UPDATED · News · 14 Jan 2010 · MTW Editorial Team
Here’s a new Windows Mobile rumor (or FUD?) for the day. According to Digitimes, Microsoft is set to launch Windows Mobile 6.6 (a renamed WM 6.5.3/5 ?) at Mobile World Congress next month. I’m personally not sure if it will called 6.6 but it’s highly probable that an updated version off WM6.5 is indeed launching soon. Digitmes then concludes that Windows Mobile 7 is probably going to be delayed t’ill 2011 because of this. Sure… Last time I checked Microsoft already said that WM7 will be aimed at higher end device and WM6.X for the low/midrange-devices like the HTC Trophy & Photon (with the two OSes on the market at the same time). Releasing updates to WM6.X doesn’t mean delaying WM7.
Microsoft reportedly plans to launch Windows Mobile 6.6 (codenamed Maldives) in February 2010 to strengthen its competitiveness against iPhone- and Android-based platforms, according to industry sources.
Sales of Windows Mobile 6.5 have been flat since the platform was launched in the fourth quarter of 2009, pushing Microsoft to bring forward Windows Mobile 6.6, which supports capacitive touchscreens, the sources noted.
However, Microsoft may now delay the launch of Windows Mobile 7 to 2011, instead of the end of 2010 as originally planned, the sources indicated.
It was initialy rumored that Maldives was the name of the Beta version of WM7, but AFAIK it’s actually WM6.5.X (checked the leaked ROMS).
Only time will tell…
Source: Digitimes
Buyer action
Where to buy or check next
Use this as the final check before ordering a phone, changing network or trusting a headline monthly price.
