A new job advertisement posted on the Microsoft website strongly suggests the software giant is seeking to introduce over-the-air software updates to its Windows Mobile operating system.
The posting, first spotted by ArsTechnica, reads in part 'Have you wished to see your Windows Mobile phone with new features "˜magically' show up without you buying a new one‾ Do you want to see greater and better quality and cool software delivered to your love ones' Windows phones from just a click? If this is your dream, this is a place for you. Come join us to make this dream into reality! "&brkbar;We are in Windows Mobile device update team. Our goal is to enable customers to anticipate and enjoy a predictable stream of new and improved capabilities for their Windows Phone via a Device Update service that is worry-free and easy-to-use. Broad scope and impact, deep technologies, engineering challenges, partner interfacing with OEMs and MS internal partners, and fast pace delivery are all part of our charter.'
Although it appears likely the Device Update service will not surface in conjunction with the forthcoming Windows Mobile 6.5 OS, its inclusion in WinMo 7.0 scheduled to drop in 2010 - seems like a safe bet. Speaking in March at Microsoft's Public Sector CIO Summit, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer pledged to accelerate Windows Mobile development in the face of growing competitive pressures from Apple and Research In Motion: 'There are opportunities for us to accelerate our execution in this area,' he said. 'We've done a lot of work to make sure we have a team that will be able to accelerate it.'
For more on the Device Update job search:read this Ars Technica article