At the recent Mobile World Congress, Microsoft confirmed the forthcoming release of Windows Phone 7 Series, a replacement for the existing Windows Mobile OS. Windows Phone 7 offers a whole new approach from Microsoft, as they try to make more impact against the likes of Apple’s iPhone and the Google backed Android OS. It may come as a disappointment to some, but no current MS Mobile handset will run the new OS, including the HTC HD2, probably the best Windows Mobile device currently available. Microsoft claim the new OS will be available from ‘the holiday season’ which could mean anything really, but most likely will see handsets shipping with Windows Phone 7 in the run up to Christmas. Seems so far away.

The new OS will deliver a strong focus on the new way of communicating, with a focus on email, instant messaging and social media integration, and there will be a strong gaming element with Windows Xbox Live support built into handsets. All new handsets will have to meet a minimum hardware specification, too, including a capacitive touchscreen with resolutions of either 800 x 480 or 480 x 320, aGPS, 5.0 Megapixel camera and at least 8 GB internal memory capacity. In fact, internal memory capacity should be high on most devices, as there will be no removable storage option. The new OS has received commitment from major manufacturers, with Samsung, LG, HTC, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba all suggesting they will produce devices running on Windows Phone 7, whilst Orange and AT&T say they will offer such devices when released.

There is quite a while between now and any handset releases running on Windows Phone 7, and that gives Microsoft some time to build a head of steam beforehand. In anticipation, here are a couple of videos, detailing the features of the new OS, and the first commercial: