Microsoft developing next mobile OS

Microsoft is developing a new mobile OS code-named "Crossbow". The OS will incorporate features such as instant messaging on public and private networks. Furthermore it will have strong links with Office 2007 and Exchange 12, Microsoft's pending new office application suite and e-mail server. Crossbow will be the successor to Windows Mobile 5.0, released in May 2005.

Crossbow will compete with the Symbian and BlackBerry operating systems. Microsoft's  senior vice president for the mobile devices and telecoms sector, Pieter Knook, said it's premature to say when Crossbow would be released, but that the company plans for an annual mobile OS release.

At the end of last year, Microsoft held a 16 percent share in the worldwide mobile OS market compared to 63 percent for Symbian, 10 percent for Access Co.'s PalmSource, 7 percent for Research in Motion's BlackBerry and 4.5 percent for others, including Linux-based ones.