market-in-emea-on-its-head-551010/|archive-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref>

In Q1 2004, Windows Mobile accounted for 23% of worldwide smartphone sales.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2008/09/01/microsoft-plans-%E2%80%9Cskymarket%E2%80%9D-apps-store-for-windows-mobile-7-in-2009/ |title= Windows Mobile market share changes |publisher= Roughly Drafted |date= September 1, 2008 |access-date= July 14, 2011 |archive-date= August 6, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110806053909/http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2008/09/01/microsoft-plans-%E2%80%9Cskymarket%E2%80%9D-apps-store-for-windows-mobile-7-in-2009/ |url-status= dead }}</ref> Windows Mobile was projected in 2005 to overtake Symbian to become the leading mobile OS by 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.zdnet.com/article/mobile-os-market-shares-in-2005-symbian-51-linux-23-windows-17/ |title=Mobile OS market shares in 2005 |author=ZDNet |website=[[ZDNet]] |date=February 2006 | access-date =Nov 15, 2010}}</ref> In Q3 2004, Windows Mobile (CE) surpassed [[Palm OS]] to become the largest [[Personal digital assistant|PDA]] operating system.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-11-04|title=Windows CE Surpassed Palm OS Shipments {{!}} Digital Trends|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/windows-ce-surpassed-palm-os-shipments/|access-date=2021-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104085526/https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/windows-ce-surpassed-palm-os-shipments/|archive-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref>

In Q4 2005 Microsoft shipped 2.2 million PDAs, which increased to 3.5 million in the same quarter the following year.<ref name=gartner56>{{cite web|title=Gartner Says Worldwide PDA Shipments Top 17.7 Million in 2006|url=http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=500898 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070330143414/http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=500898 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 30, 2007 |date=February 6, 2007 |publisher=Gartner |access-date=May 1, 2012}}</ref> Windows Mobile saw year over year growth between 2005 and 2006 of 38.8% which according to Gartner "helped Windows Mobile to solidify its stronghold on the market".<ref name=gartner56 />

But by 2008, its share had dropped to 14%.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/Smartphones-strong-despite-recession/ | title = Smartphones strong, despite recession | date = Feb 6, 2009 | work = Linux Devices | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130128042241/http://www.linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/Smartphones-strong-despite-recession/ | archive-date = January 28, 2013 | df = mdy-all }}</ref> Microsoft licensed Windows Mobile to four out of the world's five largest mobile phone manufacturers, with Nokia being the exception.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mytreo.net/archives/2008/02/sony-ericsson-makes-major-move-in-palms-footsteps-wise-decision.html#more |title=Sony Ericsson makes major move |work=My Treo |access-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604020226/http://mytreo.net/archives/2008/02/sony-ericsson-makes-major-move-in-palms-footsteps-wise-decision.html#more |archive-date=June 4, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

[[Gartner]] research data showed that while the total smartphone industry grew 27% between 2008 and 2009, Windows Mobile's share of the smartphone market fell 2.7% in that same period.<ref name=ArsLoses/> It also<ref name="ArsLoses">{{cite news |title=Windows Mobile loses 2.7% of smartphone market in Q209 |url=https://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/08/windows-mobile-loses-27-of-smartphone-market-in-q2.ars |newspaper=[[Ars Technica]] |date=August 12, 2009 |access-date=September 20, 2009}}</ref> decreased by 20% in Q3 2009.<ref name="CompWorldLoses">{{cite news |title=Windows Mobile smartphone sales plunge 20% in Q3 |newspaper=[[Computerworld]] |date=November 12, 2009 |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9140761/Windows_Mobile_smartphone_sales_plunge_20_in_Q3 }}</ref> At one time Windows Mobile was the most popular handset for business use,{{Citation needed|date=January 2011}} but by 2009 this was no longer the case; 24% of planned business deployments of mobile application in the United States were for Windows Mobile, putting it in 3rd place, behind [[BlackBerry]] (61%) and [[iPhone OS]] (27%);<ref>{{cite news |title=Air Pressure: Why IT Must Sort Out App Mobilization Challenges |newspaper=[[InformationWeek]] |date=December 4, 2009 |url=https://www.informationweek.com/mobile/air-pressure-why-it-must-sort-out-app-mobilization-challenges }}</ref>

