Add Windows Mobile 6.5 to the Microsoft roadmap

A slip-up by a Motorola executive this week revealed that Microsoft's next version of Windows Mobile isn't Windows Mobile 7, but is actually Windows Mobile 6.5.

I asked around and heard from sources that yes, indeed, 6.5 is in the works. Think latter half of 2009, I hear. As noted a few months ago, Windows Mobile 7 is unlikely to make it to market on new phones before 2010.

(No word so far about which features will be in Windows 6.5 Mobile vs. Windows 7 Mobile.)

An aside: In the mobile space, Microsoft is working on more than just the operating system. The company is working on consumer-focused mobile services (code-named "Pink") and business-focused mobile services (code-named "Rouge"). Microsoft can and will roll out these services independently of the next versions of Windows Mobile.

What do you think Microsoft needs to make sure to get out in the Windows Mobile 6.5 timeframe in order to have any chance at staying competitive in the mobile space?