Windows Mobile 6.5, released in May 2009, represented Microsoft’s desperate attempt to modernize a decade-old platform. While it introduced welcome improvements, the iPhone had fundamentally changed user expectations—and Windows Mobile couldn’t catch up.
The Competitive Crisis
By early 2009, Microsoft faced a transformed market:
| Platform | 2007 Share | 2009 Share |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Mobile | 42% | 15% |
| iPhone OS | 0% | 25% |
| BlackBerry | 35% | 38% |
| Android | 0% | 5% |
The Palm vs Pocket PC war seemed quaint compared to Apple’s disruption.
Windows Mobile 6.5 Features
Touch-Friendly Interface
Microsoft finally acknowledged finger-based interaction:
- Honeycomb Start Screen: Hexagonal tile launcher
- Larger touch targets: Finger-friendly buttons
- Gesture support: Basic swipe navigation
- IE Mobile 6: Improved zooming
My Phone Service
Cloud backup arrived (finally):
- Contact synchronization
- Calendar backup
- Photo upload
- Find my phone
- Remote wipe
This service previewed what would become standard smartphone features.
Windows Marketplace
Microsoft launched an app store:
Windows Marketplace for Mobile:
├── Centralized app discovery
├── Carrier billing option
├── User reviews
├── Automatic updates (limited)
└── Developer registration ($99)
Arriving two years after Apple’s App Store, it struggled for developer attention.
Hardware Partners
Despite platform struggles, manufacturers continued supporting Windows Mobile:
HTC HD2
The HTC HD2 showcased the platform’s potential:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.3" WVGA capacitive |
| Processor | Snapdragon 1 GHz |
| RAM | 448 MB |
| Storage | 512 MB + microSD |
The HD2 proved Windows Mobile could run on modern hardware—but also highlighted how dated the OS felt despite powerful specs.
Samsung Omnia Series
Samsung continued their Omnia line:
- Touch-focused interface
- Widget customization
- Camera improvements
- Consumer marketing
HTC Touch Pro2
For business users, the Touch Pro2 offered:
- QWERTY keyboard
- Conference call features
- Exchange integration
- Premium build quality
The Fundamental Problems
Touch Model
Windows Mobile’s touch paradigm remained stylus-oriented:
Touch Architecture Comparison:
iPhone: Capacitive �?Finger optimized �?Multi-touch
Windows Mobile: Resistive �?Stylus optimized �?Single-touch
Even with UI tweaks, the underlying architecture couldn’t match iPhone’s fluidity.
Performance
Despite faster hardware, the OS struggled:
- Slow application launches
- Memory management issues
- Inconsistent performance
- Frequent resets needed
Application Quality
The Marketplace couldn’t compete:
| Store | Apps (2009) | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| App Store | 100,000+ | High average |
| Marketplace | 2,000 | Variable |
| Android Market | 20,000+ | Growing |
Developers prioritized iPhone, then Android, then (maybe) Windows Mobile.
Enterprise Holdouts
Windows Mobile 6.5 maintained enterprise presence through:
Exchange Integration
- ActiveSync maturity
- IT familiarity
- Policy management
- Remote capabilities
Existing Investments
- Line-of-business apps
- Custom development
- Training completed
- Hardware deployed
Many corporations continued Windows Mobile deployments through 2010-2011.
Developer Perspective
For .NET CF developers, WM 6.5 offered little new:
What Changed
- Gesture API additions
- Marketplace distribution
- Minor framework updates
What Didn’t
- Fundamental architecture
- Touch model
- Performance characteristics
- Modern UI frameworks
Many developers began exploring iPhone or Android development.
The Transition to Windows Phone
Microsoft announced Windows Phone 7 development in 2010, signaling Windows Mobile’s end:
Key Differences
- Complete rewrite: No backward compatibility
- Modern UI: Metro design language
- New development: Silverlight/XNA only
- Touch-first: Capacitive only
Existing Windows Mobile applications wouldn’t run on Windows Phone—a painful but necessary break.
Timeline to Obsolescence
Windows Mobile Sunset:
May 2009: Windows Mobile 6.5 launches
Feb 2010: Windows Phone 7 announced
Oct 2010: Windows Phone 7 releases
Jan 2011: Most OEMs abandon WM
2012: Enterprise support winds down
2014: Mainstream support ends
Legacy Assessment
Windows Mobile 6.5 taught the industry important lessons:
What Failed
- Incremental improvements couldn’t match revolution
- Backward compatibility constrained innovation
- Stylus touch couldn’t compete with finger touch
- Developer mindshare matters enormously
What Lasted
- ActiveSync protocol powers iOS/Android sync
- Enterprise mobility concepts
- HTC’s expertise enabled Android success
- Lessons informed Windows Phone development
Collecting WM 6.5 Devices
For historians, WM 6.5 devices capture a pivotal moment:
| Device | Significance |
|---|---|
| HTC HD2 | Peak hardware, community favorite |
| HTC Touch Pro2 | Best WM keyboard device |
| Samsung Omnia II | Consumer-focused alternative |
The HD2 remains particularly interesting—its active community ran Android, Windows Phone, and even Linux.