The Microsoft Corporation has announced recently about a new version of its operating system for mobile devices, named Windows Mobile 5.0. This version combines features of the previous Windows platforms for the smart-phones and communicators with a set of new improvements and options in a single solution. Nowadays, the WM 5.0 offers new and enhanced features to ensure the increasing of the work efficiency and speed in the data exchange. It also has better multimedia capabilities, modern tools and services for the developers and manufacturers of the mobile devices, such as pocket computers and phone communicators. Let us look at some of the most interesting features of the new OS.

The Windows Mobile 5.0 has brought the system buttons from the mobile phones into its desktop. These buttons are present on any display and can be used for starting any of the applications, installed on the device. The system menus have also been changed to make it easier and more convenient to navigate, using only the functional buttons and joystick of the mobile device. The technology of the Smart Minimizing is preserved in the new version of the Windows Mobile OS and provides minimizing of the program window without its closing, therefore, the users can run several applications simultaneously.

This function offers new prospects in view of freedom to the users and creators of the mobile devices. It is realized on the basis of the Microsoft Voice Command utility, which allows to dial the phone numbers or even starting the programs with the help of voice commands. A similar option is already in use in several mobile phones and communicators, however it is mostly realized with the help of the alternative software utilities; now the developers will get the opportunity to get the complex solution from Microsoft.

Nevertheless, the entire pack of the MS Office solution for the mobile platform is not ready yet, the most important applications are improved and offer enhanced functionality in comparison with their predecessors. The Mobile Word and Excel supports now more complicated documents formats. The Word can display the tables, lists and images, embedded into the text documents. The Excel offers the possibility to add and edit the diagrams. The PowerPoint is also improved; it can correctly display the presentations with all the advanced features now.

The Internet Explorer shows a better speed in the web browsing and offers new security options. Moreover, it is supplied with the page downloading indicator, showing the status of the downloading HTML page. The multimedia files can be saved during the web browsing into the internal memory or the flash card.

The creators redesigned significantly the main menu of the mobile player. It now has different items for different types of media content, such as video, music, TV and supports submenus with album or singer's name. Therefore, the navigation throughout the media library has become easier and more convenient. The MMP 10 supports files in formats: MPEG, WMV and the newly added Plus!, Photostory 2 and MovieMaker 2.

The new Windows Mobile 5.0 supports, practically, all the types of modern wireless protocols, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and standards from the mobile phone industry: EVDO, GPRS, EDGE and IX.

The new Windows Mobile 5.0 offers a significant set of features and tools, hence, in the nearest future, the leading manufacturers of the handheld PCs and smart-phones will, certainly, present their new devices, based on the new Microsoft OS.