Microsoft To Launch Windows Mobile 7 In Early 2010

Microsoft has been quiet about its plans for Windows Mobile 7, but Microsoft could launch the long-awaited mobile operating system next year.

A new product called Office Mobile 2010 is described as a "mobile companion" for Excel, Word, Powerpoint, OneNote and Sharepoint in a presentation shown to partners. Microsoft has said that Office Mobile 2010 will run on Windows Mobile 7 and Windows Mobile 7 will be launched to manufacturing in early 2010.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's has said that Microsoft would ship Windows Mobile 7 sometime in early 2010. Also, Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha has said that Motorola will focus on Windows Mobile at the time of Windows Mobile 7 launch.

Windows Mobile 6.5 was launched by Microsoft in May 2009, but the devices with Windows Mobile 6.5 were not available until October 2009. Windows Mobile 6.5 includes features such as 'Touch-Screen' user interface and navigation.

Some of the Microsoft partners have been unhappy with Windows Mobile 6.5 and they are hoping that Microsoft can deliver a better mobile operating system than Windows Mobile 6.5. One partner of Microsoft has said that everyone is trying to hold their breath for Windows Mobile 7.

Windows Mobile 7 devices won't arrive until spring 2010 unless Microsoft finds some way to speed up the time between RTM and devices hitting store shelves and that could cause Microsoft to comedown further back in the smartphone market.

In some ways, the situation is similar to the one Microsoft now faces with Windows 7. Microsoft had to come through with a solid follow-up with Windows 7 after giving a calamity of Windows Vista. Scott Stanfield, CEO of Vertigo Software, expects the same pattern to hold true with Windows Mobile 7 and also expects that Windows Mobile 7 will be well received as Windows 7 has been.