Yesterday, Microsoft officially unveiled WM 5.0. Here is a list of new/updated features:

# Internet Explorer Mobile has been updated to support the following:
One column layout for Web pages
Full screen view. This allows the browser window to use the entire display, which hides the title bar and soft keys.

# Improved Word document format retention (PPC Only)
This feature adds support for better retention of original Word document information (like formatting and underplayed metadata) after a Word document has been edited on a Pocket PC.

# Enhanced support for viewing embedded tables, lists, and images in Word documents (PPC Only)
Support for Word document embedded objects, such as tables, lists, and images, has been enhanced. On Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC, the documents are editable and now viewable in e-mail attachments.

# PowerPoint Mobile Viewer (PPC Only)
Allows end-users the ability to view PowerPoint slides on a Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC as attachments in e-mail or as documents transferred to local device memory or storage card.

# Soft key support for Excel Mobile (PPC Only)
Excel Mobile can now be more easily used with just one hand with new support for two hardware-enabled soft keys,

# Soft key support for Word Mobile (PPC Only)
Word Mobile can now be more easily used with just one hand with new support for two hardware-enabled soft keys,

# Chart editor support for Excel Mobile (PPC Only)
Excel Mobile documents now support the ability for an end user to create, view, and modify common Excel chart types.

# Spell Check dictionaries for new West European languages (PPC Only)
Spell Check feature is available for Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish for new Pocket PC languages under consideration.

# Wi-Fi protected access (WPA) support (PPC+SP)
Added features for Wi-Fi user interface and autoconfiguration, including a connection icon and WPA authentication. End users will be able to connect to Wi-Fi networks which have enhanced protection due to the new WPA standard. IT Managers will be able to roll out WPA networks and support PCs and devices simultaneously.

# Support for Bluetooth HID profile (PPC+SP)
The main scenario supported with the HID profile is using a Bluetooth enabled keyboard for input with a mobile device. HID could potentially be used for other input devices, such as joysticks or mice.

# GPRS disconnect (PPC+SP)
Once connected, GPRS will remain connected unless the user turns on flight mode, which will turn of all radio connections, including the phone. The user cannot selectively choose to disconnect only the GPRS connection.

# Database and API for second display content (PPC+SP)
Original equipment manufacturers will be able to leverage re-architected platform APIs for accessing system status information. These APIs expose information from the new Statutory database which is extensible so that original equipment manufacturers can also track and poll additional status information which needs to be displayed in their custom second display user interface. Currently, original equipment manufacturers have to write code to track state changes that aren’t conveniently exposed in the old Statutory database. These workarounds tend to have inconsistent results since tracking state changes can be complex and time based. Examples include tracking call progress states (incoming call, call connected, conference calling, call waiting, dropped calls, ended calls, etc.) or tracking profile settings which need to persist between reboots.

# Easier switching between Wi-Fi and WAN (PPC+SP)
Users with a Windows Mobile-based device that supports both WAN and Wi-Fi are able to use their device across both networks without applications behaving poorly. Users will not see seamless transfers from one network to another (as an example across a Void application) – but will generally experience graceful handoffs that will sometimes require user interaction. Also, we split the data and phone title bar icons so the user has better status on whether WWAN or Wi-Fi is in use.

# Improved Connection Manager Wi-Fi settings (PPC+SP)
Today, switching Wi-Fi settings is buried deep in the user interface, so this work will enable the scenario of switching Wi-Fi settings to be much easier. In addition, for a device with both Wi-Fi and WWAN, the user will have better status information to see which network they are connected to and also be able to switch between networks more easily.

# Persistent data storage (PPC Only)
Original device manufacturers will be able to build Pocket PC devices that save can save all post-purchase data, applications, and registry changes to non-volatile memory, as opposed to the current solution which required some data to be saved to volatile memory.

# Database and API for access to telephony states (PPC+SP)
Original equipment manufacturers will be able to leverage re-architected platform APIs for accessing system status information. These APIs expose information from the new Statutory database, which is extensible so that manufacturers can also track and poll additional status information that needs to be displayed in any modification they make to the phone application. Currently, manufacturers have to write code to track state changes that are not conveniently exposed in the old Statutory database. Such workarounds have inconsistent results, since tracking state changes can be complex and time-based. Examples include tracking call progress states (incoming call, call connected, conference calling, call waiting, dropped calls, ended calls, etc.) and tracking profile settings that need to persist between reboots.

