WM2005 better but not enough? - and other predictions

[Alexander Turcic]

We're almost stifling a yawn this time around, but here is yet another prediction for 2005, and unlike some others one that is well worth a read.

Jeff from Writing On Your Palm writes that Windows Mobile 2005 (aka Magneto) will be better than 2003SE, but not enough better to really matter. Ultra-portable computers (UPS) such as the OQO will remain niche products. RIM will expand its smartphone market presence with the Blackberry device. PalmOne will remain profitable and focus on the consumer (not geek!) user. The HP iPAQ will be slowly discontinued in favor of upcoming UPS devices. Geeks will enjoy upcoming portable video recorders (PVR). The first PalmOS Cobalt-based smartphone will be released in 1Q'05 by Samsung. There will be a rebirth of PalmOS in the "feature phone" (less powerful than smartphone) world. There will be no PalmOS on Linux before 2006. Tapwave will continue to challenge the game console market.

I agree with Jeff up to the point of where he predicts that WM 2005 wouldn't be a big deal. Unlike the current version (WM2003SE), which is still based on Windows CE 4.2, WM 2005 will be based on Windows CE 5.0. Because of this change, Magneto will include:
- ActiveSync 4.0.
- Support for Security Zones in Pocket IE.
- Revisions to Pocket Word and Pocket Excel.
- Direct3D Mobile (D3DMobile), a graphics solution built on DirectX (mobile gamers and movie fans will love this).
- SQL Mobile database engine in both Smartphone and Pocket PC.
- Two-button soft-button interface for Pocket PC OS.
- Smartphone 2005 icon-based desktop similar to the ones used by Sony-Ericsson and Palm.

I am sure the Direct3D Mobile feature alone would be worth a switch to Pocket PC for a lot of game freaks out there.