A First Look at Windows Mobile 6

Enter Windows Mobile 6, codenamed "Crossbow." Geek.com has got a first look at the OS, to be officially unveiled on Monday, and enumerated its highlights:

• HTML formatted e-mails from POP, IMAP and Exchange Server 2007

• Full integration with Windows Live (Search, Mail, Space, Messenger) including a Windows Mobile-based client

• All Windows Mobile 6 devices include Direct Push for automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars and contacts through Exchange Server

• Microsoft Office Mobile which allows users to view, and even edit documents on the device while retaining formatting, including tables and images

• 30 percent improvement in speed for Internet Explorer Mobile

• Faster and easier setup of the device

• Syncing pictures, music, etc. from Windows Vista-powered PCs to the device

• Enhanced Calendar functionality including Calendar ribbon which gives users a more understandable at a glance view; the ability to see who is attending a meeting and even forward or reply to a meeting from the device itself

• Call History and Contacts integration allows you to instantly see the contact's information when dialing and get to the information you need quicker

• Improved security including remote management and wiping of a device; protected / encrypted content

I recently got into a Moto Q and hence my first serious relationship with Windows Mobile Smartphone Edition. After avoiding smartphones for years, I allowed myself to be seduced, but found myself waking up next to Windows CE's simple-minded bastard cousin. With this crossbow ready to fire, I might be upgrading sooner rather than later—and ensuring I get the fully feature-equipped version, now called the "Professional Edition," on a more capable handset. Those Word, Excel and PowerPoint betas might well clinch it.

First Impressions: Windows Mobile 6 [via Gizmodo]