According to Cnet News.com Microsoft has been informing its partners that it will be delaying Windows Mobile 7 to the second half of next year.
Windows Mobile 7 was widely expected to be released to device partners and operators early next year. The delay could severely set back sales of Windows Mobile devices as Apple"s iPhone sales grow stronger and Google"s G1 android device looks to make an impact in the smartphone market.
Earlier this year news leaked about multi touch, motion gestures and a new UI for Windows Mobile 7 pictured below which drew huge excitement from Windows Mobile and smartphone fans.
Despite HTC updating Windows Mobile with the touchflo interface and Samsung introducing its own interface on top of Windows Mobile the operating system still requires an overhaul to bring it in line with touch based devices. Here"s hoping that Microsoft get Windows Mobile 7 out as soon as possible as we are all looking forward to it.
Microsoft has not commented publicly on the news.