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Microsoft has just updated Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC), its mobile-device synchronization software for Windows Vista, to version 6.1. WMDC replaced its longtime synchronization software, ActiveSync, which is still required under Windows XP.While an improvement, the new software has thus far been far from perfect.

For example, file synchronization for Windows Mobile 6 Standard (formally known as Smartphone) devices, such as the T-Mobile Dash, wasn't supported by the original version Windows Mobile Device Center. Long available to Pocket PCs, file synchronization allows users to drag a document, for instance, into a folder and have it automatically synchronized back and forth between a desktop and a handheld or smartphone.

Thankfully, this has been corrected in version 6.1. Additional improvements include:

Information Rights Management activation - Automatically configure the Windows Mobile 6 device to open IRM-protected documents and files

HTML mail – Set up your Windows Mobile 6 device to sync HTML-formatted mail

Certificate Enrollment - Acquire certificates through the PC the Windows Mobile 6 device is currently connected to

Allow data connections on the Windows Mobile 6 device when connected to the PC

Automatic device authentication - Connect the Windows Mobile device to the PC without the need to enter the device-lock PIN every time upon connect

WMDC provides overall Windows Mobile device management for Pocket PCs and smartphones (Classic, Standard and Professional devices under Windows Mobile 6) with a new look and what Microsoft has touted as a simplified and improved user interface.

Windows Vista automatically downloads Windows Mobile Device Center when you initially connect a Windows Mobile device. Or you can download and install the software directly from Microsoft here.