First Windows Mobile 6.5 devices due in third quarter of '09?

Buzz is starting to get white-hot over Microsoft's plans for Mobile World Congress next month with a number of cloud services and a fresh UI -- presumably Windows Mobile 6.5 -- heading up the rumor pile, and if Digitimes is even close to right on this latest bit, an MWC unveiling is almost guaranteed. The publication is citing "sources" (oh, those wonderful "sources") at Taiwanese handset manufacturers saying that the first volley of WinMo 6.5-based devices will hit in the third quarter of the year with major volume following on in the fourth quarter, just in time for the holidays. These guys are well overdue for a serious overhaul and they have to be feeling the heat coming off the Palm camp right now -- among others -- so let's hope that window sticks.

[Esquire0399 Posted Jan 21st 2009 8:16AM]

While I'm very excited to see what Windows Mobile 6.5 brings, I'd prefer that Windows focus on Windows Mobile 7 a little more. I think that will be the real competitor to WebOS, Android, OS X, etc. I feel like Microsoft is stalling for time with WM6.5 and if that's true (wouldn't be surprised), I find that disappointing.

[ZSX Posted Jan 21st 2009 8:07AM]

I am still looking at this interface and wondering what is going on. My main concern is that the preexisting software remains compatible with the new OS. I like what they've done with the Standard OS - now if only the Pro OS could get some of that discoverability eye candy! I think the greatest problem is reconciling the cosmetic limitations of the current UI, with what everyone is already familiar with.

The better news is that they are introducing OTA data sync. I'm already using Live Mesh on my phone, and have just migrated my emails and address book to Windows Live. he only problem at the moment is calendar sync, for which I am using Outlook and Google calendar sync. An integrated task and calendar sync solution would be perfect.

[Razor1973 Posted Jan 21st 2009 11:51AM]

WindowsMobile65 -- Nice, a tag that doesn't return anything, not even the post that contains it. :-D

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 21st 2009 12:45PM]

i'd be interested in this only if it doesn't completely destroy my battery life like winmo6 does to my current phone...

[bonesb Posted Jan 21st 2009 1:15PM]

So, with WinMo 6.5 hitting the streets later this year, we'll see some love on VZW in say, June 2010? Hey, that'll give me some time to try out the Palm Pre for about a year!

[000000 Posted Jan 21st 2009 1:52PM]

Hopefully M$ will actually say something about it's mobile OS. They've been leaving consumers in the dark for a while. They're still riding the Gates wagon for as long as they can I think. They are going to have to do something revolutionary on the desktop and mobile front very soon or else we'll be reading about another giant falling to the ground.

Basically people and manufacturers aren't going to want to pay for an OS pretty soon. Especially if Linux and other open platforms start tweaking their GUI's and wowing consumers. Check out EEE's new UI. Sure it might be shallow but give it time.