Windows Mobile

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In 1996, Microsoft launched Windows CE, a version of the Microsoft Windows operating system designed specially for a variety of embedded products, including handheld devices. However, it was not well received primarily because of battery-hungry hardware and limited functionality, possibly due to the way that Windows CE was adapted for handheld devices from other Microsoft 32-bit desktop operating systems. A handheld operating system adapted from a desktop one is a diminutive version of a desktop operating system, but may not meet the handheld devices' needs.

Windows Mobile software extends the Windows CE. It is a compact operating system for mobile devices based on the Microsoft Win32 API and is powered by Windows CE 5.x and uses the .NET Compact Framework 2.0—an environment for programs based on .NET to be used. Windows Mobile includes three major kinds of software:

• Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs
  

  Pocket PC puts the power of Windows software into a pocket PC. It enables you to store and retrieve e-mail, contacts, appointments, games, exchange text messages with MSN Messenger, browse the Web, and so on.



• Windows Mobile-based Smartphones
  

  Smartphone supplies functions of a mobile phone, but also integrates PDA-type functionality, such as emails, instant messages, music, and Web surfing, into a voice-centric handset.



• Windows Mobile-based Portable Media Centers
  

  Portable Media Centers let users take recorded TV programs, movies, home videos, music, and photos transferred from Microsoft Windows XP-based PC anywhere.