Windows Mobile 6.5 May Not Debut Until this Summer

Recent reports indicate that Microsoft intends to announce an update for Windows Mobile next month, but that doesn't mean the first devices running this new version will debut at that time.

Citing "sources at Taiwan handset makers", DigiTimes says work on Windows Mobile 6.5 won't be finished until the end of the second quarter of this year, so models running it won't hit store shelves until Q3.

The sources go on to say that the majority of new models based on this updated OS won't debut until the fourth quarter, in time for the holiday shopping season.

More about Windows Mobile 6.5

Although there has been no formal announcement of Windows Mobile 6.5, it's existence went beyond the rumor stage this fall when no less a person than Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, mentioned it in a speech.

Unfortunately, a good sense of what will be in this new version has not yet emerged. There have been reports of some changes to the appearance of the Today Screen, but nothing has been confirmed.

Its most significant new features may come in the form of online services. Microsoft is reportedly going make a Windows Mobile software store part of Windows Mobile 6.5, and also a over-the-air data backup service with Web access.

The announcement is rumored to be at the Mobile World Congress tradeshow in Barcelona in February.

Via DigiTimes