Microsoft looks ahead to Windows Mobile 6.5

Even though it’s still under development in the Microsoft labs, the Redmond-based company hopes to see a high demand for its Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system once it’s released later this year.

"We will have over 10 phones available in the U.S. alone," a Microsoft entertainment division president said during the CTIA conference.

Microsoft is facing increased pressure from Apple, Research in Motion (RIM) and Google — each company has a growing stable of supporters — and the Google Android OS has especially been popular as it can be used across multiple phone platforms, with blessings from several manufacturers and phone carriers.

Microsoft must try and woo manufacturers that traditionally would have supported its software, as Android offers a different level of flexibility and customization not available for Windows Mobile.

Early reviews indicate the latest mobile version of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer is sleek, but still has issues that must be worked out by developers before the OS’s release.  IE Mobile has a clearer interface, larger button icons, though initial reports indicate  it lacks several features users have requested.

I love my RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 — and its OS — but would be willing to try out a phone using Windows Mobile 6.5 and the latest version of IE Mobile.  I think Microsoft has listened to criticisms and suggestions from users, and has made a somewhat valiant effort to fix the OS.

I’m sort of disappointed that multi-touch isn’t available in Windows Mobile 6.5, but it isn’t necessarily a must have for the casual consumer.  LG Electronics and several other manufacturers intend to use Windows Mobile 6.5, so we’ll have to patiently wait and see which phones use it.