[Michael Essany]

While some were surprised by Apple's decision to focus exclusively on the iPad during the company's recent media event, many shrewdly - and perceptively - expected Apple to save any major iPhone news for a future event of its own. And now that the iPad has been unveiled and one rumor mill is officially put to rest, it's time for another to take root. The latest speculation? Apple is waiting for a Windows 7 Mobile announcement before Cupertino can steal the show once again - right along with Microsoft's thunder.

The latest word we're hearing is that the Mobile World Congress, which is scheduled to begin on February 15th, could provide the forum in which Windows 7 Mobile will take center stage. Still, even now there is no formal evidence to prove a forthcoming Windows Mobile/Phone 7. Then again, Microsoft has been as effective at keeping this under wraps as Apple was about concealing news of the iPad's eventual arrival.

If it's true that Apple's 4th gen iPhone will support multi-tasking, something that Windows 7 Mobile may be unable to do, is it any wonder that Apple would wait until after MWC to utterly outshine and overshadow Microsoft's "best effort" so far in the mobile space? This "best effort" alluded to could also portray a Windows 7 Mobile that can't handle flash or offer NETCF backwards compatibility for older apps.

While plenty of Apple fans would likely love to witness this scenario play out in the days ahead, there remains a strong possibility that Windows 7 Mobile will not see the light of day until the very end of 2010. If so, Apple will have already unveiled the next gen iPhone and - as many expect - its multitasking capabilities, 5 megapixel camera, and an assortment of new and improved amenities that will make the new iPhone as utterly awesome as Steve Jobs has hinted it will be.

[StealthBravo]

They should wait them out

[dbizzy1]

Who the hell cares about windows 7, 8, or 9...all I want is an iPhone that has flash or an acceptable equivalent, oh and the MacBook Touch that we hopefully hear about in the near future. Windows 

[seaeagle]

Samsung owners were told by ms that 6.5 was the last. There won't be a winmo7. They are pissed cos Winmo6.5 is not stable either.

[Limegrntaln]

This would make sense if the time has passed when Apple announces the new iPhone. It was January in 2007. But the rest have been announced in March. So when March is over then I would question this. but I think they are still on schedule for a March info release date.

[iLaw-One]

I agree. Apple should wait ms out...they'll only want to 'steal' features from iPhone 4G!

[Imahottguy]

I doubt that they are "waiting it out". It's merely a coincidence that winmo7 will be announced in the next week or so. iPhone 4G, if it comes out this year, would most likely be announced in march, whether winmo7 is released/announced or not. I honestly can't imagine Apple considering windows phone mobile or whatever to be a true competitor. Now if google was announcing something, which they may tonight, then you might be on to something.

[henners123]

I think there waiting them out

[MikePA]

Maybe MS will explain why some people have a 16 line signature.

EDIT: It reminded me to turn them off. Too bad, some are interesting, but not enough to put up with 16 line ones.

[henners123]

Originally Posted by MikePA

Maybe MS will explain why some people have a 16 line signature.

lol

[sphangman]

does anyone know when the MS event was announced ? would be funny if apple had leaked that 4.0 was going to be reveal and then MS booked their event afterwards...

[whereswaldo]

Originally Posted by dbizzy1

Who the hell cares about windows 7, 8, or 9...all I want is an iPhone that has flash or an acceptable equivalent, oh and the MacBook Touch that we hopefully hear about in the near future. Windows 

what macbook touch? it was called the ipad and its already out

[rawhog]

The HTC HD2 for T-Mobile is supposed tobe released in April with WinMo 7.

[battlecrushr]

Windows mobile 7??
IPhone is still better with osx

[Aumz]

the next gen iphone will NOT be all that we hope it will be...it WILL be all that Steve Jobs hope it will be....but look how long it took to give us basics like text forwarding, mms, etc....and still no sign of a delete all function for mails.

The iPhone is a wonderful piece of kit but it is far from perfect or as good as people make out.