Here is a short section of the review of Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 from mobile-review.com

The reason for this unwillingness to demo the phone’s features has much to do with the restrictions put in by Microsoft’s, in fact, Sony Ericsson showcased only what they had built upon the OS itself. Missing OS version from the official press-release, plus a very vaporous release date “in 2H 2008” are two pieces of one puzzle that is all yours to solve. The fact of the matter is that the handset carries the OS version that is to come after WM 6.1 (which is demoed at this 3GSM too, being hyped as some sort of a breakthrough, while in fact it is not– its change log is about one page long, of course if you omit all tiny and insignificant details). The leak of info on Windows Mobile 7, that took place not so long ago, stated the release date of this OS as “sometime in 2009”. We gave its new features a good run-through in our dedicated write-up on it, so you should better read it as well. However, due to a couple of reasons, back when we were writing the piece on Windows Mobile 7, we could not tell you that certain feats dubbed as the WM 7.0’s exclusives are just carry-overs from the previous OS version, which is due out this summer or a tad later, with first devices running on it slotted for late September or early October. Nevertheless, we all know how vaporous release dates of operating system are, so there is absolutely no guarantee that a month from today they will still have it scheduled for summer. It is important to note that WM 6.5 (a name I made up a second ago just for convenience – this OS has a different index and codename) is the largest overhaul of the WM interface over the past years, as it introduces gesture-based navigation, revamped music and video players, support for 3D accelerators and several other amenities. Those who will be lucky enough to bump into a Sony Ericsson’s manager carrying the XPERIA X1 and persuade him to demo it will be able to see some of its features in action, and the truth is, they look pretty good. And in our turn, we will be waiting for another “leak”, as I have a feeling that someone won’t be able to hold back much longer and will post screenshots of the new OS, although, taken with a different device.

So are we looking at a new release before WM7 ? Apparently the OS has been given a major overhaul. Will keep you all posted as more specs come out

Source : engadget.com

Although MSN Direct has popped up in all sorts of devices over the years, we’ve always
thought it belonged on cellphones, and it looks like Microsoft finally
agrees — it’s announced a WinMo version of the auto-updating
information system at MWC. The client uses your phone’s data connection
instead of the SPOT network to grab data — but unlike other widget
apps, the info is presented directly on the homescreen and
auto-updates. Microsoft has got a technology preview of the app
available now, no word on when or if it’ll ever be standard fare.