Developed by Microsoft, the Windows Mobile operating system (OS) is found on many of today’s most popular Smartphones and other mobile devices.  These include the HTC Touch HD2, the Acer beTouch E200, and the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2.

The first version of the operating system – Pocket PC 2000 – was released in April 2000. Using a stylus pen for inputting commands the Pocket PC 2000, based on Windows CE 3.0, was mainly intended for Pocket PC devices – running applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, and Windows Media player. In June 2003, the Windows Mobile OS was released, with four platforms including Windows’ first Smartphone offering. Features included support for add-on keyboards, Bluetooth capability, improved Internet Explorer, and MIDI file support for ring tones.

Having gone through several iterations, most of today’s Windows’ phones are running version 6.5 – which is actually a stopgap OS not included in Microsoft’s original plans. Officially branded as “Windows Phones”, mobiles running 6.5 have home screens designed to resemble Microsoft’s Zune player and are designed for easier finger use. While these phones do not support capacitive screen as a native offering, manufacturers whose phones run Windows Mobile 6.5 have been able to implement it successfully as an additional feature.

The next OS in the line – Windows Phone 7 Series – is due to be released “holiday 2010” and will feature XBox and Zune integration. The OS will not be backwards compatible, as none of the phones currently available have the hardware required to run the OS.