We all knew that Microsoft had big plans to take on all comers (Android, iPhone, WebOS, among others) with its much rumored Windows Mobile 7, which is planned for sometimes next year.  In the meantime, Microsoft has been not-so-quietly pushing Windows Mobile 6.5, with most of us assuming that would fade away once Windows Mobile 7 was released.  Apparently, that is not the case at all.

According to Digitimes, Microsoft plans to keep Windows Mobile 6.5 on the market after the release of Windows Mobile 7.  The plan is to lower the price of Windows Mobile 6.5 devices to compete with the Android OS.  The higher priced Windows Mobile 7 devices will compete directly with Windows Mobile 7.  No word, though, on how non-touchscreen devices play into this strategy.

I think this is a really interesting approach.  Rather than trying to come up with an all-in-one solution, Microsoft is using different packages to target different markets and users.  Whether it will be successful, only time will tell.  But it is nice to see that there is still some life in the old dinosaur.

[via: Gear Diary]

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