Smartphone Thoughts - Daily News, Views, Rants and Raves

"Microsoft Corp. expects several phones on the U.S. market to be powered by its Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system after it launches in the fall of 2009, according to a company executive. "We will have over 10 phones available in the U.S. alone. We expect to see that grow," said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division said during his keynote speech at the CTIA wireless technology showcase."

With all the talk of Windows Mobile 6.5 lately I find myself growing a little more excited every day. Unfortunately Mr. Bach did not mention how long it will take to have over 10 devices running Windows Mobile 6.5 available here in the United States. I'm also curious as to how many of those devices will be running the Windows Mobile 6.5 Standard platform. It is, however, nice to see Microsoft starting to gain a little momentum moving forward in the "Smartphone Wars" after such a long period of being stale and feeling dated.

"International CTIA Wireless 2009 is where broadband communications come to life. From April 1 to 3, more than 1,000 exhibiting companies and tens of thousands attendees from more than 125 countries will converge to do business, discuss innovation and exchange ideas. Join us for four days to learn more about the emerging technologies that enable us to work toward the common goal of taking wireless and broadband communications to yet another level."

Earlier in the day, we gave you a look at what Microsoft has in store for CTIA Wireless 2009. Robbie Bach is scheduled to unveil it all in a little under fourteen hours - 10AM, PDT to be exact. As always, there's the opportunity to watch it live (world times listed below). But if you prefer to digest it all in one go, keep your eyes peeled for our post-keynote report.

• Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle: Thursday, 10:00 AM
• Chicago, Houston: Thursday, Noon
• New York, Washington, DC: Thursday, 1:00 PM
• London: Thursday, 6:00 PM
• Paris, Berlin: Thursday, 7:00 PM
• Moscow: Thursday, 9:00 PM
• Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Perth: Friday, 1:00 AM
• Tokyo: Friday, 2:00 AM
• Sydney, Melbourne: Friday, 4:00 AM
• Auckland: Friday, 6:00 AM