Sources of DigiTimes and Neowin.net said, that Microsoft is expected to announce its new Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system for smartphones during next month's Mobile World Congress (WMC) in Barcelona. Furthermore, DigiTimes got information that Windows Mobile 6.5 will be available to handset makers in mid 2009 with an expected launch of 6.5 smartphones in third quarter 2009. However, according to sources at Taiwan handset makers most ODMs are likely to launch their Windows Mobile 6.5 handsets in the fourth quarter for the year-end shopping season, the sources projected.

While it's not yet confirmed that the earlier leaked (above) screenshots are indeed legit, according to DigiTimes it's somewhat confirmed that Microsoft is expected to continue its current business model to cooperate with multiple device makers for the development of diversified Windows Mobile 6.5 products.

Microsoft will hold its Mobile World Congress on February 16th and we will report live from it.

Cheers ~ Arne