New Windows Mobile by year-end - don't call it 7.0

Now we're (all but) certain that Microsoft will be unveiling Windows Mobile 6.5 at Mobile World Congress in just one week's time, all rumour speculation is turning to just when the next full revamp - Windows Mobile 7.0 - will be arriving.

Latest word is that it'll be gracing phones before the end of the year, at least in beta form, but there's also talk that it may not actually bear the 7.0 moniker.

According to Digitimes. "Microsoft is expected to unveil a beta version of Windows Mobile 7.0 by the end of 2009," adding that there are, "plans to release the platform to device makers [ie you and us] in April 2010."

Intriguingly, though, it adds that sources in Taiwan are telling it: "Windows Mobile-based handsets will be promoted simply as Windows phones without specifying an OS version number." So maybe we won't be looking forward to the arrival of Windows Mobile 7.0 - but the arrival of the first "Windows Phone".

Windows Mobile isn’t exactly the sexiest of brands – something 6.5 is hoping to change with its new touch-friendly look and feel – but ditching the name altogether would still be a drastic step. The bane of some it may be but Windows Mobile still managed to find its way onto 20 million handsets last year – or 13% of all new phones.

[ Digitimes]