CES 2010
Phone Scoop was able to find a single device running Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.5.3. This update to Windows Mobile brings marked changes to the user interface that really allow users to forego using a stylus and rely on a finger alone.
The most significant change is the new bubble menus visible at the bottom of the screen. They replace some of the functions that were previously placed at the top of the home screen. These new bubble buttons are much easier to reach with your thumb when holding the device in one hand. This means you won't strain yourself reaching way up to the top of the screen.
The status bar at the top has also seen a nice revision. Looking at the home screen, you might think that the icons are way too small for you to accurately select with your finger. Well, Microsoft has created a drop-down dock that enlarges all the status icons and lets you interact with them. Simply swipe from the top of the screen down and the dock will appear. In the dock are some simply controls such as those for the alarm, power management, and so on. Nice. This dock is available from within any application and not just the home screen. It lets you make adjustments on the fly without leaving the particular application that you might be using.
Microsoft has also made some nice changes to the software QWERTY keyboard. When viewing the keyboard, if you want to access other characters such as number or symbols, simply swipe the keyboard to the right. Want to see a standard 12-key T9-style keyboard? Swipe to the left. This makes access alternate characters very easy. Me likey.
A Microsoft employee said that the update is being prepared for release some time later this year.
To get a better idea of how it works and looks, check out our hands-on video:
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