More Windows Mobile 6.5 Screenshots Leak Out

The unveiling of a new version of Microsoft's smartphone operating system is expected in just a few days, but details on this have been leaking out at an increasing rate.

The latest to surface is a group of screenshots of Windows Mobile 6.5 showing the new look. Some screenshots of this OS leaked earlier, but these are by far the clearest. 

The next version will apparently be more finger friendly, as most of the on-screen items have been enlarged. The new application launcher is a prime example of this (see image at right).

The Today Screen has also supposedly been redesigned with larger elements. While many of the items from the previous design will still be there, like the clock, the number of unread messages, upcoming appointments, new items will be added. This includes ties to the web browser, music player, and picture viewer.

The changes aren't restricted to just  these two, though, but seem to continue throughout the operating system. The new Incoming Call Screen is one example.

Images:

• Today Screen
• Application Launcher
• Incoming Call Screen

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 last fall when no less a person than Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, mentioned it in a speech.

In addition to changes to the user interface, unconfirmed reports say that this upgrade will come with some new 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 called My Phone.

The announcement is rumored to be at the Mobile World Congress tradeshow in Barcelona next week, but that doesn't mean the first devices running this new version will debut at that time. Reports coming out of Asia indicate that 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.

Source: PocketPC.ch via WMExperts