Microsoft is gearing up to release Windows Mobile 7 into a testing program code named Maldives for the first quarter in 2010 according to a report from ZDNet Taiwan. The timeline is expected such that devices will be made available to consumers in the third quarter, which would put it a year behind the launch of Windows Mobile 6.5–that OS revision debuted on October 6, 2009.

The Maldives program will invite testing of the OS from carriers and OEMs. According to WMPowerUser, The so-called “Maldives” program is set to collect feedback from OEMs, and ZDNet reports Microsoft is stepping up development in the face of declining market share.

(via: WMPU and ZDNet Taiwan)