Many customers have been asking why version 1.8 of Anywhere Map™ will only run on Pocket PC 2003. This article will explain the changes with the 2003 operating system and why we needed to move the product line to this new version.

Improved Connection Manager

The Pocket PC 2002 version of connection manger had many usability problems and created a large amount of confusion, when it was first released. The new 2003 version of connection manger has been completely redesigned for ease of use and provides compatibility for a wider range of devices.

Increased Reliability with Bluetooth Devices

Previous versions of Pocket PC relied upon the manufactures to provide the Bluetooth stack for their devices. Since each manufacture created their own Bluetooth stack, certain devices conflicted with each other and wouldn’t run together. In other cases customers experienced sporadic dropping of Bluetooth connections and/or sudden failure of Bluetooth devices.

Microsoft developed a Bluetooth stack and has implemented this stack in Pocket PC version 2003. This new stack includes a standard interface to create, configure, delete, and rename Bluetooth bonds. These changes provide a standard Bluetooth platform which has increased the stability and reliability of Bluetooth wireless communications.

Upgraded Graphics Abilities & Display

Under the previous versions of Pocket PC, the graphical display engine exhibited many restrictions and limitations. In version 2003 many of these limitations were removed with the redesign and upgrade of the Microsoft graphical engine. This new graphical environment allows us an expanded ability to add visual tools and displays without slowing down the screen or the performance of the PDA.

Programming Compiler Issues

The compiler used to create applications for the future Mobile 5 platform, is only backward compatible with Pocket PC 2003 and higher. Pocket PC 2003 also adds compatibility with Microsoft’s Dot Net development platform, which provides access to set programming methods which increase the speed and response of Anywhere Map™.

To ensure future compatibility with new handhelds and to increase the speed, stability, and compatibility of our product, we feel it is in the best interest of our customers and the Anywhere Map™ product line to move forward with the Pocket PC 2003 operating system. This move allows us to add more features to our product which will save you time and increase your productivity.