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Windows Mobile Device Center is a synchronization software created by Microsoft, serving as the successor to ActiveSync. This program facilitates the synchronization of multiple types of content, such as music, videos, contacts, calendar events, web browser favorites, and various files, between Windows Mobile devices and the Microsoft Windows operating system. The tool aims to enhance the connectivity and efficiency of managing data across devices.
History[]
The Windows Mobile Device Center was developed as the successor to ActiveSync, which was utilized for synchronizing Windows CE-based devices with Windows operating systems before the release of Windows Vista. The first public beta version of the Windows Mobile Device Center was launched in October 2006, specifically designed for use with Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 (RC1), marking a significant advancement in device synchronization technology for Microsoft users.[1] In February 2007, the initial official release for a software was made available for download.[2] Following this, in June 2007, the Windows Mobile Device Center received an update to ensure compatibility with the Windows Mobile 6 operating system. This marked significant progress in the development of Microsoft's mobile software solutions.[3] The introduction of Windows Mobile Device Center marked the decline of full native support for the Pocket PC 2000 and Pocket PC 2002 operating systems in Windows Vista.[4] However, the release of version 6.1 marked a significant advancement in connectivity for devices, as it introduced basic connectivity features that enhanced user experience.
The article highlights that various versions of Windows, including Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2, are capable of being enabled with Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC). This feature allows for improved connectivity and management of mobile devices with these Windows operating systems, enhancing user experience and functionality.[5]
Features[]
Windows Vista includes a basic driver that allows users to connect and interact with Windows Mobile devices directly in Windows Explorer.[6] However, for a more comprehensive user experience, the Windows Mobile Device Center provides a more user-friendly interface. This front-end application enables users to better integrate and manage their data across various Windows applications, streamlining the process of syncing and accessing information from their mobile devices.
The base driver in Windows Vista enables users to browse devices, copy files, and sync with Windows Media Player. However, to achieve full functionality—such as synchronizing tasks, calendar data, contacts, and emails with Microsoft Office Outlook—users must download the Windows Mobile Device Center. This software package also includes the necessary additional drivers for optimal performance.[7] The limitations of synchronization for various Microsoft applications with Windows Mobile devices. Specifically, it states that Windows Mail, Windows Calendar, Windows Contacts, Outlook Express, Outlook 2010 (64-bit), and all versions of Outlook prior to Outlook 2003 are not supported for synchronization. When a Windows Mobile device is connected to a computer, the Mobile Device Center interface appears, providing users with options to manage media, files, and device settings efficiently.
The various methods to connect Windows Mobile devices with Windows Mobile Device Center, highlighting three primary options: Bluetooth, USB, and Serial connections for legacy support. It emphasizes that while Bluetooth and USB are readily available for synchronization, the serial port option is not enabled by default. To utilize this feature, users must make modifications to the Windows Registry, indicating a more technical approach for those who wish to enable serial synchronization.[8]
Visual Studio 2005 and 2008 included Remote Tools designed for managing tethered mobile devices. These tools allowed users to edit the device's registry and monitor running processes. The functionality of these Remote Tools was made possible through the ActiveSync Service, which is integrated into the Windows Mobile Device Center. This integration streamlined the development and debugging processes for mobile applications by providing essential device management capabilities.
Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 had the ability to synchronize the following:
- PIM information with Microsoft Outlook 2003 and later
- Photos with Windows Photo Gallery
- Videos with Windows Media Player
- Music with Windows Media Player
- Tasks and Calendar Events, Synced to Microsoft Outlook 2007
- Favorites with Internet Explorer
- Folders/General files with Windows Explorer
- OneNote Notes taken with OneNote Mobile
- Windows Mobile programs and version updates
Major version releases[]
- Windows Mobile Device Center Beta 3, released on October 6, 2006.[1] (First public release)
- Windows Mobile Device Center 6.0, released on February 1, 2007.[2] (First official release, Outlook 2002 supported.)
- Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1, released in June 2007.[9] (Added support for Windows Mobile 6 devices, added Windows 7 support, removed Outlook 2002 support.)
See also[]
- ActiveSync
- Features new to Windows Vista
- Phone Companion
- Phone Link
- Pocket PC
- SyncML
- Zune
- Windows Mobile
- Windows Mobility Center
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sampat, Mel. WMDC for Vista RC1 (and higher) is now available for public download. MSDN Blogs. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 White, Nick. (2007-02-01). "Windows Mobile Device Center RTMs!". Microsoft Windows Vista Team Blog. Archived from the original on 2007-08-29. Retrieved 2025-02-20.
- ↑ Sampat, Mel. Windows Mobile Device Center v6.1 Released!. MSDN Blogs. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
- ↑ Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 for Windows Vista. Microsoft. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
- ↑ "Enable ActiveSync & Windows Mobile Device Center Synchronization on Windows Server 2008 x64". 11 September 2008. Retrieved 2025-02-20.
- ↑ Sampat, Mel. Windows Mobile Device Center missing in Vista RC1?. MSDN Blogs. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
- ↑ "Windows Vista Mobile Device Center Step by Step Guide". Microsoft. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
- ↑ Windows Mobile Device Center Troubleshooting Guide. Microsoft. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
- ↑ "Key Updates listed by Microsoft for version 6.1". Microsoft Download Center. Archived from the original on 2011-03-24. Retrieved 2025-02-20.