Microsoft posts then pulls down Windows Mobile 6.5.3 SDK

Microsoft published a software development kit (SDK) of Windows Mobile 6.5.3 on January 22 but abruptly pulled the release this week.

The SDK was available for download and included emulator images to run a virtual copy of Windows Mobile 6.5.3. According to Microsoft's Windows Mobile Dev Twitter page:

"With regards to 6.5 SDK, we prematurely released an untested SDK which was not ready. We pulled it so proper testing can be completed…. we’ll def make an official announce when the SDK is ready to go. Those responsible have been sent to the dungeons for execution."

Microsoft silently released Windows Mobile 6.5.3 to device manufacturers recently and confirmed the release in an MSDN developer posting. At CES 2010 Neowin spotted several devices running the updated operating system. Windows Mobile 6.5.3 includes better touch support with improved menus, gesture based navigation and a new touch bar at the bottom of the screen for easy navigation. Touchable tiles also replace soft keys in the updated OS.

In other news, the mobile industry is eagerly awaiting next months Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. It is widely expected that Microsoft will share details of Windows Mobile 7 during a press briefing at MWC.