Brighthand has posted a great little review of Windows Mobile 6.1. Reviewer Adama Brown says of the new interface,

"having gotten used to it, I've really fallen for the efficiency and the whole tile design. It's robust, it's fun to look at, and it conveys a lot of information in one glance, as well as bringing the most important things directly to your attention."

The review also talks about the new IE Mobile version that ships with 6.1, calling it a "definite improvement."

Of course, it's not all happy talk: The review notes that the interface can seem a little slow on older devices, and says that there are still some areas where IE Mobile needs improvement.

Overall, a very fair review, I thought. Anyone had a chance to try the new OS first-hand? 

I really like the new interface. It's especially great because I can check what I need to check - like new emails and messages and appointments without having to put my glasses on! It's a really good way of making use of a small screen - you select what you want to see and then that portion of the screen is magnified.

If you are using WM 6.1 on a Standard device, the new UI is a significant improvement.  Finally, you can get to almost all of the important information and applications right from the home screen.  If, however, you are using a Professional device, then 6.1 becomes less of a Wow experience.

 Threaded SMS and auto complete are two of the most useful improvements.  I personally am not terribly impressed with the IE upgrades but then again, I'm not really a big fan of mobile web surfing.

I haven't had a chance to play with a 6.1 device much. Mostly my own fault as I have several sitting about three feet away from me.

I'm curious to see what the IE upgrades are. I am a mobile web surfing monkey and could definately see some opportunities for improvement from the WM6 experience.

 I guess it's time for me to check the OS out. :)

 -Andrea

I have also had the pleasure of trying out WM 6.1 on a couple of devices and have to agree with the comments made so far. I did find the newer version of IE faster than the present version for loading pages, but will not have much real use for the zoom function. I do enjoy the Palm like threaded SMS though, a very handy upgrade. 

Hello,

I don't think 6.1 is still in beta testing since the OS has launched.

-Andrea

How can I get WM 6.1 in my devices, htc 8925, samsung blackjack II?

Thanks

You would need to contact your service provider to see if they were going to make an update for your current OS available for download.

 Or wait until a device is released with 6.1 in your area and purchase it. :)

 -Andrea

Here's the official list from MS of all the devices and operators that are announced as being scheduled for a 6.1 upgrade:

Mobile operators:

 There's actually a discussion over here.

For the less-hardware-endowed (or if you're simply a cheapskate), the easiest way to get your noggin wrapped around Windows Mobile is the fantabulously free standalone Device Emulator.

This is the exact same emulator included with Visual Studio, except that you don't have to shell out for Visual Studio Standard or above to get access to it.

You can run images of the following Windows Mobile versions using Device Emulator, which is now up to version 3.0...

• Windows Mobile 6.1
• Windows Mobile 6.0
• Windows Mobile 5.0 with MSFP

In fact, the US images for Windows Mobile 6.1 were released the exact same day Windows Mobile 6.1 was announced officially at CTIA. 

I just so happen to have written a thing or 3 on Device Emulator over the last several years. And I just so happen to be consolidating and updating that info into a definitive guide titled, amazingly enough....

Chris Rue's Device Emulator Guide

Here's a link to the first installment, Getting Started: http://www.chrisrue.com/funcave/2008/05/chris-rues-device-emulator-guide-getting-started.html

 Enjoy!