CNET is reporting that Microsoft has informed some of its partners that the release of Windows Mobile 7 has been delayed. According to its sources, Windows Mobile 7 will not be ready until the second half of the year. The operating system had been widely expected to be in the hands of partners in early 2009.
Microsoft is not expected to release any major Windows Mobile updates between now and the release of Windows Mobile 7 except for an update to Pocket Internet Explorer. This update, expected this year, will add the IE 6 rendering engine to the mobile browser.
Can Microsoft rely on its partners who are creating their own user interfaces and features to keep Windows Mobile relevant until the release of the next version of Windows Mobile? With partners like HTC set to unveil their first Google Android devices, Microsoft may find that the clock is ticking on its mobile operating system. Should Android be successful, Microsoft will likely find itself with fewer partners willing to wait for Windows Mobile 7.