Microsoft quietly pushing Win Mo 7 back?

Windows Mobile 7 may have been quietly pushed back to 2011, talks with partners may have revealed on Sunday. Representatives from Microsoft, as well as partners like HTC and NVIDIA, reportedly don't expect to see the new phone OS until Mobile World Congress next year. It's unknown what the alleged delay might be from the commonly accepted schedule, which would have Microsoft show the OS at this year's MWC and ship it before the end of 2010.

The postponement claimed by BSN may be having a significant impact on partners, many of whom now don't have any plans for Windows Mobile devices in 2010. At CES, NVIDIA had seemingly dropped the emphasis on Windows Mobile from last year and was almost exclusively showing Android-based devices like the ICD Ultra and reference devices from Compal and Quanta. HTC didn't have a major presence at CES and instead opted for a pre-show unveiling of the Android 2.1-running Nexus One, which is now the company's flagship phone. Others like Motorola have already publicly stated they won't use Windows Mobile at all this year.

A stalled release of the sort is potentially very dangerous for Microsoft, which has already seen reduced influence in the mobile sphere as many of its Windows Mobile partners either move a significantly large portion of their phone ranges to Android or drop it entirely in favor of another OS, such as Palm's move to webOS. Aging media and web browser apps, the lack of native multi-touch and other missing features have often been cited as primary reasons for leaving the OS.

Microsoft hasn't commented on the supposed leaked timetable.

By Electronista Staff

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industry, Microsoft, Google, htc, Windows Mobile, Android, NVIDIA, Palm, Quanta, Compal, mobile phones, webOS, ICD, Nexus One