# Icons for discovered Bluetooth devices (PPC+SP)
When the user scans for Bluetooth devices, the list of discovered devices returned will show the icons representing the class of these devices (for example, headset).

# Improved Bluetooth setup experience (PPC+SP)
Users will be allowed to identify the class and services of the remote device during the partnership discovery process.

# Speaker independent voice-enabled phone (PPC+SP)
Voice dialing is a useful way to call people when the users may not be able to dial by hand or can’t divert their attention to the screen for this task. The Microsoft solution does not require any training to be useful.

# Speaker independent voice-enabled productivity (PPC+SP)
This feature is useful to end users in situations where they don’t have a free hand to navigate the start menu, switch applications or read calendar entries. It is also useful in situations where calendar reminder alerts are displayed, but the device is not readily at hand.

# Speaker independent voice-enabled media (PPC+SP)
This feature is useful to end users who enjoy playing media on their device and have a medium to large selection of tracks to play. Selecting music to play is easier and faster with voice than by any other means.

# Speaker independent voice-enabled device status (PPC+SP)
This feature is useful to end users in situations where they don’t have a free hand to navigate the device or have difficulty reading the text and icons on the screen which convey this device state information.

# Edited end user ratings and synchronization (PPC+SP)
Ability for user to edit 5-star ratings on the device and have them synchronized to the PC.

# Now Playing added to Media Library screen (PPC+SP)
Added Now Playing to the Library screen displaying My Music, My Video, and My TV.

# Enhanced DirectDraw renderer (PPC+SP)
Use the standard DirectShow renderer in the Windows Media Player. The renderer will natively support DirectDraw, which will enable hardware original equipment manufacturers to write standard DirectDraw drivers to control specialized graphics hardware with capabilities such as overlay support.

# Enhanced networking support for media streaming (PPC+SP)
Some 3G networks, for example, EVDO, have characteristics that require additional support in Windows Media Player to optimize streaming playback. The enhancements include fast caching support and auto-reconnect support.

# DirectShow streaming support (PPC+SP)
Provide streaming support for additional protocols and formats added to the media player via DShow.

# Statstore support for Windows Media Player Mobile 10 (PPC+SP)
Track name, time remaining, artist for currently playing song are available via Statstor.

# Moved audio render off Windows Media Player UI thread (PPC+SP)
Separate the threads that process UI messages, for example, WM_KEYDOWN, WM_PAINT, from any internal messages that control Windows Media engine processing of audio and video.

# Enhanced Media Player security (PPC+SP)
Incorporated the desktop ASF, ASX, and MP3 parser which has enhanced security.

# Scaled video to fit screen (PPC+SP)
In Audio/Video options, the "Shrink to fit" option is changing to "Scale to fit" to allow video to be stretched to fit the screen in full-screen mode.

# Picture caller ID (PPC+SP)
When the phone is ringing for an incoming call, the caller’s picture is displayed on the screen. The picture comes from the contact and can be synchronized from Outlook.

# Customizable Phone UI (PPC+SP)
The Phone application has been re-architected to cleanly separate the Phone UI from the call engine. In addition, Microsoft has provided significant extensibility of the Phone UI and call engine so that original equipment manufacturers can add operator-specific requirements. Examples range from embedding text string or icon changes to new functionality, such as PTT or Video Telephony, which require extensive additions to the call engine as well as major new UI components and call progress layout changes. Original equipment manufacturers will also have access to modifying ancillary phone components, such as the call log, incoming call/voicemail/missed call notifications, and network icons/status, etc.

# Improved Call Progress States UI (PPC+SP)
When an end user tries to end a call, the UI will clearly show that the call has ended.

# Improved speakerphone access (PPC+SP)
Speakerphone is used for having conversations while looking at data on the display, while driving, or while having an impromptu conference call.

# Improved returning missed calls (PPC+SP)
Missed calls will show up in the recent call list be pressing SEND from the home screen, as for competitive phones. Currently on Windows Mobile-based Smartphone, returning missed calls after checking voicemail requires a number of key presses and cognitive thinking. Once the user returns to the home screen after checking voicemail, there is no quick way (one key press) to return to the list of missed calls.

