Microsoft will launch a new mobile OS for enterprise handheld devices later this year as it tries to make simpler the Windows Mobile upgrade cycle for users, the company said Thursday. In 2011, the company will launch a new version of Windows Embedded Handheld, which will be based on Windows Embedded Compact 7 OS, Kelley said. The OS will aspect a richer and immersive user experience, and get better on consistency and security features, Kelley said.

The company needs to provide backward capacity and a clear upgrade path from Windows Mobile 6.5 to the forthcoming OS, Kelley said. That should expand the lifecycle of devices such as smartphones. Microsoft declared Windows Embedded Compact 7 last month as the next generation of the Windows Embedded CE platform. The OS can be used in embedded systems for example set-top boxes and slates.