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Windows Mobile 7 delayed until 2011?

Report claims the success of Google Android is causing Microsoft to delay its new mobile OS -- again.

Google's Android mobile operating system is stealing the spotlight from Windows Mobile 7, so much so that reports say Microsoft's latest OS is delayed (again) due to Google's success.

Windows Mobile 7 was expected to arrive this year, bringing a considerable bunch of improvements. But a new BSN report say the O will be delayed until 2011 because manufacturers are still in love with Google's free-to-license OS.

Google's gamble with Android seems to be paying off: this year at the Consumer Electronics Show, which is usually a beacon of what's coming up in tech in the year ahead, we saw smartbooks, tablets, and mobile phones running Google's OS. Meanwhile, we saw little to no mention of Windows Mobile 7 at the show.

Steve Ballmer's keynote at CES, which was highlighted by the announcement of the Windows 7-powered Hewlett Packard tablet, didn't include any mention of Windows Mobile 7; only the current version (6.5), available on a few phones already, was discussed. Microsoft is expected to offer some details on the upcoming mobile OS at next month's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, but that's not a given.

The problem with Windows Mobile 7 is that it is starting to lose buzz among consumers. Despite several mobile phones introduced at CES, Google's Android platform flagship device, the Nexus One, got the most attention. The runner up in the consumer spotlight race was Palm, with its new Pre Plus and Pixi Plus models.

When Windows Mobile 7 was delayed from 2009 to 2010, Microsoft's excuse was that it was working on major changes. If Windows Mobile 7 makes a no-show next month, the Redmond Company risks alienating users and partner manufacturers as well. However, there is no official word from Microsoft on yet another delay for the mobile OS.

Nominations for the 2012 ARN IT Industry Awards open on Tuesday, June 12.

More about: Consumer Electronics, Google, Hewlett Packard, Hewlett-Packard, HP, Microsoft, Palm
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