# Matched numbers with two country codes (PPC+SP)
In some countries, users normally write numbers with two country codes. For example, in the UK it is common to write +44 (0) 555 1212 where "+44" is the international country code but "(0)" is used to start calls made within the UK. If the number of an incoming call is formatted as either +44 555 1212 or 0 555 1212 and the number is stored in contacts as +44 (0) 555 1212, then the number should still properly match for incoming calls or SMS messages.

# Support for Bluetooth Headset profile (PPC+SP)
User can bond a Bluetooth headset with their device and then make and receive phone calls with it.

# Support for Bluetooth Hands-Free profile (PPC+SP)
User can bond a Bluetooth car kit with their device and then make and receive phone calls with it.

# Push-to-talk (PTT) and Video Telephony original equipment manufacturer extensibility (PPC+SP)
While Windows Mobile Version 5.0 will not include native support for PTT or Video Telephony, Microsoft has enabled original equipment manufacturers to tightly integrate the dialing experience for PTT or Video Telephony if they add those application components. In Call History and Smartdial, users will be able to leverage standard Microsoft code and user interface for choosing a phone number and original equipment manufacturers will be able to add code which (a) passes the text string to their PTT or Video Telephony application and (b) provides user interface for placing the call by either adding a menu item, user interface button (Pocket PC), or using a dedicated hardware button, which includes modifying the TALK key behavior.

# Polyphonic MIDI ring tones (PPC+SP)
This work item will allow SP-MIDI ring tones to be played natively just like any other ring tone format.

# Managed access to telephony (PPC+SP)
Developers will be able to access Telephony (phone, call log, etc.) functions with managed code APIs.

# Improved manual network selection (PPC Only)
anual network selection was implemented on Pocket PC in Windows Mobile 2003, but did not always work properly. Now it is fixed.

# Choosing private call from conference call (PPC Only)
When in a conference call, sometimes the user desires to have a private discussion with one party in the conference call without tearing down the conference call. This feature allows the user to choose one party from a conference call for a private call which then puts the other callers on hold.

# ActiveSync setup experience (PPC+SP)
More reliable install, upgrade, and uninstall experiences. IT managers can deploy desktop ActiveSync as they do all other MSI applications.

# Synchronization to multiple data sources and cross-pollination of data (PPC+SP)
Users can synchronize Contacts, Calendar, and Tasks with multiple data sources, replicating data among those sources.

# Server ActiveSync stability enhancement to Server Sync logging (PPC+SP)
Increase the reliability of Server Sync and provide intelligent retry logic depending on what sort of issues are preventing a successful synchronization, for example, low wireless network coverage versus intermittent coverage.

# Bandwidth when using Server ActiveSync (PPC+SP)
Compress the data being sent from Server ActiveSync to device.

# ActiveSync over Bluetooth (PPC+SP)
When the mobile device and PC are bonded, the PC is on, and the device comes into range of the PC, the user can initiate ActiveSync from the device UI.

# Server ActiveSync tasks (PPC+SP)
With Exchange SP2, users can synchronize Tasks with Server ActiveSync.

# Synchronization of Windows Mobile-based Smartphone favorites (SP Only)
A user connecting a Windows Mobile-based Smartphone to a PC now has the option of synchronizing the favorites in the Mobile Favorites folder in Internet Explorer Mobile. This capability is already available on the Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC.

# Favorites synchronization (PPC+SP)
Offline favorites functionality has been refreshed and streamlined, and now works with Smartphone as well as Pocket PC.

# Remote API (PPC+SP)
Improved flexibility, security, and design for developers using Remote API.

# Synchronized pictures in Contacts (PPC+SP)
Synchronize pictures in Contacts in Outlook 2003 between device and desktop ActiveSync 4.0, or between device and server (Exchange 2003 SP2).

# Improved radio stack reliability (PPC+SP)
Phone calls connect and receive more reliably. Reception while on a call is clearer. When comparing the signal strength in same location to another phone similar strength is seen.

