This is the second of our "Windows Phone Sneak Peeks," a series of quick looks at some of the key features arriving with Windows Mobile 6.5. Check back regularly for more info., pictures, and video.

The next most common sight after the today screen is the Lock screen. This, traditionally, is the screen that is displayed while your phone’s keys are locked against accidental activation. Most phones default to this screen after a few minutes, as well, for security purposes. Windows Mobile 6.5 really takes it to the next level by bringing you one step closer to the apps that demand your attention.

From the Lock screen you have the option to simply unlock your device to start working. But if you have alerts, such as new voicemails or unread e-mails, a special icon will appear with a number alongside indicating the number of items within requiring your attention. From there you just flick the icon left or right to be taken right to that application. This saves you the steps of both unlocking a device, finding the relevant application, and then opening the notification.

What do you think of this new functionality? Gimmick or user interface revolution? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

And check out this quick video preview of the Lock screen we captured from the official Windows Mobile 6.5 build:

Format: wmv
Duration: 00:22

I think it is very functional...considering these are the thiings I would want to know once I turned on or unlocked my device...sms, emal, missed calls and voice mail. Nice functionality! Revolution? not sure until I see how this inter-acts with the whole OS

I agree. Very functional and useful.

I'm unsure of the slide process to unlock in general. I think it's ok, but I'd prefer to have a hardware slide instead.

That said, I love the way you can slide both ways and also that you can jump to the new notifications instantly too.

Personally I'd get rid of the "tap" to list the individual notifications and just have them all listed straight away but this is good.

 Personally I think the best part of the lock screen is the way it shows your appointments too. Any chance of a pic of that in action Bill? You only get a very brief glimpse of it at the start of the video?

I have to say that I cant wait to put this new os to use.  I would say that the majority of the times that I unlock my device, it isnt to make a call, but to check notifications in an application, and then lock it again.  being able to see those notifications right away, without unlocking the device would probably save me, on average, about 20 minutes per day!  Thank you for posting the vid Bill

Dave Parker MVP:

I think the best part of the lock screen is the way it shows your appointments too

I think this is the feature you're talking about, Dave (captured from the Touch Pro on my desk):

 That's the one. I think that's cool. Your next appointment on-screen without even unlocking the device.