App Store for WM 6.0 & 6.1, Reviews of AT&T HTC Pure, Verizon Imagio

As of late last week there were over 250 apps in the new Windows Marketplace for Mobile, and an unofficial free application now opens the store to Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1. This week I’ll also point you to an overview of some of the new Windows Mobile 6.5 devices that are out, as well as reviews of the AT&T HTC Pure and Verizon Imagio. Plus, I'll point you to an interesting opinion piece about whether Microsoft is falling behind in the mobile arena.

Windows Marketplace for Mobile on WM 6.0 and 6.1 Devices

Microsoft’s new app store for WM 6.5 devices launched with 190 apps and within a couple weeks had grown to over 250. It’s not yet officially available for Windows Mobile 6.0 and 6.1 devices (expected in November).

You can, however, download a free CAB file from XDA-developers that will let you access the store via a WM 6.0 or 6.1 device. Install the CAB file, click on Marketplace from programs, then go though the installation process. Also, PocketNow had a discussion in which users reported their experience of using the new store.

Overview of Windows Mobile 6.5 Devices

This video and gallery from Engadget shows some of the new phones from U.S. carriers, including the AT&T Tilt2, Verizon Imagio, AT&T HTC Pure, and Sprint’s Samsung Intrepid. The short video gives you a quick glimpse of this new hardware if you’re curious what it’s all about.

Verizon HTC Imagio Reviews

I think if I had my choice of the new devices, the Verizon Imagio would be the one that I’d go with. It has an iPhone-like form factor rather than the slideout QWERTY keyboard of the AT&T Tilt2 and other HTC Pro2 devices.

The Imagio has a 3.6-inch touch screen, mobile television based on Qualcomm’s MediaFLO technology, and even a kickstand that props up the device while you’re watching TV.

This detailed review, including several videos, on PocketNow could hardly be more positive: “The HTC Imagio is so far the best Windows phone released for the North American market." There’s also an unboxing video on YouTube that covers both the Imagio and the AT&T HTC Pure.

AT&T HTC Pure for $0.01

Amazon is actually selling the new AT&T HTC Pure for $0.01. Yep, a penny for those signing up for a new service plan. AT&T was also offering free activation, but apparently that ended yesterday. Otherwise, you can get the device via AT&T for $150.

You can see a detailed review on PocketNow, including videos. This device again has an iPhone-like form factor, but with a smaller screen than the Imagio at 3.2 inches. It has a 5-megapixel camera, aGPS, and an accelerometer for automatic screen rotation (in selected apps).

Is Microsoft Slipping Behind in the Mobile Market?

Despite all the excitement over the new phones, there continues to be a sense that Windows Mobile 6.5 was a little underwhelming and that Windows Mobile 7, when it arrives in late 2010 may be way too late to the party.

You can read an interesting opinion piece related to this on PCMag.com. Also, rumors are already swirling regarding Windows Mobile 6.5.1 (or some other numbered iteration that’s imminent), which will have major new elements, including being more touch friendly. Read more here.