Windows Mobile 7 late and likely delayed to 2010
Windows Mobile 7 has been delayed, with no fixed date in sight. It’s most likely to be out only in 2010; not the best of times what with the iPhone and Android already making big mobile buzz right now.
CNet’s sources said that the earliest Windows Mobile 7 would get into its partners’ hands would be late 2009. Right now it looks as if the troubled mobile operating system might take even longer than that. Venturebeat.com attempted to get Microsoft’s comments but the software maker said that it would not be sharing product roadmaps for the OS at this time.
Perhaps Microsoft became a victim of its own spiel, what with the many significant enhancements to Windows Mobile 7 that had already been reported in the media. With that much coverage, the pressure would be on for Microsoft to get it right out of the gate – something it hasn’t quite managed with most of its products so far.
In the meantime, the current version of Windows Mobile won’t see much of a revision besides a couple of minor updates. Internet Explorer 6 will see some tweaks on the Windows Mobile, preparing it to display more media-heavy sites and support items such as Ajax applications and Flash content.
The Windows Mobile platform is clearly in trouble at this point. At a time where mobile phones get more press than they ever have, it’s crucial that Microsoft establish its place and remain competitive. A Web browser that plays Flash and Ajax? Consumers want more than that. Microsoft would do better trying to establish its market focus instead of trying (and failing) to appeal to everyone at once. It would do well to see what’s already happening in the marketplace. RIM’s BlackBerries and Nokia’s E-series are firmly targeted at business users while the iPhone is more geared towards multimedia, as are the Nokia N-Series. Windows Mobile suffers from Microsoft’s attempt at trying to meet every need, but in the end pleasing no one at all.
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