In February 2009, Microsoft signed a deal with the third largest mobile phone maker, [[LG Electronics]], to license Windows Mobile OS on 50 upcoming LG smartphone models.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/technology/17soft.html?hp | work = The New York Times | title = More LG Phones to Use Microsoft System | first= Kevin J | last = O'Brien | date = February 17, 2009 | access-date=April 9, 2010}}</ref> But in September 2009, [[Palm, Inc.]] announced it would drop Windows Mobile from its smartphone line-up.<ref>{{cite news | title= Palm dumps Windows Mobile  |url= http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1534016/palm-dumps-windows-mobile |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090922171715/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1534016/palm-dumps-windows-mobile |url-status= unfit |archive-date= September 22, 2009 |newspaper=[[The Inquirer]] |date=September 18, 2009 |access-date=September 18, 2009}}</ref> Gartner estimated that by the third quarter of 2009 Windows Mobile's share of worldwide smartphone sales was 7.9%.<ref name= CompWorldLoses /> By August 2010, it was the least popular smartphone operating system, with a 5% share of the worldwide smartphone market (after [[Symbian OS|Symbian]], [[BlackBerry OS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS (Apple)|iOS]]).<ref name=electronista>{{cite web |url=http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/08/12/analysts.say.android.passing.ios.near.blackberry/ |title=Gartner: Android has overtaken iPhone worldwide |date=August 12, 2010 |publisher=Electronista |access-date=August 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814131824/http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/08/12/analysts.say.android.passing.ios.near.blackberry |archive-date=August 14, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> An October 2009 report in ''[[DigiTimes]]'' said that [[Acer Inc.|Acer]] would shift its focus from Windows Mobile to [[Android (operating system)|Google Android]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Acer to shift focus to Android smartphones |newspaper=[[DigiTimes]] |date=October 2, 2009 |url=http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20091002PD211.html}}</ref> ''The New York Times'' reported in 2009 that Windows Mobile "[was] foundering", as cellphone makers desert it in favor of Google's [[Android (operating system)|Android]] phone platform.<ref name="SaulHansell">{{Cite news |title=Big Cellphone Makers Shifting to Android System |author=Saul Hansell |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 25, 2009 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/technology/26android.html }}</ref> It cited the difficulties in Microsoft's business model, which involves charging handset manufacturers up to $25 for each copy of Windows Mobile, while rival Google gives away Android for free.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Microsoft, Google and the Bear |author=Saul Hansell |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 26, 2009 |url=http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/microsoft-google-and-the-bear/ }}</ref> From late 2009 analysts and media reports began to express concerns about the future viability of the Windows Mobile platform, and whether Microsoft would keep supporting it into the future.<ref>{{cite news |title=In Smartphone Wars, Darwinism Triumphs Over Intelligent Design |author=Jason Perlow |newspaper=[[ZDNet]] |date=November 8, 2009 |url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/perlow/?p=11516 |access-date=November 9, 2009 |archive-date=November 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112093007/http://blogs.zdnet.com/perlow/?p=11516 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=First iPhone, now Droid. Who needs Windows? |author=Brooke Crothers |newspaper=[[CNET]] |date=November 8, 2009 |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-10392926-92.html?tag=col1;post-11516 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714054042/http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-10392926-92.html?tag=col1;post-11516 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 14, 2012 }}</ref><ref name=CW_worries >{{Cite news |title=Windows Mobile worries mount as competition heats up |author=Matt Hamblen |newspaper=[[Computerworld]] |date=October 26, 2009 |url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9139841/Windows_Mobile_worries_mount_as_competition_heats_up?taxonomyId=75&pageNumber=1 }}</ref> [[Samsung Electronics|Samsung]] announced in November 2009 that it would phase out the Windows Mobile platform,<ref>{{cite news | title =Samsung to Discard Windows Phone |newspaper= Telecoms Korea |date= November 9, 2009 |url= http://www.telecomskorea.com/market-8281.html }}</ref> to concentrate on its own [[Bada (operating system)|Bada]] operating system, Google's Android, and Microsoft's Windows Phone.<ref>{{cite news |title=Samsung mobile platform to challenge Google's Android | newspaper=[[The Korea Herald]] |date=November 10, 2009 |url=http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/11/11/200911110032.asp }}</ref>
[[File:2004-2008 Ford Territory TX wagon (Windows Mobile) 01.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Ford Territory (Australia)|Ford Territory]] with Windows Mobile advertising seen in [[Auckland]], New Zealand, in 2008]]

