Is HTC holding back Windows Mobile?

It's sad to see all the Pocket PC camera phones that have the cheapest low quality sensors/chip intergrated. (lowest bidder wins) I would LOVE to have a DVD quality video camera, with solid optics, and a decent sensor in my phone. I still cant live with out a thumboard FIRST, but if they could make the video camera the next priorty, I'm ready to see some Pocket PC with a new class mix of features like this.

I think there are pluses and minuses to both platforms, but I would definately agree that cameras are one area where HTC have failed to keep up with the competition (Especially Nokia). I wrote by article about the future of HTC a couple of weeks ago and this is one of the issues I brought up. On the other hand S60 certainly isn't without its flaws. I'm going to be posting a comparative review of S60 and WM smartphone later tonight. Check it out:

www.mobile-penguin.com

I think WM has still to improve as compared to symbian and there is a bias in the media covering smartphones. Now come on symbian smartphones aren't dumb either, why aren't they covering more of that. And I've used symbian based smartphones as well as WM ones and I must say symbian experience was a lot more satisfying compared to WM. WM can be quite frustrating at times, it just isn't as user friendly as symbian.

Funk I still think Microsoft has alot to work on with Windows Mobile. Our Windows Mobile devices has terrible multimedia capabilities for a gaming/mp3 world Microsoft wants to play in!

When broken down like that it looks a lot like the Microsoft vs. Apple battle. Microsoft will inevitably win. I don't know the science behind it, but when Microsoft has Multiple hardware maufatures use thier software, it has always been a win win situation for Microsoft...Except in the MP3 market

I'd say that is no fair comparison. The Nokia software runs only on Nokia phones. WM is a complete platform by itself. You can't compare them....try running Nokia software on a Motorola....

I think in this comparison case there are certain points overlooked. I use my Treo for business purposes and not for fun. The N93 is a fun phone. Two different groups. I personally prefer WM over any Symbian phone. I have had a lot of Nokias in the past and they do not even come close to the treo in terms of eas of use. Especially with documents and calendar.

You probably right, I am just burnt that WM seems to be so crippled. Honestly my expectations are probably just ahead of reality

JC,

That's not necessarily true. The OEM's have alot of room to innovate thier hardware designs. Look at Palm. When asked why the 750v didn't have BT 2.0, Palm responded by saying that WM5 didn't support it. Well, looky-here at the Fujitsu Pocket Loox T-Series with BT 2.0!

Surur, I agree, and we all have voted with our wallets, we buy the latest and greatest out there. But Microsoft is so slow for support on these things that the OEM's have no choice but to put out stripped down version of what the hardcore WM user wants.

HTC is not the only OEM, and the competition is coming along strong. The new Asus devices for example can do Mass Storage and USB host. The new Gigabyte device has VGA screens Digital TV.

If you want better specs vote with your wallet.

Surur

I was just thinking this the other day. WM has actually come a long way. They killed Palm and helped reinvent business, but they really need to get the phone moving toward media, community, and connectivity. There is really no reason a WM phone shouldn't have higher powered processers, 3d graphics, larger internal flash drives (like gigs). And these changes should be standardized. Then add the goodies, Cameras, GPS, Better video,

And while I'm on my soapbox, why don't WM phones connect like external hard drives. (I.E: like the ipod) Since this is a business phone wouldn't people want to use it for thier docs, that limitation also prevents me from connecting to my xbox. OK, I'm done crying

Well I'd say HTC is responsible for how far WM has come, but they do seem to have gotten a little complacent. Not a huge jump from 6700 to 6800 for example (except to make me buy ANOTHER 2GB memory card and give me a proprietary headphone plug).
What I wouldn't give for some of this in my 6700 (VGA COME ON!!!! 2.4" VGA!!! WHY NOT ME! I WANT THAT!).
I totally agree that HTC needs some competition.

Another question to ask though, is WM holding itself back? I'd love to see a comparison between your fave WM phone and this N series Dave!