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Microsoft forced to delay Windows Mobile 7

Ina Fried CNET News.com

Published: 24 Sep 2008 09:07 BST

Microsoft has informed some of its partners that it has had to delay Windows Mobile 7, a much anticipated update to its mobile-phone operating system.

Although Microsoft has not publicly said when to expect Windows Mobile 7, partners who had expected to have a final release in their hands by early next year have been told now that it won't be ready until the second half of next year, sources told ZDNet.co.uk's sister site, CNET News.com.

The delay is a significant blow for the software maker, which has been counting on the next version of Windows Mobile to enable devices that rival Apple's iPhone. Among the features widely expected to be part of the release is advanced gesture recognition, perhaps along the lines of the iPhone, but possibly also using the camera as a means for reading gestures. Microsoft's Tellme unit, which focuses on speech input, has also been working on Windows Mobile 7 features.

The delay also comes amid stepped-up competition. Google on Tuesday launched the first phone running its Android operating system, while Apple has its updated iPhone, and new models are also debuting from BlackBerry maker Research In Motion.

Microsoft, for its part, declined to comment on its plans. In an interview, group product manager Scott Rockfeld noted that chief executive Steve Ballmer and mobile unit head Andy Lees did meet with 17 of the company's largest mobile-phone maker and carrier partners.

Credit: Windows Mobile 7 release delayed from CNET News.com