[UPDATES] Windows Mobile 6.5 confirmed for October 6

[wcked]

Microsoft has confirmed that handsets running Windows Mobile 6.5 will be on the shelves Oct. 6. However, there are few specifics about how many models will be available at launch.

Aside from noting that some phones will be on sale on that date, Microsoft isnt giving details other than noting which manufacturers and networks “are committed” to running 6.5-enabled devices. The list doesnt bring any major surprises, covering most of the major networks and handset makers in various regional markets (with the obvious exception of firms with their own mobile system such as Apple.)

The main theme of the marketing for the system will be “one phone for work and play”, which emphasizes both improved browser experience (including some support for Flash-based sites) and the ability to open and edit Office documents. The system also includes My Phone, a back-up and syncing tool along the lines of Apples MobileMe.

While that makes for an impressive-sounding pitch, there is a danger that the firm is trying to appeal to everyone at the expense of being a must-have for any particular type of user.

Rather bizarrely a spokesman says, “A Windows phone gives people a single phone that works for their whole life.” Thats presumably a reference to the idea of only needing to own one phone at a time rather than a truly spectacular hardware guarantee.

The Microsoft press release makes prominent mention of Windows Marketplace for Mobile. Hopefully that means the new app store will be ready for October 6, else there could be some disappointed phone buyers.

Its already emerged that 6.5 as the numbering suggests will only be a stop-gap system when it comes to high-end handsets, with version 7.0 due out some time next year. At that point 6.5 will be targeted specifically at more basic devices.align

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