(via engadget)

This question is timely given the recent release of the Verizon Droid and Droid Eris. The Droid is the only available smartphone that runs Android 2.0, the latest version that is widely recognized as a big improvement over the previous version, 1.6. That version is on most of the other Android phones currently available, or in some cases (the HTC Hero comes to mind) even an earlier version is running the show.

The Droid Eris is priced very attractively, but prospective customers have to consider if the older OS is worth the cost savings. Sure, it is expected (although not necessarily a given) that the Eris will get an upgrade to Android 2.0. That would make the Eris one of the most attractive Android phones on the market given the low price point compared to the Droid. But in the world of phone OS updates, such an update could be months before it appears. There are too many fingers in the OS update pie, the phone manufacturer, the OS provider and of course the phone network.

A few months doesn’t seem like a long time to wait for a significant update, but smartphones have a very short consumer lifespan. Contracts in the U.S. are two years in duration, and some folks don’t keep phones even that long. That makes a wait of a few months for an OS update a lot more of an impact on the buying decision. If a given phone doesn’t see an update for six months, not that unusual, that can be a significant portion of the phone’s lifespan with the typical consumer. To some folks it might not be worth the wait, it might make more sense to get the more expensive phone that ships with the latest OS version.

I only used the Droid as an example given the timeliness of the Eris release. The same question can be asked of other phones, as it seems we are always waiting for one OS update or another. The only platforms exempt from this dilemma are the iPhone and WebOS. All of Apple’s and Palm’s phones get all updates, a distinct advantage in this case. So how long is too long for an OS update? Would you be willing to wait a long time for an update, or do you take that into your buying decision?

Windows Mobile 7 is the upcoming version of the mobile OS that everyone, including Microsoft, is expecting to help bring the smartphone platform up to speed competitively. WM7 is long overdue, even Ballmer thinks so, and according to those in the know it is still on track for a release during the third quarter of 2010. That’s almost a year away, and I wonder how far the competition will go in that time. WM7 could be obsolete before it’s even released.

Looking for a Windows Mobile software experience like Apple’s iTunes App Store or Amazon’s Kindle store? Then you’ll want to hit Microsoft’s new online Windows Marketplace for Mobile, which just gained new features. The website now makes it an easier to scour the store for applications and directly buy software. Any purchase made online is sent to your Windows Phone or Windows Mobile device over the air — you’ll need to run the Windows Marketplace client on your handset for the wireless magic to happen. That makes it pretty easy to buy and install titles.

I definitely like the idea of a web-based store as opposed to the iTunes client software approach used by Apple — you can access this store from just about any computer. In fact, based on my hands on experience with the Marketplace on a Windows Phone, I’d probably use the online store over the handset store, but that’s just me. I’m curious — who’s using the store on the handset and who prefers the marketplace on a bigger screen?

Along with the storefront update, Microsoft also confirmed that Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1 devices will gain access to the Marketplace later this month. That information isn’t new, but it’s a nice confirmation that everything is still on track for those oldies but goodies.

The big question in my mind isn’t where Windows Mobile 7 will be when it arrives, but rather, where will all of its competitors be at that time. Apple appears to be on a major release schedule each June or July with updated handsets and new operating system features. Google is proving that it can press the gas pedal with Android updates, too — not long after version 1.6 hit the air, we saw a flashier version 2.0 arrive. Nokia’s first Maemo phone is now shipping, but updates for that platform have no history to form a basis. BlackBerry also continues to move forward and, of course, some of us are still waiting for more great things from Palm.

Three quarters of a year can be a lifetime for mobile devices, so my hope is that Microsoft debuts something that’s ahead of its time with Windows Mobile 7.

Samsung is expected to increase its use of Android to 30 percent of its product line next year, and keep its usage at that level. The usage of Symbian on Samsung phones will drop to just a few percent, with dropping it entirely planned for 2011.

The analyst goes on to claim that Samsung is developing its own smartphone OS, and it will start appearing on its phones next year. The new proprietary OS usage will expand to gradually encompass half of Samsung’s product line.

“If accurate, the switch in strategy may reflect a combined larger exodus away from Windows Mobile for those major firms that still use the platform. HTC, the largest single Windows Mobile device maker, has already been rumored as switching more than half of its 2010 phones to Android. LG has signed a pact with Microsoft to make Windows Mobile phones but even now has introduced its first Android phone and is said by HMC to be extending its use significantly more.”

The HD2 is looking to be the WinMo phone to beat with the best hardware configuration currently available. The Snapdragon processor running at 1 GHz wrapped in a casing that is thin and light start the magic. The large display coupled with the first WinMo-powered capacitive digitizer round out the offering, and make it easy to understand why enthusiasts find the HD2 to be the phone of the hour. An extensive review of the HD2 at Mobility Minded covers every aspect of the phone, and is a must-read for anyone trying to understand why the phone has tech enthusiasts buzzing.