==Software development==
{{See also|Windows Marketplace for Mobile}}
Software could be [[Software development|developed]] by third parties for the Windows Mobile [[operating system]]. Developers had several options for deploying mobile applications. These included writing native code with [[Visual C++]], [[managed code]] that worked with the [[.NET Compact Framework]], writing code in [[Tcl]]-Tk with eTcl,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.evolane.com/software/etcl/ |title=eTcl |website=Evolane.com |access-date=July 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710210247/http://www.evolane.com/software/etcl/ |archive-date=July 10, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> GCC using [https://cegcc.sourceforge.net/ CeGCC],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sourceforge.net/projects/cegcc/ |title=CeGCC – Cross development for Pocket PC |work=[[SourceForge]] |publisher=[[Dice Holdings]] |access-date=14 June 2013}}</ref> [[Python (programming language)|Python]] using PythonCE or [[server-side scripting|server-side code]] that could be deployed using [[Internet Explorer Mobile]] or a mobile client on a user's device. The .NET Compact Framework was a subset of the [[.NET Framework]] and hence shared many components with software development on desktop clients, application servers, and web servers which had the .NET Framework installed, thus integrating networked computing space.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/2weec7k5.aspx |title=Differences Between the .NET Compact Framework and the .NET Framework |work=[[MSDN]] |date=June 18, 2009 |publisher=[[Microsoft]] |access-date=July 14, 2011}}</ref>

