Windows Mobile 6.5 Tips

• Windows Mobile 6.5 tips can help you get more use from your cell phone. man on cell phone image by Cora Reed from Fotolia.com

  As smartphone technology advances, the operating systems that power them gain more features. Windows Mobile 6.5 improves upon previous editions of Windows Mobile and gives the user many options. Windows Mobile can seem overwhelming to new users, but some simple tips make it easier to adapt to the operating system. Understanding the features of Windows Mobile 6.5 allows you to get the most out of your cell phone.

Customization

• Windows Mobile 6.5 allows a greater amount of customization than previous versions. One of the best places to take advantage of customization options is on the phone's home screen. Windows Mobile refers to this as the "Today" screen. Most phone home screens display common items like the time and date. The Today screen allows you to customize what is shown. You can set your phone to show weather information and include shortcuts to commonly used applications. According to Engadget.com, most manufacturers include their own custom Today screens, but you can change to the default theme created by Microsoft or download new themes from the Internet.

Remote Desktop

• One hidden gem found in Windows 6.5 is the Remote Desktop feature. Many people overlook this useful addition. Remote Desktop allows you to access files from a home computer on your cell phone. The application can be hard to find but is in the Programs menu on most phones.

Windows Marketplace

• The strength of a smartphone operating system is usually judged by how much the phone can do. The main way most smartphones increase their abilities is through downloadable applications. Thousands of applications were already available for Windows Mobile, but they were hard to learn about and install. Users had to find applications on the Internet then transfer them to their phones. With the launch of Windows Mobile 6.5, Microsoft introduced the Windows Marketplace. Like application stores on other smartphones, the user can search through categories to find and download applications directly to their phone. Finding useful applications in the Windows Marketplace is the best way to expand the capabilities of your phone.

Internet Browser

• Previous versions of Windows Mobile were routinely panned for their Internet Explorer Mobile browsers. Earlier editions of the program had difficulties displaying anything beyond the simplest websites. While the version of Internet Explorer Mobile included with Windows 6.5 is improved, you are able to install and use other Web browsers.