05 October 2009 | Author: D. Warburton Search Copywriter

Microsoft launches Windows Mobile 6.5 as 'stop-gap'

Eager to retain its dwindling stake and prevent further losses in the growing smartphone market, Microsoft has launched the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system for mobile phones as a stop-gap prior to the release of Windows Mobile 7 early next year.

According to ComputerWeekly.com, Microsoft is promoting Windows Mobile 6.5 as an improvement on earlier versions, claiming to have updated the internet browser to remedy user issues and introducing touch-screen support. The new service also links to Microsoft's new online store where Windows Mobile users can download applications.

The Financial Times reports that Microsoft's share in the smartphone market has fallen 3 per cent over the past year, dropping from 12 per cent in 2008 to 9.3 per cent in the last quarter as the company has concentrated on perfecting its new operating system, leaving competitors free to focus more squarely on the consumer market. Microsoft's head of entertainment and devices, Robbie Bach has frankly admitted the company's earlier failure to respond to user needs for more intuitive interfaces and applications, stating: "Our experiences aren't as rich as they need to be."

The Windows 6.5 'stop-gap' is hoped to prevent the company experiencing further losses prior to the release of version 7 early next year, which promises a range of features to provide strong competition to Apple's iPhone and Google Android, which Google hopes will be even bigger than the iPhone.

Windows 6.5 mobile phones will be available in Europe from Orange and Vodafone, in addition to mobile manufacturers Acer, HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba.

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