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I must say, I haven't posted much on these sites for a couple years, but have been an avid reader, watching the news and keeping up-to-date on all things Windows Mobile.
When I saw Jason's article/post I said to myself, "right on Jason!"
I have been using Pocket PCs since the old Philips Nino days, when we were using WinCE devices, and frankly have believed in the MSFT products and partnerships for years. Lately, however, I'm growing tired of the fact that we constantly get locked in this MSFT/Carrier/Manufacturer blame game, and consumers suffer.
My latest Pocket PC, the Verizon XV6800 is a fabulous device that has a few "bugs" that could certainly be worked out by HTC, Verizon, MSFT, if they really cared to do it. But, as others have said, we're still waiting for upgrades (where's the promised EVDO rev A upgrade?) Where's a WM 6.1 upgrade? When WM7 reveals itself, will it be available to me? Why can't I get Windows Live Messenger direct from Verizon or MSFT?
Meanwhile, I have a small but growing faction of friends that can't stop raving about the iPhone. Frankly, the more I see, the less I can do to defend Windows Mobile. At this point my reasons for staying with Windows Mobile has more to do with Verizon than Microsoft! (What a switch) I absolutely believe in Verizon's wireless service (not to be confused with their customer service) and just can't switch to AT&T. If Verizon had the iPhone, I probably would switch.
Kudos to Jason for really highlighting the problems with the WM Ecosystem. I hope executives at MSFT really heed his comments and those of others in this chain. MSFT needs to either build their own phone, or forge partnerships where WM devices have a defined lifecycle of at least 1 major upgrade (say WM 5 to 6) and regular point upgrades (6.0 to 6.1 as an example.) I don't expect carriers to keep my 5 year old device running, but we should expect that during the average 2 year contract, the phone will be kept updated and relevant. MSFT and the carriers can surely figure out a way to do it. (Hint to MSFT: push for this arrangement with one carrier, and help them market the concept, and you'll soon have all the carriers wanting to do it!)
Whether the upgrade situation is resolved through a HAL or a bunch of programmers in a remote section of India figuring out new drivers, I don't really care, but I have the full confidence of MSFT and their partners that they can make a change if they believe it is important.
And from one loyal WM user, trust me, it's important. The iPhone is becoming a serious contender and it won't take much more to make me jump the MSFT ship. (Especially since you licensed ActiveSync technology to Apple!!!)
Jason: Keep up the good fight! Keep spreading the message that a large group of WM users feels every day.
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