Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer gave the official confirmation of the existence of Windows Mobile 6.5, while speaking at a conference in Australia this week. With no previous indication that there would be another release before the highly-anticipated Windows Mobile 7 [1] upgrade, this came as a surprise to many in the community.

The dates were dropped at a Q&A session as Steve Ballmer responded to a question about what plans Microsoft has to stay competitive against companies such as RIM and Apple. As he highlighted the Microsoft roadmap, Ballmer said, "And with releases we'll make this year, releases we'll make with Windows Mobile 6.5 next year, Windows Mobile 7, I think we've got a pretty interesting roadmap." It should be noted that Windows Mobile 7 was originally slated for early 2009 [2], and has been pushed back to an undetermined date.

For more on this story:
- check out this article [3] from BetaNews

Related Articles:
Windows Mobile 7: Coming late 2009?
Windows Mobile 7 will be delayed [4]