More Windows Mobile 5 Than Ever Before

Last year I wrote a blog entry regarding the surprising number of Windows Mobile devices I saw during the December 2005 CIPTUG (Cisco IP Telephony User Group) convention in Las Vegas. As one who is tied to the Windows Mobile community, I was struck by the number of devices and in talking to users, found that Windows Mobile wasn't just a "fringe" thing - it was for real.

The question I had then and had as I went to Cisco Networkers in Las Vegas two weeks ago was this: Was what I saw in December just a particular group of "techies" or was Windows Mobile really gaining ground? Afterall, Networkers reaches a broader base of people, not just the propeller heads.

The answer: Windows Mobile was everywhere!

As I walked through the exhibit floor the first day of Networkers, I immediately began looking at the devices on people's hips and in their hands, seeing what type of device they had. Immediately it was obvious that Windows Mobile was the dominant player.

Like the CIPTUG convention last year, I began jotting down the number of mobile devices I saw and how many were Windows Mobile based. While completely un-scientific, it gave me (and now you) a good feel for how many people are now using these devices.

As the four days of the convention went by, I compiled an impressive list of devices. In total, I saw 837 mobile devices including Windows Mobile, Palm, Symbian, and traditional cellular phones. Of that 837 an impressive 302 were Windows Mobile based. Of that 302, the vast majority of the devices (202 to be exact) were Treo 700w's with another 70 being the HTC Wizard (T-Mobile MDA, Cingular 8125, QTEK 9100). The other 30 were a mix of many other devices including Smartphones.

Undoubtedly I didn't see everyone who had a device nor am I 100% confident that I didn't double-count someone. Like I said, it's not a scientific study! :-) However, it is pretty clear to me that Windows Mobile has made great strides in acceptability and usability. Obviously as one who is deeply tied to the Windows Mobile community, that makes me happy!

As Crossbow and Photon continue to be prepped for releases in late 2006 and 2007 respectively, it is clear that Microsoft will need to continue to improve the platform and make it more of a "Windows" experience to keep this ball rolling. Gone are the days were most users accepted limitations - now full functionality (even if it is unrealistic) is expected by devices owners today.

Hopefully they will continue to improve the platform, HTC and other OEMs will continue to improve the devices and by the time Cisco Networkers 2007 rolls around next July, the Windows Mobile device count will be even more impressive!