Is it possible to own a computer and not of heard of Microsoft or Windows? Probably not. Hate it or love it, but we all know Windows. And as is the case of computers so is it with mobile phone. Windows first started appearing on PDAs in the form on Windows CE and has evolved over the years to its current version of 6.5. Though it has been suffering a steady loss of market share, knowing Microsoft, a dramatic comeback can be expected with the forthcoming Windows Mobile 7.

The grand daddy of Mobile Operating Systems:

Windows Mobile first made its presence felt with the launch of the Pocket PC circa 2000. At the peak of its popularity, Microsoft had found a new platform to launch its monster of an Operating System, the PDA.

With the world getting ready to accept smartphones, Windows Mobile was easily adapted with competition only in the form of proprietary operating systems like the Blackberry OS and the Palm OS.

Linux changed everything for the Microsoft and soon with Linux based operating systems like the Android and the Symbian OS, Microsoft has been struggling to hold on to its fans. HTC which is the largest user of Windows Mobile for its phones has recently come up with the Hero featuring the Android.

What’s so special about Windows Mobile then?

The answer to the question: Nothing. Nothing at all! Expect if you are a Windows fan or have got yourself used to the Operating system. Since Windows Mobile is still a huge contender in the Mobile OS market, there must be something special that keeps it there. Some of the features of windows mobile are:

1.    Widget based today screen lets you customize the home screen according to your preferences.
2.    Microsoft Office mobile lets you work effortlessly on office documents on your mobile.
3.    Widget support.
4.    Support for social networking apps.
5.    Windows Live experience with Live Hotmail and Live messenger.
6.    VoIP.
7.    Operating system Live update.
8.    Direct push email for Exchange server and Hotmail.
9.    Threaded message view.
10.    Gesture support.
11.    Designer themes.
12.    Windows Marketplace lets you download applications directly to the mobile.
13.    AJAX, JavaScript, and XMLDOM support on Internet Explorer Mobile.
14.    Richer and better PIM support with improved calendar and task synchronization.
15.    OneNote Mobile as a companion to Microsoft Office OneNote
16.    Bing search engine support.
17.    Available in Standard and Professional versions.

And what does the future hold?

Microsoft is hoping to turn around its fortune with the launch of the Windows 7. Though the operating system has done well, the phenomenal success enjoyed by Windows 98 and XP is far from achieved. Will Windows Mobile 7 be able to get Microsoft its lost mobile ground? The competition is tough and the Google threat looms large. How Windows Mobile 7 manages to change all that remains to be seen.