Microsoft Execs Promise that Next Version of Windows Mobile Will Be Unveiled Soon

If there is any doubt that Microsoft plans to take the wraps off the an update to its smartphone operating system this month, statements from two high-level executives should lay these to rest.

During a recent conference call with analysts and investors, Bill Koefoed, Microsoft's General Manager, Investor Relations, said "We ... continue to make progress in the mobile space and you will hear more about that at Mobile World Congress in February."

Later in the same call, Peter Klein, this company's CFO, said, "As we have been saying from a product perspective, we are working very hard on the next version of Windows Mobile. As Bill indicated, we will be talking more about that in Barcelona in a few weeks."

Both men made it clear that their company will be talking about the next version of this operating system -- while this qualifies as progress, it all but confirms earlier reports that the next version of Windows Mobile isn't going to be released until later this year.

Is It Windows Mobile 7?
While it's clear that something is going to be unveiled at MWC, exactly what Microsoft is going to be presenting is a subject of much debate.

According to unconfirmed reports, Steve Ballmer will be demonstrating Windows Mobile 7, which will come in two editions:  a Business Edition and a Media Edition.

The BE will be the clearest successor to the current version, and will put much of its focus on a new version of Microsoft Office Mobile, which will include real-time collaboration tools.

The ME, on the other hand, will supposedly take much of its inspiration from the Microsoft Zune music player, and have a strong emphasis on audio, video, and gaming.

The first smartphones running Windows Mobile 7 will reportedly be released in the third quarter of this year.

Source: Seeking Alpha