Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.5 to Boom Handset Market

With Microsoft Corp to officially release Windows Mobile 6.5 this week, a number of handset brands are gearing up to launch their models installed with the newest mobile phone operating system, creating a buzz in the global market for handsets.

Microsoft`s CEO Steve Ballmer first debuted Windows Mobile 6.5 at Mobile World Congress (WMC) 2009, held Feb.16-19 in Spain, introducing two newly added functions of the system, namely My Phone and Windows Marketplace.

Developed in line with the cloud-computing concept, My Phone allows users to back up private information stored in their handsets into online storage spaces that are completely password protected so that users can quickly rebuild their databases in new mobile phones through downloading backup data with the function.

As for Windows Marketplace, the function is similar to Apple Store and Google`s Android Market, allowing users to buy and install new application software into their mobile phones by offering easy access as online shopping services.

The new operating system has riveted attention of global handset brands. Taiwan`s HTC, for example, has recently debuted its newest HTC Touch2, which is upgraded with Windows Mobile 6.5 and slated for launch in Europe on October 6 as the brand`s sales booster in the fourth quarter of this year.

Also, LG is going to launch a total of 13 new smartphones installed with the newest edition of Windows Mobile in the fourth quarter of this year, while Sony Ericsson has released its X2 smartphone to seize business potential brought by Windows Mobile 6.5. In the meantime, Samsung, Acer, Garmin-Asus, Toshiba and Gigabyte are all poised to promote their models compatible with the newest handset operating system.

Source: CENS