Windows Mobile 6 extends the familiarity of the Windows desktop to Windows Mobile powered devices. Windows Mobile is based on Windows Embedded CE and supports the .NET Compact Framework.

By using the Windows Mobile platform, you can build innovative applications for mobile devices. The platform offers features such as data connectivity that is seamless and has enhanced security; rich API support such as Bluetooth and the Pocket Outlook Object Model (POOM); an extensive range of programming models that includes native code, managed code, and mobile web development; and device resources such as multithreading.

You can reduce development time and costs by taking advantage of a familiar Windows development environment, a consistent programming model, and comprehensive technical resources.

If you are new to the Windows Mobile platform, you may find the following interactive diagram useful, as it links to key topics and external sources.

For more experienced developers, the following list highlights the major high-level topics in this documentation set.

What's New in Windows Mobile 6

Lists the major new features in Windows Mobile 6.

Development Tools and Resources for Windows Mobile 6

Provides information about the tools required to develop, test, debug and deploy applications for Windows Mobile.

Getting Started in Developing Applications for Windows Mobile 6

Introduces software development for Windows Mobile powered devices.

Updating Applications to Windows Mobile 6

Identifies new features and changes to consider when updating existing applications for Windows Mobile 6.

Programming Techniques for Windows Mobile

Provides links to information about tasks that are related to application development for Windows Mobile.

Windows Mobile Features (Native)

Provides a reference for the supported Windows Mobile APIs.

Windows Mobile Features (Managed)

Provides a reference for the supported Windows Mobile classes for managed code development.

Code Samples for Windows Mobile

Provides information about each code sample that is included in the Windows Mobile 6 Professional SDK and Windows Mobile 6 Standard SDK .

Links and Resources

Links to Windows Mobile-related resources, such as websites, web logs (blogs), and tutorials.