What is Windows Mobile

Windows Mobileis a compact operating system combined with a suite of basic applications formobile devicesbased on the Microsoft Win32API. Devices that run Windows Mobile includePocket PCs,Smartphones,Portable Media Centers, and on-board computers for certain auto mobiles. It is designed to be some what similar to desktop versions of Windows, feature-wise and aesthetically.

Additionally, third-partysoftware development is available for Windows Mobile. Originally appearing as thePocket PC 2000 operating system, Windows Mobile has been updated several times, with the current version being Windows Mobile 6.1, and a new release scheduled for 2010.
Microsoft projected in 2008 that shipments of devices with Windows Mobile will increase from 11 million to 20 million units, but it missed its initial goal in only selling 18 million licenses citing the delayed launch of certain smart phones.

Windows Mobile has a worldwide smartphone market share of 13%. Microsoft licenses Windows Mobile to four out of the five world's largest mobile phone manufacturers, with Nokia being the other.

Windows Mobile for Pocket PC carries these standardfeaturesin most of its versions:
*.Today Screen shows the currentdate, owner information, upcoming appointments,e-mailmessages, andtasks.
*.The taskbar shows the current timeand thevolume.
Office Mobilea suite of Mobile versions of Microsoft Office applications
Outlook Mobilecomes with Windows Mobile.
Internet Explorer Mobileis an Internet browser developed by Microsoft for Pocket PC and Handheld PC that comes loaded by default with Windows Mobile and Windows CE for Handheld PC.
Windows Media Playerfor Windows Mobile.
*.Client for PPTPVPNs.
Internet Connection Sharing(ICS) which in mobile phones allows attached computers to share internet connections via USB and Bluetooth. Wi-Fi enabled phones can also act as a mobile hotspot via WMWiFiRouter allowing computers within range to connect to the internet using the mobile phone's data plan.

Hardware platforms
Windows Mobile runs on multiple hardware platforms including Pocket PCs,smartphones,Portable Media Center, andautomobiles. These hardware platforms did not always exist from the inception of Windows Mobile.