Windows Phone Thoughts: Steve Ballmer Confirms Windows Mobile 6.5's Existence!

"In talking about Windows Mobile 6.5, Steve Ballmer did not go in to specifics but did hint at an improvement in the interface and flow of the software. It is believed, however, that this will be the first release to contain the reported Zune software integration instead of the much delayed Windows Mobile 7 release. Though there was no specific date given for Windows Mobile 7, it was believed to be scheduled for as late as the third quarter of 2010, two years away."

It looks Microsoft is expected to release Windows Mobile 6.5 to device manufactures within the next few months, which matches up with the previously suggested Q1 2009 release date for new Windows Mobile 6.5 devices or upgrades. I wouldn't bank on having the Zune software integrated into the upcoming new version when it is released, but I would be pretty excited if it did happen. The Zune user interface is heaven when compared to the current Windows Media Player way of doing things. Hopefully now that Steve Ballmer has broken the seal, more news will slowly start to trickle down in the next few weeks.