Open Source .Net Development
Web Services Security
To start off I will say I am very pleased with some of the new designs of WM devices that have come out: Blackjack (http://crunchgear.com/2006/11/13/cingular-blackjack-review/), Treo 750 (http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/18/treo-750-demo-units-in-cingular-stores/), Motorola Q (http://reviews.cnet.com/Motorola_Q/4505-6452_7-31473357.html), Cingular 3125 (http://reviews.cnet.com/Cingular_3125/4505-6452_7-32001887.html), TMobile Dash (http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/11/t-mobile-dash-debuts/). In interest of full disclosure, I need a touch screen for my use. For a touch screen there are two big problems I see with the hardware. They are both related to how hardware comes in and out of the devices.
First is a simple solution, my 6700 stylus keeps falling out! It would be nice if they added a pop out button that spring released the stylus and locked it in place on insertion for all pocket pc phones with touch screens and styli.
Second is that expansion cards are not secure. Windows Mobile really promoted the remote erasing from exchange server (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/articles/msfp.mspx) but that doesn’t apply to removable media only to data on the device. If someone leaves their WM phone in a cab better not have sensitive information on the expansion card. Because that card can be easily removed before the server sends the reset code and without having to enter the password when the device is turned on. This needs a hardware solution like a button that has to be pressed and alerts or asks the OS if the card can be released. Or perhaps a software solution of encrypting all removable media. If windows can build in encryption to the file system why not windows mobile? I understand size and mobility restrictions. Ideally, Microsoft could use both to better removable media security. Until then put all sensitive data on the memory in the device. And by the way when will the cellular carriers off this kind of service? I use 4smartphone.net and I don’t know if they even offer this remote wipe.