The folks at Modaco understand that some folks have to see things for themselves and have published an extensive video demonstration of the HD2. You’ll need to set aside a full 44 minutes to watch the whole thing, but the video covers every aspect of the phone, including the new HTC Sense interface that drives the HD2. The video clearly demonstrates that HTC has made complete operation of the phone finger-friendly, something they had to do to make Windows Mobile 6.5 work with that capacitive digitizer. No stylus is required to use this bad boy thanks to HTC Sense.

“Microsoft is pleased to announce Bsquare as the first distributor for the Mobile Indirect Channel initiative. Microsoft continues to enrich and expand its Windows Mobile ecosystem and build upon the stability, reliability, performance and richness of Windows Mobile,” said Daren Mancini, general manager in the OEM division at Microsoft. “As developers and OEMs expand the number of mobile applications, services and devices, Microsoft is taking a new approach to sell and support Windows Mobile to a broader base of both consumer- and enterprise-focused Windows Mobile customers. Bsquare is uniquely positioned to leverage its deep knowledge of the Windows Mobile operating system, ecosystem and marketplace and serve the broader base of customers with its consultative approach.”

It is too early to gauge the implications of the agreement, but it may indicate Microsoft is positioning itself to produce Windows phone hardware directly. Having an outside company handling the software platform would give Microsoft a buffer from potential partner complaints of competing with licensees. Microsoft has not stated they will produce phone hardware, but it has been rumored for some time.

The full press release is after the jump.

Bsquare named first distributor for new Windows Mobile channel strategy

Bellevue, Wash., Nov. 5, 2009 – BSQUARE Corporation, the leading software solutions provider to the global embedded device community, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Microsoft Corp. under which Bsquare will be the first company to distribute Windows Mobile software and mobility applications internationally.

Bsquare will begin supporting approximately 30 select Windows Mobile partners with licensing, technical support and go-to-market activities as their current direct agreements with Microsoft end. Bsquare will offer personalized account management and highly-responsive technical support to ensure these Windows Mobile OEMs are successful with current Windows Mobile products.

“Microsoft is pleased to announce Bsquare as the first distributor for the Mobile Indirect Channel initiative. Microsoft continues to enrich and expand its Windows Mobile ecosystem and build upon the stability, reliability, performance and richness of Windows Mobile,” said Daren Mancini, general manager in the OEM division at Microsoft. “As developers and OEMs expand the number of mobile applications, services and devices, Microsoft is taking a new approach to sell and support Windows Mobile to a broader base of both consumer- and enterprise-focused Windows Mobile customers. Bsquare is uniquely positioned to leverage its deep knowledge of the Windows Mobile operating system, ecosystem and marketplace and serve the broader base of customers with its consultative approach.”

“Mobility solutions are one of the most sought after technologies in the workplace today,” according to Philippe Winthrop, director of enterprise mobility at Strategy Analytics. “Given the opportunity for improved flexibility and performance of a workforce, mobile platforms that can support the needs of both knowledge works and field/fleet service professionals provide valued scalability to IT and line of business managers.  Growth in this market will only accelerate as markets continue to exit this global recession.”

Bsquare will work closely with Microsoft to take the Windows Mobile platform to a broad set of mobility OEMs and operators worldwide.  Bsquare will enable new mobility OEMs to get to market more quickly with its TestQuest automated testing products customized for Windows Mobile devices. Bsquare also will provide Windows Mobile reference designs and board support packages in partnership with leading silicon vendors, communication stacks, technical support, training, engineering services and other value-add products to the broad base of Windows Mobile customers.

“Being named Microsoft’s first Windows Mobile distribution partner is a significant milestone for Bsquare. Windows Mobile is the only mobile operating system that enables solution providers to offer seamless integration of applications and connectivity for device users to enterprise business centers making it the obvious choice not only for handsets but also for ruggedized devices such as data collection terminals or telematics devices,” said Brian Crowley, Bsquare’s president and CEO. “We anticipate working with new and existing Windows Mobile OEMs and moving them to market quickly with our experience in all phases of Windows Mobile development and by offering our breadth partners support throughout their development cycles.”

Bsquare will distribute Windows Mobile software internationally including Windows Mobile 6.5, the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile software launched October 6, 2009.  New Bsquare customers will include both handset manufacturers developing Windows® phones for consumers and rugged device manufacturers shipping data collection terminals to businesses and other OEMs.

Bsquare currently distributes Windows Embedded licenses in North America and offers system integration services at 10 development centers located in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Taiwan, China and India.  During the last 12 months Bsquare has worked on service engagements with 15 unique Windows Mobile customers on projects such as Windows Mobile porting, application development, quality assurance testing and LTK (Logo Test Kit) testing preparation.

