Apparently Microsoft has told several of its partners that there will be a delay with Windows Mobile 7 the much anticipated update to its mobile phone OS.

Though unofficial, the word was Windows Mobile 7 partners would see the final version early next year, but have now been informed it will be in the second half of 2009.

This delay can be considered a significant blow to Microsoft as they had been counting on Windows Mobile 7 to enable mobile phones that better rival the Apple iPhone 3G.

This delay comes in the face of the launch of Google’s Android G1 and Apple’s updating of the iPhone 3G and new BlackBerrys hitting the streets, which probably puts even more pressure on Microsoft to get Windows Mobile 7 out there.

Source — cnet