The next full version of Windows Mobile, at one time code-named "Photon," will be Windows Mobile 7 (WM7).  The final installation-ready version is slated for release sometime in early-to-mid 2010. Before Windows Mobile 7 -- sometime in mid-2009 -- Microsoft will release a second revision of Windows Mobile 6 called Windows Mobile 6.5. 

At this point, very little is known about Windows Mobile 7; in fact, a January 2008 post to a Microsoft blog has given us our only glimpse to date as to what might be expected from Windows Mobile 7, and images from that post are provided below.  Given the age of this information, the intervening release of Windows Mobile 6.5 and the state of the mobile market as a whole, data presented below is likely to change considerably by the release date and portions of it may no longer be representative of what is to come. 

In this Pocket PC Central Product Brief, we'll provide an aggregation of leaks, rumors and official statements regarding this upcoming OS.  All information here should be treated as unofficial unless otherwise stated.  

 

A Focus On Touch... Since the release of the Apple iPhone, Microsoft has been pushing its Windows Mobile software designers to move toward a more touch-based User Interface (UI).  This push has certainly affected the creation of Windows Mobile 6.5, and should be seen even more clearly in Windows Mobile 7.  Moving through menus, through documents and web pages, etc., will be accomplished through touch motions; flicking a finger up and down, left and right, for example, will replace conventional scrolling. Elements of this new interface can be seen in Windows Mobile 6.1 Standard's new Home Screen as well as in Windows Mobile 6.5.

While many WM7 devices may continue to include styli, focus on touch-based menu navigation and general OS interaction will be greatly expanded, and is at the core of Windows Mobile 7.

 

... And Gestures Along with using a finger or fingers to interact with the OS, Windows Mobile 7 will likely also include support for gestures. Accomplished by using onboard cameras found on many Windows Mobile devices, the OS will detect tilts, shakes and twists to allow the user enter commands into the OS and secondary software.  According to the same January 2008 Microsoft blog entry, Windows Mobile 7 will be able to detect when the unit is in a pocket or other enclosure; this may also be accomplished by way of the onboard camera, but this is not clearly stated in the text of the entry.  The use of accelerometers, which has already been introduced in the latest models of Windows Mobile 6.1 devices, could also be used to accomplish gesture recognition.

 

Adding a Windows Live Look

Windows Mobile 6, and 6.1 and 6.5 feature a more candy-styled Vista appearance than previous versions of the operating system, but Windows Mobile 7 takes this change to the next level, with an styling focused on a blend of Vista, Windows 7 and Windows Live services. 

There's more glow and transparency to the WM7 screens and menus.  There also appears to be more of a focus on screen transitions and animation effects. 

A New Media Interface

WM7 will feature a more unified multimedia playback center for viewing video, listening to music and browsing photos.  Windows Mobile 7 will also likely to be able to interface with the Zune online music store so users can purchase new music even when they're away from their PCs.  Notice the Zune icon in the screenshot below:

 

The Cloud Comes to Windows Mobile... Officially

With the introduction of Windows Mobile 6.5, Microsoft has prepared a new array of Cloud-based services including wireless Cloud Syncing (My Phone) and Windows Mobile Marketplace, which will allow users to select, purchase and install third-party applications on the phone itself.  These servces have not yet been officially announced, but support for these and other Windows Live services will be included in Windows Mobile 7. 

 

Windows Mobile 7 Additional Thoughts