Over at PocketPT.net, Francisco Viana has been sharing some screenshots of Windows Mobile 6.1 with his forums and, as could be expected from the .1 increase over version 6, the changes are relatively minor.  SMS messaging has been given a threaded ‘chat’ mode similar in concept to that on the iPhone, the whole speed has been increased and Microsoft has added a “Getting Started” option which takes you to a shortcut menu of new calls and device settings.  Pocket IE has been given a ‘zoom out’ function, to better display webpages, there are new Managed Programs and Task Manager apps, and Office OneNote, for data collection, has been added.

With the number of smartphones announced for this year that are advertised as having 6.1 installed, it’s easy to forget that this incremental tweak isn’t already available.  And, judging by the images, the overall feel of Windows Mobile still remains.  Comparing them to, say, the iPhone, or even the Croix interface on Samsung’s latest high-end handsets, and Microsoft’s offering starts to look pretty dreary.