Sony Ericsson announces Aspen phone powered by Windows Mobile 6.5.3

Sony Ericsson today announced its latest Windows Mobile handset, the Aspen.

Aimed at business users, the Aspen is part of Sony Ericsson's eco-friendly "Greenheart" portfolio which promises to reduce the impact it has on the environment. Sony Ericsson have combined multi-tasking with a touch experience and a real QWERTY keyboard that. Users can organise and adapt panels to change during the day and use Slide View for quick access to common features.

The Aspen will also feature SPB Mobile Shell 3.0 and Microsoft's latest Windows Mobile OS, 6.5.3. Neowin spotted several Windows Mobile 6.5.3 devices at CES 2010 this year. Windows Mobile 6.5.3 includes capacitive touchscreen support, a horizontal tab interface, touch controls throughout the core OS and the ability to drag and drop icons on to the Start Screen.

The timing for Sony Ericsson's announcement indicates we may not see Windows Mobile 7 devices available immediately after Mobile World Congress in two weeks time. Rumours this week hint at Microsoft announcing a "Zune Phone" but the software giant confirmed to Neowin last week that it had no plans to create one.

The Aspen will be available in selected markets from Q2 2010 in the colours Iconic Black and White Silver.