For more information about Windows Mobile licensing and to take advantage of special training offers, visit www.bsquare.com/windowsmobile

About Bsquare

Bsquare is an industry leader with a proven track record in providing engineering services and production-ready software products for the smart device market.  Since 1994, Bsquare has provided device manufacturers with software solutions for personal navigation devices, point-of-sale terminals, handheld data terminals, smart phones and many other device categories allowing them to get to market more quickly and cost effectively.

For more information visit www.bsquare.com.

Mobility Minded has published an extensive review that gets my tech lust going into overdrive. The HTC Sense UI coupled with Windows Mobile 6.5 looks phenomenal, and their findings about the performance of the HD2 were outstanding. They give the most comprehensive look at the Sense interface I have seen, and it is impressive how deep HTC has ingrained it into the operation of the phone.

The HD2 has some interesting utilities, such as the Wi-Fi router app and the Worldcard app that snaps photos of business cards and converts them to Outlook contacts. There is even a way to wirelessly print from the phone to a Bluetooth or network printer.

Check out the review to see why the HTC HD2 is a phone I really want to get in hand. The review conclusion sums it up well (emphasis theirs):

The HTC HD2 is a very well balanced Windows Phone for various usage scenarios, and with a bulk load of added value not only in terms of technology and hardware but also in terms of software innovations as well. HTC has done an amazing job and set the bars significantly higher.

The HD2 is the thin smartphone with the 1 GHz Snapdragon processor running that gorgeous 4.3-inch screen that houses the first WinMo capacitive digitizer. The HD2 is easily looking like the WinMo phone to have, and it will be very interesting to see which U.S. carrier picks it up.

RDM+ does indeed work with certain BlackBerry models (Storm included), but there are clients for other phones too. There are client apps for the iPhone/ iPod Touch, Windows Mobile, Java phones and the old Palm OS. There is no Android nor WebOS version that I could find. There is also a client to allow remotely connecting via another web-connected computer.

The program consists of one of the clients, and a host application for the computer to be remotely accessed. The host can work with any flavor of Windows, 7 included, and there is a Mac version. This means you can effectively work with any Mac or Windows computer, from almost any phone. That is a very powerful combination, and it looks to be a viable utility for those needing remote access from anywhere. I have not used it myself, but would love to hear from those who are using RDM+. The program is an expensive $40, but there is no subscription and this price includes all future upgrades.

Speaking of HTC, this week they kicked off a major ad campaign that is designed to get their name in front of the consumer. The “Quietly Brilliant” campaign demonstrates how HTC phones can be integrated into consumer’s lives, and do the things they want to do. The ads show HTC handsets running Android and Windows Mobile to good effect, and mark HTC’s desire to become a household brand. This is a good thing for Windows Mobile, as HTC is still making good handsets on the platform.

Sprint is testing Windows Mobile 6.5 updates for the Touch Pro2 and “other Windows phones” for early next year. The carrier intends to make sure that that late model WinMo phones on the network get updated to the latest OS version. The testing process is underway, spelling good things for owners of the phones on the Sprint network in the U. S.

“We’re working hard on these kinds of products to get excitement about Windows Mobile back,”

“Technically, we could make the HD2 an Android phone, but I have to take care of Windows Mobile,” says Chou.

So no Android for the HD2, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the company didn’t produce something similar. They are no doubt feeling the squeeze in the Android space from Motorola and other companies producing handsets with the OS.

To use DYMO CardScan Mobile, after a user has taken a picture of any business card with a Windows^® smartphone camera, CardScan Mobile automatically inserts all information from the card into the proper fields in the phone’s contact list. The application works with Windows Mobile OS 6+ smartphones with a 2 mp or higher camera with autofocus. A CardScan business card scanner and software are not required to operate the application.

That’s all there is to it. CardScan Mobile can be obtained for $14.99 through the Windows Marketplace for Mobile on the phone.

You’ll need your phone’s IMEI number for the update and you can find the download on the HTC Europe support site. I see that HTC also has Windows Mobile 6.5 there for the Snap and Touch Pro 2 ready and waiting. See Europe? We haven’t forgotten about you!

The ad campaign is a serious effort by HTC to put its phones front and center in the public’s eye. The ads will center around the reality that the phone is “all about you,” and are designed to make everyone aware that HTC is a big player on the smartphone playing field. The campaign kicks off today in the UK and later this week in Asia and North America. HTC wants to touch the consumer with the philosophy that “you don’t need to get a phone, you need a phone that gets you.”

It is going to be fun to watch HTC try to remove the platform and the carriers from public awareness. It doesn’t want you to just buy a Sprint Hero — it wants you to get the HTC Hero that happens to run on the Sprint network.