Differentiating Windows Mobile from Windows CE

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://blogs.msdn.com/fzandona/archive/2006/05/16/599485.aspx' target='_blank'>http://blogs.msdn.com/fzandona/arch.../16/599485.aspx</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Far from a in-depth technical post, this is a very simple explanation on the differences between WinCE &amp; WM. Let's try to shed some light on this subject"</i><br /><br />It's never too late for a refresher course on the difference between WinCE and Windows Mobile, right? After all, if you were to explain to someone that Windows Mobile is based on WinCE but that there are numerous WinCE based devices that have nothing to do with Windows Mobile and the fact that both are currently at version 5 is completely coincidental, you'd probably be met with some confused looks. So dig in everyone. There'll be a quiz tomorrow! ;)

[ideafest]

So what exactly is the difference?
Any pages for reference?

[JesterMania]

So what exactly is the difference?
Any pages for reference?

Didn't you read the link posted above? or did you not understand the article? From what I gather from that article, the basic rundown is this:

Windows CE is an OS for electronic devices, and it can be customized to suit that device. It is comprised of the core WinCE components + modules + shell (which could give it the Windows-like interface, but not necessarily so). It's just a generic OS which needs to be customized for whatever device it intends to run on.

Windows Mobile an OS designed for PDAs and Smartphones only. They took the WinCE base, and fully customized it with a windows-like shell, extra programs (WMP, Office Mobile, etc.), and designed it specifically for these PDA/Smartphone devices. So, WM evolved from WinCE.

[alabij]

The explanation was horrible. If he was trying to explain it to the lay man then he failed. I know the difference but after reading the article I was like "What?"

[isajoo]

same here... made me even more confused and annoyed. so comparing it to windows xp pro and windows xp tablet pc edition, would that be a similiar.... or dos to linux? where ever or how ever windows mobile came to existent... it definality changed the expereince of any pocket pc. but someone needs to explain more indepth differences between win ce and wmobile. sorry to confuse and fustraight people even more.

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Windows Mobile an OS designed for PDAs and Smartphones only. They took the WinCE base, and fully customized it with a windows-like shell, extra programs (WMP, Office Mobile, etc.), and designed it specifically for these PDA/Smartphone devices. So, WM evolved from WinCE.
Right. My understanding is that the main purpose of the article was to explain why the recent announcement of WinCE v6 was not a Windows Mobile-related announcement and as such, was not much of indication (if any at all) of what the next version of Windows Mobile will bring.

Windows Mobile is an application of the Windows CE framework. The legos analogy is not too bad of an analogy in my opinion. If Windows CE were a legos toolbox, then Windows Mobile is just one creation from those pieces (the legos can be used to create any number of different items outside of Windows Mobile).

From a programmer's standpoint, I'd probably relate this Windows CE announcement to a new Java SDK or a new edition of the .NET framework with Windows Mobile being analogous to whatever application you may have written based on the old SDK/framework. You may or may not decide to port your application to the newer framework to take advantage of some new efficiencies / capabilities / hardware compatibilities, but it's still your decision (as the developer) to determine how much the application features itself will change (if at all).

[Paragon]

Here is a really basic explanation in laymen's terms.....Windows CE is an OS. Windows Mobile is basically an interface with some applications thrown in.

In order to use Windows CE there needs to be an interface for the user to access its functions. When an OEM or developer uses Windows CE they need to build an interface. In many cases this is a proprietary application for use on their devices only. Windows Mobile is an interface that Microsoft has built to be used on mobile devices so that OEMs don't have to spend the time, money, and resources doing it themselves. Doing this also provides a wider, common look and feel for any OEMs using Windows Mobile. So, whether you buy an HP, Dell, HTC, or some other device, you have a common look to it.

Dave

[yawanag]

Here is a really basic explanation in laymen's terms.....Windows CE is an OS. Windows Mobile is basically an interface with some applications thrown in.

In order to use Windows CE there needs to be an interface for the user to access its functions. When an OEM or developer uses Windows CE they need to build an interface. In many cases this is a proprietary application for use on their devices only. Windows Mobile is an interface that Microsoft has built to be used on mobile devices so that OEMs don't have to spend the time, money, and resources doing it themselves. Doing this also provides a wider, common look and feel for any OEMs using Windows Mobile. So, whether you buy an HP, Dell, HTC, or some other device, you have a common look to it.

Dave



By George, I think I've got it. Thanks a bunch!!!

[Paragon]

By George, I think I've got it. Thanks a bunch!!!

Coolio!! 8)

[Typhoon]

Here is a really basic explanation in laymen's terms.....Windows CE is an OS. Windows Mobile is basically an interface with some applications thrown in.

In order to use Windows CE there needs to be an interface for the user to access its functions. When an OEM or developer uses Windows CE they need to build an interface. In many cases this is a proprietary application for use on their devices only. Windows Mobile is an interface that Microsoft has built to be used on mobile devices so that OEMs don't have to spend the time, money, and resources doing it themselves. Doing this also provides a wider, common look and feel for any OEMs using Windows Mobile. So, whether you buy an HP, Dell, HTC, or some other device, you have a common look to it.

Dave

So is there any way to get the Windows Mobile OS on a PDA to look like the Win CE (Windows XP/98) like interface? Or turn it back to that interface? Or in order to do this, files/programs/drivers need to be installed?

[Paragon]

Here is a really basic explanation in laymen's terms.....Windows CE is an OS. Windows Mobile is basically an interface with some applications thrown in.

In order to use Windows CE there needs to be an interface for the user to access its functions. When an OEM or developer uses Windows CE they need to build an interface. In many cases this is a proprietary application for use on their devices only. Windows Mobile is an interface that Microsoft has built to be used on mobile devices so that OEMs don't have to spend the time, money, and resources doing it themselves. Doing this also provides a wider, common look and feel for any OEMs using Windows Mobile. So, whether you buy an HP, Dell, HTC, or some other device, you have a common look to it.

Dave

So is there any way to get the Windows Mobile OS on a PDA to look like the Win CE (Windows XP/98) like interface? Or turn it back to that interface? Or in order to do this, files/programs/drivers need to be installed?

There are 2-3 applications that can be installed that give your device an XP look. I'm not sure if they are compatible with WM5.0 but they were at least with WM2003. They can be real resources hogs though. Check at Handango or Pocket Gear. Sorry, I can't remember their names.

Dave

[Typhoon]

Ohhhh ok. Thanks. Yea, I think one of them was called or made by Digital Experience (or something like that). But are they something like simulations? Or do they bring out the "CE" from Windows Mobile?

[Paragon]

Ohhhh ok. Thanks. Yea, I think one of them was called or made by Digital Experience (or something like that). But are they something like simulations? Or do they bring out the "CE" from Windows Mobile?

You are right, Typhoon, they are just simulators.

You would have some major hacking and developing to do if you wanted to turn a WM device into a CE device.

[pocketpcadmirer]

There are 2-3 applications that can be installed that give your device an XP look. I'm not sure if they are compatible with WM5.0 but they were at least with WM2003. They can be real resources hogs though. Check at Handango or Pocket Gear. Sorry, I can't remember their names.


Only app you need is wisbar advance 2. There is a XP theme for it(free). On the other hand, wisbar advance 2 is a shareware, but, you can anyway try the trial

[Typhoon]

Didn't it used to be free?