New possibilities both for developers and end users! Latest version of .NET CF (.NET Compact Framework - especially designed for mobile devices) was 1.1 and here we are getting major upgrade that brings a lot of improvements on many levels. .NET CF roughly corresponds to wireless Java but offers much more libraries, faster software development and now also better access to features of the underlying mobile operating system (which is either Windows Mobile based on Windows CE or Windows CE alone).

Some highlights about .NET CF:

• later on .NET CF 2.0 will be embedded in ROM of Windows Mobile devices but for now it is available as separate download (only for Pocket PC, not for MS Smartphone)
  
• The Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2.0 Beta 2 Redistributable includes everything you need to run .NET Compact Framework applications, including the Common Language Runtime and the .NET Compact Framework class library.
  
• Important: This package uses ActiveSync to update the device. Make sure to dock your device before running NETCFSetupv2.msi. You can run the ActiveSync setup later by going to your install folder and running NETCFSetupv2.msi once the device is docked. Those not using ActiveSync can run the CAB files which match the device found in the install folder directly on the device.
  
• If you want to install Visual Studio 2005 Beta2 after running NETCFSetupv2.exe, remove .NET Compact Framework 2.0 Beta2 first. Start at Control Panel, then select Remove Program and select Microsoft .NET Compact Framework 2.0 Beta 2 to remove it. Leaving NETCFSetupv2.exe installed on your PC will break Visual Studio 2005 Beta2 device projects.
  
• System Requirements
  
  Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows ME, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP
  
  Windows Mobile Software for Pocket PC 2003 Pocket PC, Microsoft Windows Mobile version 5.0 for Pocket PC and Smartphone, and Windows CE .NET 5.0.

To download .NET CF 2.0 for your Pocket PC (approximately 5 MB of free space needed) click here.

Please note: Microsoft mentions "Microsoft Windows Mobile version 5.0 for Pocket PC and Smartphone" what means that this could be the official name for the upcoming Windows Mobile code name "Magneto" and not "Windows Mobile 2005" as some people were predicting.