Today, Microsoft has unveiled at 3GSM 2007 the Windows Mobile 6 Smartphone Software, the next version of its mobile operating system and the world's fastest growing mobile operating system, according to Microsoft's press release. Their new OS promises to come as a serious update to WM5 and, also, with enough new features to justify its launch as the next iteration of their mobile software platform.

The Windows Mobile 6 Smartphone includes increased functionality within Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile and Office Mobile applications, the long awaited rich HTML e-mail and, the most important ones of them all, improved security and device management for the IT managers.

The future to be enabled Windows Mobile 6 handsets will also include Direct Push Technology to always have up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of tasks, contacts and Outlook calendars through Microsoft Exchange Server.

The improved security features will also allow the users to remotely delete all data on their handsets in case they are stolen or lost, making sure their confidential data will not fall in the wrong hands.

By the second quarter of 2007 the new Windows Mobile 6 OS will be available in Europe on Orange's SPV E650 smartphone, manufactured by HTC, in Japan through Softbank Mobile Corp. and in the USA on the T-Mobile Dash (the customers that already own a T-Mobile Dash will be able to upgrade their devices to the new Microsoft mobile OS).

According to Steve Balmer, CEO of Microsoft, "a work force that is both mobile and connected is becoming essential for business success. That's why we're integrating innovative mobile technologies into all our key products, with Windows Mobile as the centerpiece."

Sanjiv Ahuja, CEO of Orange, said that "as the first operator to ever release a Windows Mobile Smartphone, Orange has always had a strong relationship with Microsoft, and the launch of Windows Mobile 6 is a natural continuation of our story together. Now more than ever our customers can enjoy a straightforward mobile working experience with fast access to e-mail and business applications. The increased security removes barriers to mobile working, allowing more people to experience the benefits of having their office with them on the move."