LG commits to Windows Mobile

Expect to see more Windows Mobile devices from LG, like the LG Incite.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET Networks)

Alongside the introduction of Windows Mobile 6.5, LG announced on opening day of the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2009 that it will make Windows Mobile the primary operating system for its smartphones and promised to significantly increase the production and distribution of such devices in the years to come.

In addition, Microsoft and LG have committed to creating joint research and development teams to work on these phones and ensure a tight integration between hardware and software.

To show its seriousness, LG said it will increase the number of Windows phones available in 2009 tenfold and will bring up to 26 new devices in 2012 alone. This means we could see more than 50 new Windows Mobile devices from LG, thanks to this agreement.

LG only released its first Windows Mobile smartphone in the United States last year (the LG Incite), so we'd be happy just to see anything beyond that, let alone a tenfold increase. In fact, the company has already announced its second device at GSMA 2009: the LG GM730. This will be a Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone that will be released in the first half of 2009, but LG added that it plans to ship Windows Mobile 6.5 devices in the second half of the year. We're still gathering more details about the LG GM730 so check back soon for a dedicated post.

By the way, do you think this is a good move for LG? Let me know your thoughts.