Windows Phone Classic: WinMo 6.5's New Lease on Life

From PC World: Despite the excitement Windows Phones 7 Series is generating, Microsoft's not ready to let go of Windows Mobile 6.5.

An unnamed Microsoft representative told iStartedSomething that the old mobile operating system will live on as Windows Phone Classic, its phones dubbed the Windows Phone Classic Series to reflect Microsoft's wacky new nomenclature. Microsoft will aim the phones at emerging markets and enterprise, complementing WinPho7's consumer-friendly look and feel.

The rationale is understandable. Windows Mobile 6.5 is not a critical darling, but it's still popular in enterprise. A December 2009 survey by Aberdeen Group found that 63 percent of organizations that responded use Windows Phones, second only to Blackberry's 74 percent. Apple's iPhone and Google's Android are catching up, but that doesn't mean Microsoft should turn its back on such an important group of users.

Windows Phone Classic will allow Microsoft to stay flexible on design and user interface. As Engadget reported, Windows Phone 7 Series phones will adhere to strict specifications, including a mandatory button configuration and Microsoft's own user interface.

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