Windows Mobile 6.5 is finally official. The first set of devices to feature this new iteration of Microsoft’s mobile operating system will become available in the last quarter of this year. Unfortunately, existing Windows Mobile devices won’t be receiving any official 6.5 upgrade from Microsoft which basically means you’ll have to buy a new phone if you want to enjoy the various goodies Windows Mobile 6.5 has to offer.
So what exactly does Windows Mobile 6.5 bring to the table? Well, it’s got a more touch-friendly interface which makes it easier than ever to navigate, and also comes with a newly designed mobile Internet Explorer that features a zoom slider. Menus have also been redesigned to be more touch-friendly. (Touch-centric operation is really the emphasis of this new upgrade.)
All of the improvements are good news, but the no-upgrade clause is really disappointing. For more screenshots, check out Engadget's photo gallery.
With this release Microsoft has managed to keep their promise so we can remain optimistic that they are on track to debut Windows Mobile 7 sometime next year. Hopefully that new Windows Mobile version won't come with a no-upgrade limitation though the chances of that happening look pretty bleak at the moment.
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