Windows Mobile 7 Interface Exposed

An internal Microsoft document provided to a Microsoft-oriented blog reveals extensive details, screenshots, and analysis of the new interface planned for the next major revision of Windows Mobile.

Overhauled for the Consumer Market

The alterations heavily emphasize touchscreen-based input without a stylus, multi-touch capability, and "gestures" allowing the user to execute simple tasks with things like finger swipes, and even moving or shaking the device itself.

The document also refers several times to the iPhone, making it clear that at least some of Microsoft's new emphasis on the touchscreen is meant to counter the threat of the iPhone in the consumer market.

Statements attributed to Windows Mobile developers have previously suggested that they spent too much development time focusing on features desired by the enterprise market, where Windows Mobile's primary installed base is, and not enough time looking at consumers and bringing in new customers.

Release Plans Unknown

Originally, the next major generation of Windows Mobile was slated for a release some time in the first half of 2008, however this appears to have been moved back, with the document citing a launch in 2009.

Meanwhile the company is debuting Windows Mobile 6.1, with similar but smaller interface changes. This is the second time that this overhaul version of Windows Mobile has been postponed, the first time being when Windows Mobile 6, formerly known as "Crossbow," replaced it for launch in 2007.

Related Articles:

• Rumors Abound On Future Windows Mobile Versions
• Microsoft Offers Limited Peek At Next Update to Windows Mobile

Via InsideMicrosoft