Update Windows Live Mobile or not?
First the good news: this update enhances Windows Live on your Windows Mobile. Great. But if you have Windows Live Messenger on your device (installed by an OEM), don't install this update yet. Read more.
Windows Live Mobile is really cool - it enables push e-mail for your Windows Live accounts (this includes Hotmail and even the Geekzonemail accounts).
Here is the bad news: Microsoft stopped providing Windows Live Messenger with Windows Live Mobile - a departure from earlier versions. And if you have an old Windows Live Mobile version with Windows Live Messenger, installing this new version will disable the Messenger component.
The Windows Live Messenger files are still in the system, but the program won't start at all. Uninstalling the "update" will automatically revert to the previous version and enable Windows Live Messenger again.
What is really annoying is that Microsoft makes Windows Live Messenger available for RIM BlackBerry users, but leave Windows Mobile users in the cold, waiting for operators to release their software (which we all know ain't gonna happen any time soon).
If you don't have Windows Live Mobile on your device (some OEMs don't include it), then you can download it now - and use a third party software for communicating with friends on Windows Live Messenger. Try one of the following:
- Fring (free, multiple IM systems, Skype, SIP, Twitter)
- Pocket MSN
- MSN Messenger Force
Other related posts:
Windows Mobile 6.5.3 in the wild: advances in User Interface
AT&T LG eXpo Windows Mobile Phone with pico projector
AT&T LG eXpo Windows Mobile Phone first impressions
Comment by Ross, on 25-JUL-2008 13:27
Windows Live Messenger is available for BlackBerry but only the following devices are supported: BlackBerry® 7130e, BlackBerry® 7250 and BlackBerry® 8703e from Bell Mobility, BlackBerry® 8800 from T-Mobile USA. If you're outside N America it refuses to work.
Comment by hardmanb, on 25-JUL-2008 14:06
This must be what Ballmer means when he says Microsoft will offer "more choice".
Or maybe it's a move to simplicity, compatibility, and increased useability for consumers.
Comment by KevDaly, on 25-JUL-2008 16:14
I decided to skip it for exactly that reason.
My complex, nuanced thoughts on this and related issues can be summed up as follows: Screw the operators.
Comment by lugh, on 26-JUL-2008 17:36
Not good. The syncing fails every now and then (supposedly a server issue). Fixed by logging out (switching user in Account Options) and then back in, although this does a full refresh sync. FAIL.
Also, seems to play merry havoc with my Plaxo sync to my Live Contacts. Duplications and deletions... DOUBLE FAIL
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Comment by chakkaradeep, on 25-JUL-2008 13:23
This is exactly the problem I am currently having. Glad that the Messenger files are stored :)