Windows Phones out October

Microsoft strike back. As of October, new smartphones based on the new version of Windows Mobile will be on the market. Among others will be devices from the South Korean manufacturers LG and Samsung.

The new version of the operating system developed by the king of computing is finally here. It was necessary for Microsoft to take action because of its ageing and unresponsive OS that meant it was losing out in the high-end phone segment. According to the Gartner agency, the Microsoft system now only equips 9% of smartphones as against 12% a year ago. However the smartphone segment is the only segment that has been making a profit since the beginning of the year. Microsoft can’t therefore afford to lose more ground.

Nevertheless, this development of the OS has arrived just at the time when Microsoft’s big rival Apple is on the crest of a wave and Google phones are on the up.

Not a telephone but a strategy of partnerships

Several phone manufacturers (HTC, Acer, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba, LG and Samsung) are likely to put out new phones based on Windows Mobile 6.5. Although Microsoft itself hasn’t launched a phone, it is betting on developing partnerships with strong brands. Will the strategy pay off? Are we back to a time when constructors put all their eggs in one basket and roll out a single OS for their whole range?

To recap, the forthcoming 6.5 platform should have an improved interface that will remove the need for the stylus. In spite of this, we do wonder if this new system, that has not been completely reworked in depth, will be able to do the business.

The user should also benefit from a new Internet navigator. Will it manage to supplant Opera, easier to use and more streamlined than Microsoft’s current offering, Internt Explorer, but nevertheless less and less used by manufacturers?

Of course users will have direct access to Windows MarketPlace so as to benefit from a whole host of apps. On top of this Microsoft My Phone will offer a free synchronisation service and safeguard of data.

Will Windows Mobile 6.5 and its app store have enough going for it to garner customers in a highly competitive segment? We'll be in a better position to see by Christmas.