Microsoft announced today that Windows Mobile 6.5 phones will be widely available at retail stores worldwide on Oct. 6, 2009. The new phones will be offered by the following phone makers and mobile operators:

• In North America: Mobile operators AT&T, Bell Mobility, Sprint, TELUS and Verizon Wireless, and phone manufacturers HP, HTC Corp., LG Electronics, Samsung and Toshiba Corp.

• In Europe: Mobile operators Orange, Deutsche Telekom AG and Vodafone Group Plc, and phone manufacturers Acer, HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba

• In Latin America: Mobile operator TIM Brazil, and phone manufacturers HTC, LG Electronics and Samsung

• In Asia Pacific: Mobile operators NTT DOCOMO Inc., SOFTBANK Mobile Corp., SK Telecom, Telstra and WILLCOM Inc., and phone manufacturers Acer Inc., HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba

Windows Mobile 6.5 will offer users an improved, easy-to-use interface, better browsing capabilities and access to valuable services, including Windows Marketplace for Mobile and Microsoft My Phone. Yes, you read that correctly, Windows Marketplace for Mobile (apps) and My Phone (free back up and sync) will be released at Oct. 6th too!

What else to expect from Windows Mobile 6.5? As mentioned, better browser capabilities. The redesigned Internet Explorer Mobile browser includes a new engine and built-in Adobe Flash Lite support for better rendering and completion of tasks (where’s Silverlight?). Also included is Microsoft Office Mobile and with Windows Live, you can keep track of friends in one place, no matter which social networking sites you belong to — Facebook, Twitter or MySpace Windows Live. You will also be able to change the look and feel of your phone with designer themes or a personal background and customize the home screen with widgets so the information you need is always easy to find.