To aid developers Microsoft released [[software development kit]]s (SDKs) that worked in conjunction with their [[Microsoft Visual Studio|Visual Studio]] development environment. These SDKs included [[emulator]] images for developers to test and [[debugging|debug]] their applications while writing them. Software could be tested on a client machine directly or be downloaded to a device. Microsoft also distributed Visual Studio 2008 / 2005 Professional Editions, and server/database counterparts to students as downloads free of charge via its [[DreamSpark]] program.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2008/feb08/02-18GSDPR.mspx |title=Microsoft Gives Students Access to Technical Software at No Charge to Inspire Success and Make a Difference |website=Microsoft.com |access-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509190219/http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/feb08/02-18GSDPR.mspx |archive-date=May 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Third party [[integrated development environment]]s could also be used to write software such as [[Lazarus (software)|Lazarus]], [[Resco]] MobileForms Toolkit,<ref>{{cite web|first=Praveen |last=Kumar |date=March 18, 2011 |url=http://www.c-sharpcorner.com/News/818/resco-mobileforms-toolkit-ranked-as-bestselling-set-of-mobil.aspx |title=Resco MobileForms Toolkit ranked as bestselling set of mobile controls and components of 2010–2011 |website=C-sharpcorner.com |access-date=July 14, 2011}}</ref> Lexico, [[NS Basic]] and [[Basic4ppc]]. Some third party development environments allowed coding to be done on the device itself without the need for a computer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.basic4ppc.com/ |title=Anywhere Software |website=Basic4ppc.com |date=March 23, 2010 |access-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-date=December 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209001459/http://basic4ppc.com/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Developer communities have used the SDK to port later versions of Windows Mobile OS to older devices and making the OS images available for free, thus providing the devices with newer feature sets. Microsoft had tolerated this procedure for some time but decided in February 2007 to ask developers to take their OS images off the net, which in turn raised discussions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=294142 |title=xda-developers: ROM image archive will be taken down |website=Forum.xda-developers.com |access-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716093533/http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=294142 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> At the same time Microsoft offered upgrades to Windows Mobile 6 versions to manufacturers for free.<ref>{{cite web |last=Linder |first=Brad |url=http://www.downloadsquad.com/2007/02/27/windows-mobile-6-free-to-pda-manufacturers-issuing-upgrades/ |title=Windows Mobile 6 free to PDA manufacturers |publisher=downloadsquad |date=February 27, 2007 |access-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-date=April 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416080034/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2007/02/27/windows-mobile-6-free-to-pda-manufacturers-issuing-upgrades |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On July 5, 2009, Microsoft opened a third-party application distribution service called [[Windows Marketplace for Mobile]].<ref name="Electronista34">{{cite news |title=Windows Mobile app store starts with just 34 apps |newspaper=Electronista |date=October 5, 2009 |url=http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/10/05/windows.marketplace.for.mobile.launches/ |access-date=October 5, 2009 |archive-date=October 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007142736/http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/10/05/windows.marketplace.for.mobile.launches/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2011, Windows Marketplace for Mobile stopped accepting new admissions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.winrumors.com/windows-mobile-6-x-funeral-on-july-15-no-more-apps/ |title=Windows Mobile 6.x funeral on July 15, no new apps. Article quoting Microsoft and named people |publisher=Winrumors |date=July 13, 2010 |access-date=July 14, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808174245/http://www.winrumors.com/windows-mobile-6-x-funeral-on-july-15-no-more-apps/ |archive-date=August 8, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> and then fully closed on May 9, 2012.<ref name="future">{{Cite web |url=http://rcpmag.com/articles/2012/03/09/windows-mobile-marketplace-to-close-in-two-months.aspx |title=Redmond Channel Partner: Microsoft Shuttering Windows Mobile Marketplace in May, 9 March 2012 |access-date=March 10, 2012 |archive-date=March 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313031820/http://rcpmag.com/articles/2012/03/09/windows-mobile-marketplace-to-close-in-two-months.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Connectivity==
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2024}}
{{Main|ActiveSync|Windows Mobile Device Center}}
In the early years of Windows Mobile devices were able to be managed and synced from a remote computer using '''ActiveSync'''; a [[data synchronization]] technology and [[proprietary protocol|protocol]] developed by [[Microsoft]], originally released in 1996. This allowed servers running [[Microsoft Exchange Server]], or other third party variants, to act as a [[personal information manager]] and share information such as email, calendar appointments, contacts or internet favorites.

With the release of [[Windows Vista]], ActiveSync was replaced with '''Windows Mobile Device Center'''. Device Center is included with Vista and [[Windows 7]] and provides many [[Front and back ends|front end]] enhancements, allowing a home user to sync PIM information with Microsoft Outlook 2003 and later, photos from Windows Photo Gallery, videos or music from Windows Media Player and favorites with Internet Explorer; without the need for a server [[Front and back ends|back end]]. Devices at this time also included a base driver compatible with Mobile Device Center so a user can connect to a computer without a need for any configuration.

==See also==
* [[List of defunct consumer brands]]
* {{portal-inline|Telephones}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923101938/https://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/default.mspx |date=September 23, 2010 |title=Windows Mobile website }}
* [https://blogs.msdn.com/windowsmobile/default.aspx Windows Mobile Team Blog]

{{Windows Mobile|state=expanded}}
{{Mobile operating systems}}
{{Microsoft}}
{{Microsoft Windows family}}
{{Microsoft operating systems}}

[[Category:Windows Mobile| ]]
[[Category:Windows CE]]
[[Category:Microsoft franchises]]
[[Category:Mobile operating systems]]
[[Category:Defunct consumer brands]]
[[Category:ARM operating systems]]
[[Category:Discontinued Microsoft operating systems]]
[[Category:Discontinued versions of Microsoft Windows]]
[[Category:Monolithic kernels]]