A Roadmap of Future Windows Mobile Releases Surfaces

A timetable of Microsoft's plans for the next couple of versions of Windows Mobile has leaked out, giving a rough idea of when upgrades and major updates will be available.

Obviously, first up is Windows Mobile 6.5. Microsoft officially unveiled this version back in February, but no devices running it have hit the market yet. According to the latest report, that will change on October 1.

This version will supposedly be followed up with an update that makes this operating system more fingertip friendly. Exactly what this will include is not known.

The next full upgrade, Windows Mobile 7, is reportedly scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2010.

A Dual OS Plan
The part of this plan that has drawn the most attention is its allegation that Windows Mobile 7 won't replace 6.5. Instead, the previous version will be offered to licensees as a lower-cost option.

According to the source of this information, Taiwan-based smartphone manufacturers, Microsoft will use the advanced user interface coming with WM7 to compete with Apple's iPhone, while WM6.5 will be used to compete against Google's Android OS on price. Google gives its OS away for free, and it's possible Microsoft will also make WM6.5 free as well.

 More about Windows Mobile 6.5
The next version of Microsoft's operating system for high-end phones isn't a major upgrade, but it will include significant changes to its appearance.

It will be more fingertip friendly, with many on-screen elements enlarged so users can select them without a stylus. Windows Mobile 6.5 will also have more of a focus on consumers, as the Today Screen has been modified to include items like a music player and photo viewer.

An overview of the changes can be found in this article: Windows Mobile 6.5 Is Official, but Not Coming Soon

Windows Mobile 7 a Mystery
With its release so far away, very little is known about the features of Windows Mobile 7, but rumors say it will continue the move toward a more fingertip-friendly user interface.

Source: DigiTimes