Everybody knows that Microsoft has a limp-walk in the race for the mobile market share. So what exactly was done to Windows Mobile 6.5 that is different from 6.1? Well, it’s important to first point out that this is no Windows Mobile 7. In fact, if I’m going to be honest with myself, 6.5 was somewhat of a let down. Think of the upgrade from 6.1 to 6.5 as minor cosmetic surgery.

Internet Explorer: First and most importantly (to me), is the revamping of Internet Explorer Mobile. Microsoft was dragging tail with their mobile internet browser. The Windows Mobile team made it a big focus for 6.5, adding a new, prettier User Interface, zoom slider, new JavaScript language library, and better support for full HTML. This is HUGE! I still use Skyfire for some websites that can’t handle IEmobile.

New Today Screen: Yes that’s correct. 6.5 introduces a completely fresh Today Screen style. Almost like the Zune if you have seen one.

Windows Mobile Marketplace: Well this isn’t news, necessarily. Microsoft definitely hyped up their mobile marketplace center, being the corporate giants that they are. I still haven’t had much experience with the marketplace. All I know, is that the apps are overpriced right now. Additionally, they charge $100 for their developers to submit THEIR OWN APPLICATIONS! So, just to make this clear to the developers out there, Microsoft is making you pay them in order to sell your software. Again, not news to anybody really, but let it be known :).

More Finger Friendly: Who’s idea was it to make the incredibly small buttons for touch screen phones? I’m the kind of guy who loses his stylus like clockwork. I use my fat fingers to point and click… which, if you have Windows Mobile 6.1 or earlier, isn’t the best combination. Windows Mobile 6.5 introduces new “touch screen” technology. Scrolling, zooming, etc. are all smoothed over in 6.5.

“Honeycomb” Start Screen: A themed list of cool looking images for your default applications. The Start menu is gone, too – pressing the Windows icon in the upper left of the screen now leads straight to the new Start screen.