This one will not come as any surprise. Microsoft announced Windows Mobile 6.5 and the MyPhone and Windows Marketplace for Mobile services today at Mobile World Congress. As reported earlier, Microsoft and its partners will market future phones as Windows phones rather than Windows Mobile.
Windows Mobile 6.5 features a new user interface and an improved browsing experience. It features a home screen that provides a dashboard-like experience to items such as new e-mails, texts, missed calls and calendar appointments. It also features an improved touchscreen interface and a new version of Internet Explorer Mobile.
The MyPhone service will, as reported earlier, allow users to store and manage their mobile device’s information onto a password-protected Web-based service. Featuring automatic syncing and backup, it will make it easier to restore data or switch ot a new phone. The My Phone service is currently available in a limited invitation-only beta.
The Windows Marketplace for Mobile is Microsoft’s version of the Apple App Store. Users will be able to search, browse and buy mobile applications either from their mobile device or from their PC. It will come with all Windows Mobile 6.5 devices.
Windows Phones running Windows Mobile 6.5 should become available in the second half of 2009.