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By now you must have heard about Windows Mobile 6.5, the new version due out in phones in the Fall of 2009. If you haven’t, check out the WinMo 6.5 Guide over at our sister site, pocketnow.com.

Naturally, there is some chatter in the forums from people wondering if 6.5 will be issued for the Shadow 2009. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I can say with 90% certainty that the answer is “no.” Also, it is not likely that even with a cooked ROM, you will be able to get 6.5 on the Shadow.

Why? Three reasons:

1. Windows Mobile 6.5 requires more robust hardware. Microsoft hasn’t released any specifics, but it’s possible that 6.5 will require some sort of graphics acceleration to make the new physics engine work, which the Shadow doesn’t have.

2. The Shadow doesn’t have the Windows Flag. As we’ve learned at Mobile World Congress, Microsoft wants all WinMo 6.5 device to have the Windows Flag key so people know that it is a Windows Phone right when they see it in the store.

3. This is probably the biggest reason – there has been no announcement about a non-touchscreen version of 6.5, and since most of the new user interface enhancements to 6.5 are to improve finger-friendliness, this excludes all devices that lack a touchscreen. It would be a shame if Microsoft were to kill off non-touchscreen Windows Mobile devices because they offer awesome one-handed usability (driven by hardware buttons), and exhibit top-notch performance. That said, consumers want touch-based devices more and more, so Microsoft is going to do what is best for their business.




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