In a press release announcing that it support Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, Hewlett-Packard has confirmed that a new version of Windows Mobile is coming in early 2008. Microsoft Mobile Device Manager works with an upcoming version of Windows Mobile and is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2008.
Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008 is a new mobile-dedicated server solution that helps companies manage Windows Mobile phones similar to Windows-based laptops and PCs. With Mobile Device Manager, companies can deliver new applications to phones over the air as well as connect people via Mobile VPN (virtual private network) with security-enhanced access to critical data such as expense reports or customer information.
HP was not the only company to announce its support for Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008. Carriers such as AT&T and Sprint and device manufacturers like HTC, Motorola, Palm and Samsung will also offer new phones or updates to current ones around the same time.
This lines up with an earlier rumour that suggests that the next Windows Mobile will be version 6.1 and that it sport some user interface improvements.