Microsoft officially launches "Windows phone" branding

As expected, Microsoft announced the debut of the new "Windows Phone" brand today, along with the new My Phone synchronization service, Windows Marketplace for Mobile (with 246 applications available at launch), and of course a first wave of devices powered by the upgraded Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system.


HTC and Samsung are at the head of the line offering smartphones based on Microsoft's latest platform, which comes as a long overdue response to Apple's iPhone, Google's Android and the like. The new version features a tweaked user experience, focusing on touch functionality, with a renewed push to integrate business and personal tasks. Unfortunately, Windows Mobile 6.5 is largely considered a stopgap measure until version 7 arrives in the second half of next year -- so you shouldn't expect any groundbreaking new features.

The launch comes as some of Microsoft's high-profile partners, including Motorola and Palm, have moved on to focus their attention on Android and WebOS respectively. It remains to be seen if Microsoft's latest efforts in the mobile space can help it reinvigorate both market share and developer attention.