# Multiple simultaneous connections (APN and Wi-Fi) (PPC+SP)
Devices can connect to multiple APNs at the same time or an APN and a Wi-Fi connection at the same time. This is useful for browsing over an Internet APN connection while at the same time downloading MMS messages over an MMS APN or e-mail over a dedicated e-mail APN. This also allows a user to stay logged into IM over a dedicated IM APN without being disrupted by other APN connections. Simultaneous APN and Wi-Fi connections are useful for connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi but still allowing the device to connect to operator specific APN services. Note: In Windows Mobile Version 5.0, this is only supported in device connecting to the radio using the RAS/PPP interface. Windows Mobile 5.0 AKU1 is considering support for this feature across the NDIS radio interface.

# Simultaneous voice and data over a single bearer (PPC+SP)
User can simultaneously be in a circuit switched call (voice or video) and use packet data over a 3G networks. Connection Manager will enable simultaneous voice/data if the device enters 3G coverage and falls back to suspend/resume of data during voice calls when in 2G coverage. This enables new scenarios such as browsing, downloading e-mail, or instant message chatting, all while a phone call is taking place.

# TTPCom Sample RIL (PPC+SP)
In addition to TI Microsoft is creating a sample RIL driver suited for TTPCom radio stacks.

# Improved Radio Interface Layer (RIL) documentation (PPC+SP)
Original equipment manufacturers use the RIL on Windows Mobile-based Smartphone and Pocket PC Phone Edition to connect a radio (for example, GSM or CDMA) to the Windows CE OS. This is a complex interface which is challenging for even the best software developers. The work item is to provide better documentation of this interface to accelerate manufacturer development and quality on this critical piece of code.

# Improved RIL driver resilience (PPC+SP)
Improved the software quality of the sample RIL drivers provided by Microsoft as part of reference designs. Quality improvements include greater radio interface stability, soft reboots and resets of the radio stack, and reduction of the "chattiness" of AT command traffic.

# Always-on packet connections (NDIS-based) (PPC+SP)
Exposing packet-based cellular data connections on GSM networks (GPRS) and CDMA networks (for example, 1xRTT) as always-on connections that are made immediately available to the user upon registration and kept always on as much as possible. User with a Windows Mobile-based device that is WAN-enabled receives application patches, notifications, etc., automatically.

# Improved radio tests (PPC+SP)
Added coverage of CDMA, multipart SMS, and other radio tests.

# OMA DM support for Connection Manager settings (PPC+SP)
Connection Manager settings, such as Always On synchronization, APN settings, Wi-Fi settings, etc., can be provisioned OTA using the SyncML standard with Microsoft extensions where necessary.

# Pocket Watson support for radio data
Critical radio crashes and AT logs will be reported using Microsoft’s Pocket Watson development feature for debugging purposes.

# Secure connection icon (PPC+SP)
When an end user connects to a site requiring their user name and password, they will see a connection icon in the user interface showing them their connection has enhanced security.

# Download progress bar (PPC+SP)
The current browser provides an animation which indicates the browser is doing something, but users desire more information about the download status. In Windows Mobile Version 5.0 there will be a "progress bar" which shows when the browser is connecting, when it has connected, and how much of the page has been downloaded.

# Editable favorites (PPC+SP)
Currently adding favorites is buried in a hard-to-find place. In Windows Mobile 5.0, it will be easier to add and edit favorites.

# Improved browser scripting support (PPC+SP)
Using script (like Java script) to enhance Web pages is very common in Web page design. Previously in Internet Explorer, there were several instances where some script elements weren’t supported and as a result, the page wouldn’t load correctly. If end users went to one of these pages the browser would fail pretty badly. Windows Mobile 5.0 will support many more of these script elements reducing script errors and allowing more pages to load correctly.

# Improved browser control hosting support (PPC+SP)
It is common for developers to host HTML controls or use a browser window in their application for some portion of the user interface. Windows Mobile 5.0 will expose two APIs providing more options in this scenario. IWebBrowser2 provides menu level control, such as navigation, for hosted Internet Explorer UI controls or browser windows. DWebBrowserEvents2 is used for similar purposes, but supports scenarios such as getting focus or selecting an item on a page, similar to using a mouse. For more information, see IWebBrowser2 and DWebBrowserEvents2.

# Save browser content locally (PPC+SP)
From a Web page viewed on the device, a user can save a piece of content (sound or image) to the destination of choice, for example, My Documents, storage card.

# Full screen view (PPC+SP)
This feature allows the browser window to use the entire display, thus hiding the title bar and soft keys.

