The next version of Windows Mobile, named 6.1 (the Shadow runs 6), was announced at CTIA by Microsoft today. The Standard version (non-touchsreen) adds such enhancements as an improved Home screen, threaded-SMS (finally!), copy and paste functionality, and a zoom function in Internet Explorer. Will the Shadow be upgradeable to Windows Mobile 6.1? Probably not, according to Engadget, which makes sense. The Neo interface was a precursor to the 6.1 Standard interface, seen below, so it wouldn’t make sense for T-Mobile to offer 6.1 and replace Neo. New devices going forward, such as the Shadow II, will come with 6.1.
If you’re interesting in learning more about what Windows Mobile 6.1 has to offer, check out the thorough review at pocketnow.com.
Also, if you want threaded SMS immediately, check out Extreme Text.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:06 am
Boo hoo I want some threaded SMS lovin’
April 1st, 2008 at 11:48 am
can someone explain why 6.1 won’t be available to shadow users? or if T-mobile will be able to advance functionality on what now sounds like the obsolete shadow like copy and paste functions that aren’t equipped this unit?
April 1st, 2008 at 12:01 pm
I want the update anyway.I don’t use the Neo homescreen.It looks cool,but it’s not very functional to me.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:01 pm
not available or not compatible? just because T-Mobile won’t offer it doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be able to get it. if i get it, will it work on the shadow?
April 1st, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I don’t get it - why does the home screen interface dictate whether or not 6.1 is compatible with the Shadow?
April 1st, 2008 at 1:06 pm
IF T-Mobile does decide not to offer WM6.1 for the Shadow, we may have to organize a protest!
April 1st, 2008 at 1:10 pm
It’s probably possible to get a wm6.1 upgrade without the new sliding interface, but it would be nice to have a choice of neo and the new interface. From reading the threads on xda-developers, the new interface is based on work from neo, as many files and registry entries are similar. Neo is more graphical than the new one, but the new one can pack more information on the screen at once. The new interface is probably more business-minded, but we’ll see if any crazy new skins can be done to it as has been done for neo.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:10 am
T-mobile should release wm 6.1 for the shadow even if it dose overwrite the neo interface some experienced forum members could help us get it to work with 6.1.
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:28 am
I’m been in touch with some “cookers” at xda-developer and they think it’s possible to port wm6.1 to the Shadow. They’ve already ported to several smartphones using a leaked version for the Motorola Q.
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:17 am
wtH do you mean, OBVIOUSLY t mobile wont offer 6.1 to replace Neo, NEO is not a operating system, its just windows mobile 6.0 modified, so i dont see a logical reason why they dont just leave 6.0 behind cuz i want some DAMN THREADED TEXT
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:15 am
i’ve already upgraded to 6.1 on my dash, & it’s great! love the threaded sms - i’ve tried a couple different apps for threading, & they always seem to f-up the mms. the new home screen interface is great - the photos show up slide show-style like the NEO. overall, it feels more stable and a little snappier than 6.0. now that i’ve hooked it up with dashwire & orb, it’s become my phone of choice - again. sorry shadow folk!
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Guys, remember when they came out with Windows 6.0 for the Dash? It didn’t work all that well for a lot of people because they had too much of their own stuff on it. When people I know switched to a non T Mobile version of 6.0, it worked much better. The question we should ask is if there is a version out there that will incorporate the smarttype keyboard and if the Shadow meets the system requirements. If the answers are yes, just load it up with your favorite apps and download the connection settings off of my.t-mobile.com.
Cheers,
Mot
April 8th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
awww mike you traitor ;\ i cannot wait for the shadow II don’t come crying to us faithfuls then!!! lol