Unofficial Windows Mobile 6.5.1 builds surface on web

Just weeks after Microsoft released Windows Mobile 6.5 to resoundingly negative reviews, a series of unofficial hacks and builds--collectively and unofficially dubbed WinMo 6.5.1--have surfaced on the web, boasting a number of tweaks absent from the official release version and hinting at what to expect when Windows Mobile 7 drops sometime in 2010. Most of the WinMo 6.5.1 builds target HTC smartphones and initially emerged via the XDA Developers website forum, according to Computerworld--enhancements include speed increases, more precise scrolling, more efficient messaging, improved stability and a more intuitive user interface.

Calling the build "faster, sleeker, more touch-friendly and in my opinion, a much better upgrade than 6.5," respected Microsoft blogger Long Zheng adds "With all these changes and more already implemented and polished, I have to wonder why faced with inevitable criticism that WM6.5 is not enough of an improvement Microsoft didn't hold off until all these changes were implemented for the official Windows Phone relaunch...Until Windows Mobile 7, this is probably as good as it's going to get on Windows Mobile 6."

For more on Windows Mobile 6.5.1:
- read this Computerworld article

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