Microsoft shows off Windows Mobile update, but not 7.0

Two dozen invited attendees to Microsoft's Mobius event in Amsterdam this week got a first peek at the next update to Windows Mobile. It's not version 7, code-named "Photon," but the reviews are positive. Unfortunately because the presentation was under NDA, little specifics are known at this point.

"Our first impressions: very slick, and has a lot of features that just about any WinMo user will agree is way overdue," wrote Engadget editor Ryan Block. "It will be a free update given to device makers in Q1 2008. We saw it running on current hardware, it looked freaking impressive," remarked Judie Lipsett from Gear Diary. Mobius runs through tomorrow and gives Microsoft, as well as device makers, a chance to get direct feedback from Windows Mobile enthusiasts. The Redmond company paid for attendees' airfare and hotel, along with giving everyone an HTC Touch Dual handset.