While we still wait for something official from Microsoft in terms of its long-time rumored Windows Mobile 7 smartphone OS, Motorola seems to know more and unveiled that Microsoft will release Windows Mobile 6.5 in advance. Sanjay Jha, co-Chief Executive of Motorola and Chief Executive of mobile devices, said during Motorola's Thursday earnings call that "Windows Mobile 6 has not delivered the experience that I think Apple has been able to deliver, but as you look at the plan that is Windows Mobile 7 and even 6.5, I think there are significant new added features which will help the platform".

According to Jha, Motorola will open a new office in Seattle "in order to work closely with Microsoft to deliver differentiation" via the Windows Mobile platform and a first Windows Mobile 6.5-based smartphone is expected in the second half of 2009.

Cheers ~ Arne