Windows Mobile 6.1 – Orange Tytn II

Written by Simon Barker on September 14, 2008 · Filed under Tech 

Orange recently released their Windows Mobile 6.1 update for the Orange Tytn II which is available for you to download and install on your mobile phone.

Installing Windows Mobile 6.1 onto my Orange Tytn II was the first time that I’d actually attempted to update the operating system software installed on a mobile phone and as such I was a cautious about it – the last thing I wanted to do was screw up my mobile phone which was working perfectly well.

Windows Mobile 6.1 features the following upgrades and new features for your Windows-based smartphone:

• Instant messaging-like texting
• Improved Internet browsing
• Simpler e-mail and Bluetooth setup
• New Home screen interface
• New Getting Started Center
• Security enhancements
• Easier Wi-Fi connection

The stand-out feature for me that I’m using on a daily basis is the threaded text messaging. I think this is a great move forward as it makes texting much more like instant messaging with MSN or Google Talk whereby you can actually see the history of the conversation.

I don’t know about you, but I would typically start replying to a long text and then find I need to refer back to the original, which would mean saving my reply to the drafts to go look at the original. Anyway, threaded text messaging makes this much easier!

There isn’t an option included to disable the threaded text messages, so Microsoft obviously really believe in this route, however it can disabled by running a separate .cab install on your Tytn II – more information on this and the download itself can be found over at My Digital Life.

There are a few different themes to choose from, mostly variations in colour, but for now I’m sticking with the standard green Windows Mobile theme. I also like the improved HTC Home screen which is now a standard option on the Orange Windows Mobile 6.1 install and not a separate theme install as it had to be on Windows Mobile 6.0 – this uses a tab system to display a variety of information on your home screen such as the time, weather, contacts, program shortcuts, calendar, tasks etc.

If none of the usual Windows Mobile themes are to your liking, your could also look at getting a Windows Mobile theme that makes your Tytn II look like an iPhone by getting the Windows Mobile iPhone theme.

Overall, I’d say if you have an Orange Tytn II, it’s definitely worth upgrading to Windows Mobile 6.1, just make you follow the upgrade procedure carefully to avoid causing problems with your Tytn II smartphone – this combined with the free Opera Mobile 9.5 beta browser and Google Maps (for mobile phones) makes for a great combination!