With Windows Mobile 6.5 launching today, manufacturers are unveiling their first handsets designed specially for the system. In the U.S. that includes three HTC models plus a new Samsung device.

Windows Mobile 6.5 won’t be Microsoft’s flagship mobile system for long, but it will be debuting with a bang. The firm says at least 30 devices, from 15 manufacturers, will be running the system before the end of this year.

Google is bringing the always-on “push” version of Gmail to both the iPhone and Windows Mobile devices. It plugs a gap in Google’s services on such devices, though could noticeably diminish battery life.

It’s been quite the week for Palm, from both a financial and product standpoint. The firm has announced better-than-expected results and the abandonment of Windows Mobile, while analysts appear split over its future prospects.

Microsoft has confirmed that handsets running Windows Mobile 6.5 will be on the shelves Oct. 6. However, there are few specifics about how many models will be available at launch.

Microsoft is to target both Android and the iPhone with its future Windows Mobile plans. The company will effectively have two different “latest” editions of its mobile software by the end of next year.

A firm offering unlimited voice and data calls for $70 has lost its main distribution deal. ZER01 will no longer have its products sold by Buzzirk, which is at the center of poor publicity.

T-Mobile has officially launched the HTC Touch Pro 2 in the United States … we hope you’re sitting down when you see the price.

It isn’t just the iPhone that has a bunch of free apps for you to enjoy, Windows Mobile also has a large selection of free games you can download to enjoy.

Despite mysterious projects, Microsoft is sticking to its guns that they are not about to enter the phone hardware market.