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What is so special about a version number? Not much apparently, as it all it does it tell us what the latest version is. Though sadly, it also tells us how much of an update a new version truly is. And in that case, it is a sad thing to see that the new Windows Mobile operating system update is only a slight revamp of the original 6.5 as compared to a full 6.6 change.

What many people have been looking forward to as a major capacitive touch screen that is adapted version of the WinMo platform is nothing more than a minor graphic overhaul –and not a fully good one at that.

So what really happened? Most of the details as to why version 6.6 was scrapped are still scarce. Some believe that Microsoft had to rush the update to make it to the upcoming Mobile World Congress this February. By making Maldives a lot simpler than originally announced, they are able to finish it and have a device ready for the MWC which is the Garmin-Asus Nuvifone M10.

It is a gamble, but many understand the significance of the version shift. Right now, Microsoft’s presence in the mobile phone community has been nothing but a string of announcements and delays. By presenting a ready device, it would be a nice change for them.

The gamble now lies upon the shoulders of Garmin-Asus’ device. The Nuvifone is reported to be having a 3.15 inch WVGA touch screen display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels (the source page has a typo stating a resolution of 800 x 4870 pixels). The phone will be powered by a 600 MHz CPU and will have 4GB of internal memory and a 5 mega pixel camera. It will also support expandable memory, AGPS, and WiFi.

Read the rest at the source.

At long last, users of Windows Mobile are finally enjoying access to an application store. An application store is basically an official e-commerce site for specific operating systems that allows users to purchase and download applications for their mobile devices. These downloaded applications offer a broad range of functionality and allows users to customize their mobile phone experience by having the programs and capabilities they need. This freedom however, has not been available to Windows Mobile user for quite some time. It was not until early October of this year (last month) that Microsoft finally launched the Windows Mobile Marketplace –an application store for the Windows Mobile operating system. The launch was done alongside the release of the latest version of Windows mobile, version 6.5

However, at that point, only the new version 6.5 of the operating system had access to the application store and users of older versions of Windows Mobile were still not able to access the Marketplace. Last week’s update announcement regarding the Marketplace gave hope to all users as Microsoft confirmed that they are finally bringing the Marketplace to version 6.0 and 6.1. Along with last week’s announcement is the news that the Marketplace will also be accessible through the computer and that better security features such as anti-piracy will be added.

Microsoft’s anti-piracy update comes as a large boon for many independent application developers who have lost large profits from their hard work being distributed illegally. While Microsoft has not formally disclosed about the processes through which they will be protecting the applications and software, developers are advised to read the white-paper information from Windows Mobile.

With access to older versions, improved security features and even PC access, the Windows Marketplace is quickly trying to catch up with the times and its long delay. There has been no word as to why it has taken them this long to develop the Marketplace and it is unlikely that they will explain why the feature has not been introduced earlier.