Microsoft has confirmed the release date of Windows Mobile 6.5. The Windows Phones will appear on retail shelves worldwide starting October 6. After iPhone & Blackberry, Windows Mobile will also get free Wi-Fi access from AT&T.
The launch means the first Windows Phone smartphones should be on sale from 6 October too, and we can expect to see handsets from HTC, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba and others.
Stephanie Ferguson, general manager, Business Experiences Team, in the Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft said in a blog posting: "on Oct. 6th, you'll see new Windows phones designed for a variety of tastes, needs and price points - with or without keyboards, with or without touch screens, as well as your choice of GPS, accelerometer and high resolution camera."
Windows Mobile 6.5 devices will link straight back into the Windows Marketplace for Mobile app store and will offer the free My Phone service, which allows users to back up photos, music and contacts.
According to sources who are familiar with Microsoft's plans, expect to see Windows Mobile 7 at Microsoft's Professional Developers Conference later this year. Microsoft’s press release doesn’t give much more concrete information, but it does reveal that the Windows Marketplace for Mobile and Microsoft My Phone will launch on the same date.
