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Rumor has it that the updated version of Windows Mobile 6.5, dubbed by the modding community “6.5.1” which I reported on a couple months ago is soon to go live, but in what capacity no one knows. However, Mordy at mopocket was able to pin down a “nameless” Microsoft rep and got some answers.

The Microsoftie made clear that 6.5.1 is NOT a proper new version or a traditional upgrade for all customers but rather a version of 6.5.1 tweaked for capacitive (that is, finger controlled) touchscreen devices, since Microsoft has admitted that WinMo 6.5 was designed only for resistive (that is, stylus friendly) touchscreens. All of us, including Steve Ballmer, agree that was a major error in the brave new iPhone-flavored, fingerpaintcentric world of modern smartphones. Thinking of 6.5.1 as an “alternate release” makes sense, as the main thrust of the changes is to make the WinMo GUI more finger friendly, with larger buttons, different workflow and a rearranged taskbar.

He also said that it won’t be called 6.5.1, and might not be called anything at all. This doesn’t seem very much like Microsoft, who would usually call something like this “Windows Mobile 6.5 Touchable Touchscreen Premium Gold” or something similarly clumsy. At any rate, it would likely not be released as an upgrade for existing devices, but sent as an OEM to vendors to install on new capacitive touchscreen devices. As normal with Windows Mobile, I expect it will be up to the vendors and carriers if the alternate version is made available for phones already sold…so don’t hold your breath.

Of course, this is ALL UNOFFICIAL, so wait and see…but I suspect Redmond will be making some announcements about  this sooner rather than later.