Microsoft Corp. revealed some details of its upcoming Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system for handsets at Mobile World Congress, but the industry will have to wait for devices to launch in the second half of the year before it becomes clear whether Microsoft can take on the formidable competition in the mobile OS wars.
According to the first impressions of those on the ground in Barcelona this week, the update from Windows Mobile 6.1 might just be too little, too late, offering updates that are already available in customized forms from various manufactures, or simply not matching the usability bar set by the others in the marketplace.
That’s not great news for Microsoft, which has been struggling to keep up in the mobile device arena. There’s the iPhone to beat, sure, but there’s also the Palm Pre running the Palm Inc. new webOS, Google Android products, an active Research in Motion Ltd. and various Linux options to consider.
Microsoft did however say it has deepened its relationship with LG, which is the world's third-largest handset maker. LG will put Windows Mobile on "the majority" of its phones going forward, the companies said.
Microsoft also deepened its relationship with LG inked a new deal with LG, the world's third-leading handset vendor, to install Windows Mobile on the majority of its phones.
