Microsoft's SkyBox sync service set for a February unveiling, new Windows Mobile UI confirmed?

by Joshua Topolsky posted Jan 19th 2009 at 10:33AM

According to the good people at Neowin, Microsoft has a few big announcements for Mobile World Congress, which takes place in Barcelona next month. Apparently, the company will be taking the wraps off a cloud-based syncing service called SkyBox, a MobileMe-like system which allows you to sync and backup your Windows Mobile phone OTA, though there's speculation the service might be extended to non-WM devices as well. The cats in Redmond will also apparently unveil something called SkyLine, an enterprise version of SkyBox, and will properly introduce SkyMarket -- its "mobile marketplace" (an App Store competitor). Most interestingly, however, Neowin is now claiming that those shots of a Windows Mobile interface we saw back in November that looked somewhat questionable are in fact actual pics from a forthcoming UI overhaul. The site goes as far to say it can "confirm" that the honeycomb interface seen in the photos are "genuine concept shots" of a new interface. As usual, don't place any bets on any of this -- but we'll be live and direct at MWC next month, so stay tuned.

[Thanks, Bill]

Filed under: Software, Windows Mobile

Tags: microsoft, rumor, sky box, sky line, sky market, skybox, skyline, skymarket, speculation, windows mobile, windows mobile 6.5, WindowsMobile, WindowsMobile6.5, wm

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

Jeremy Hobbs @ Jan 19th 2009 11:07AM

Pretty slick... I like that a lot. Those honey comb icons would (appear to) be nicer on touch screen devices for those with large fingers...

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El Bastardo @ Jan 19th 2009 12:02PM

Dude, source article states pretty clearly that the shots are "genuine concept shots for the honeycomb web start menu".

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Sammi @ Jan 19th 2009 1:39PM

YouTube should have a capital T.

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Mark Jenkins @ Jan 19th 2009 2:47PM

If this new UI goes deeper than the home screen (a lot deeper), Microsoft may save Windows Mobile from extinction. If the UI does permiate through the entire OS and maintains all the great WinMo functionality, they may even begin to reclaim some market share.

I know these are "concepts", but those are what lead to future realities. Go Microsoft!

Neutral

ThePengwin @ Jan 19th 2009 6:41PM

I seriously doubt microsoft can ever fully terminate windows mobile. Many handheld devices outside the mobile range still use it. some GPS, PMPs, and even handheld order takers use windows mobile. Some of its odd ends with phone capabilities probably can be attributed to that, because Windows Mobile is or was catering for anything handheld, not just phones :)

In my opinion they have functionality right, now if they make a nice form, and polish, they will have a kickass OS :)

Neutral

Gavin Greenwalt @ Feb 8th 2009 8:43PM

Good point.

It's important to remember that Windows Mobile used to be PDA + Phone. Not Phone + PDA. This distinction is still the fundamental problem with Windows Mobile. It's an awkward phone because it's like using your laptop as a Phone. It wasn't designed with that as its core functionality.

Neutral

James @ Jan 19th 2009 3:34PM

I'm in a crossroads of deciding on setting my sights on The Palm Pre and its WebOS, or waiting on the next wave of HTC phones (with WM) for Sprint. I've had WM devices all since they had PPC2000 devices and have gotten used to them. I'll wait and see what WM6.5 and WM7 have in store. (whether they are different/improved upon or not)

--James

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Jim @ Jan 19th 2009 6:51PM

I can relate. I've been using a Treo 700wx since it came out and I've had a difficult time switching. Blackberries have worthy keypads, but is useful for little outside of e-mail. HTC has done a fair job with the WM UI (assuming you're not a power user...I find it easier to use WM than the Diamond UI for e-mail or text), but I don't like the landscape physical keyboards HTC uses (hate having to flip and slide every time I send a text or e-mail). I was at the CES Palm private demos of the Pre and I can tell you that any reservation I had about switching away from Windows has vanished with this device. My take-away from the demos is this device is power user friendly with iPhone level ease of use.

As for the images...why is there a clock on the picture to the left that doesn't match the time?

Neutral

Craig @ Jan 19th 2009 3:24PM

Interesting. Paul Thurrott actually dug part of this story up in August (http://community.winsupersite.com/blogs/paul/archive/2008/08/31/microsoft-skyline-skymarket-and-skybox.aspx), but at the time he didn't know what Skybox or Skyline was.

Neutral

gareth @ Jan 19th 2009 4:47PM

I you look at this article ( http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/11/12/windows-mobile-6-5-screenshots-have-a-little-zune-in-em/ ) it references these pics as well, and someone notes how certain Icons are from OSx. I dying to know if this is a fan made concept or somethign more. But i doubt MS would have identical icons as the Mac OS.

I would love to be mistaken though, anything to breath some life into the aging and slow WM.

Neutral

Dustin @ Jan 19th 2009 5:35PM

The left picture reminds somewhat of the current Zune device UI.

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Rachel @ Jan 19th 2009 7:56PM

Sky Market???

Oh, how I wish it weren't a copyright violation for MS to call their app store 'SKY MALL'

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Kyle Ward @ Jan 20th 2009 10:37AM

Guys, if you don't mind i would like to ask few question.

If this new UI eventually comes out, will it be possible to update device such as HTC touch HD, PRO and diamond to it?
and if a new WinMo version like 6.5 or 7 comes out, is it possible to update if i have WM 6.1?
i'm pretty new to WinMo as i'm about to buy a new phone and I want to make the right choice on buying an HTC or waiting for the n97.