# WAP support for Accept-Language header (PPC+SP)
Enables a Web page author to change the content served based on the language of the device.

# HTTP resume download (PPC+SP)
Continues an interrupted file download from the point of interruption rather than from the beginning of the file.

# Security zones (PPC+SP)
Users can set the device to only access secure Web sites if they desire.

# Managed code for Internet Explorer Mobile COM API (PPC+SP)
Managed code applications can use browser functions.

# Browser favorites configuration
Operators will be able to use the standard WAP (also called OMA client provisioning) XML to configure browser favorites.
Note: Browser favorites cannot be configured using OMA DM SyncML.

# SMIME for Server Sync Only (no LDAP or OCSP) (PPC+SP)
Send and receive signed and/or encrypted e-mail using S/MIME.

# Actionable E-Mail Header (PPC+SP)
Allows an end user to put focus on or select the name of the e-mail sender in the header of an e-mail message and then either respond to the e-mail sender directly or to prompt the end user to add the e-mail sender as a contact.

# Improved Read and Compose messaging forms (PPC+SP)
Read messaging form improvements include: use of a single scrolling window, queuing the message to the Sender’s name, hiding secondary fields (for example, To, Cc, Bcc, Date) by default, inserting attachments below the Subject line. A number of other UI enhancements have been made for read messaging forms, such as truncated long e-mail addresses and friendly name formatting of the sender and recipients. Compose messaging form improvements include enabling a user to open new messages for the current account only. The user can no longer switch accounts while in Compose mode.

# Improved e-mail account setup (PPC+SP)
End users who want to download e-mail from public POP/IMAP e-mail providers (ex. ISP, Mobile Operator, or Broadband providers) need to configure e-mail settings on their device at some point. Windows Mobile Version 5.0 improvements include: Separate SMTP server name, domain, and credentials; adding autoconfig to Windows Mobile-based Smartphone; prompt to download on Windows Mobile-based Smartphone; trapping attempts to setup Hotmail all exposed through an enhanced setup Wizard UI and extracting autoconfiguration server information.

# Managed Wrappers for MAPI (PPC+SP)
ISVs who write applications using managed code will easily be able to send e-mail and SMS from within their applications.

# Changed Inbox terminology (ActiveSync, SMS, Inbox) (PPC+SP)
Default terminology for SMS changed to "Text Messaging" but is now configurable by the original equipment manufacturer so that a common terminology can be proliferated throughout the UI. This simplifies user navigation and enables manufacturer and mobile operator customization.

# Improved messaging account navigation in Inbox (SP Only)
Windows Mobile 5.0 adds two feature to improve messaging account navigation while in the Inbox application. The "Switch accounts" and "Folders" actions are now exposed as top-level menu items within Inbox.

# Global SMS delivery confirmation setting (PPC+SP)
An end user can receive an SMS delivery confirmation message for every SMS sent from the device. This feature is already available on a per-message basis.

# Inbox list view menu extensibility (SP Only)
Adds support for a variety of different/new functions accessed from the soft key menu when the user is looking at lists of messages within Inbox.

# Inbox card view menu extensibility (SP Only)
Adds support for a variety of different/new functions accessed from the soft key menu when the user is reading/composing any specific single message.

# Sending pictures as attachments in e-mail (PPC+SP)
A user can select and insert a picture as an attachment to an e-mail message while in e-mail Compose mode.

# Saving contact info from e-mail (PPC Only)
Now e-mail addresses from the messaging client can be saved more easily to the Contacts database.

# OMA DM EMAIL Configuration Service Provider (PPC+SP)
Configuration service providers are used on the device to provision application settings. Currently, Microsoft supports e-mail configuration via a WAP Push configuration Service Provider, but Windows Mobile 5.0 adds support for the OMA DM standard XML.

# Better navigation among e-mail accounts in Inbox (PPC Only)
Tools and Accounts menus are now separate to more clearly assist end-users to switch e-mail accounts and how to create and manage existing accounts. All other options and folder management are now separated under tools.

# Account options extensibility (PPC+SP)
Third-party messaging transport providers can now present their own account options control panel from the account list within Messaging.

# Streamlined notification bubbles (PPC Only)
Notification buttons in Pocket PC are now answerable via soft keys to eliminate redundant