The possibility of there being a Windows Mobile 6.5 fell in the “rumor” column after Motorola CEO casually mentioned it in a conference call. Now have official word from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer that this rumor is reality. This news came as a surprise to the community – as we had our eyes on Windows Mobile 7 and hadn’t had any indication that there would be a release inbetween.

If you want to hear his comments, click on to the Telstra Live Webcast, then pick the Q&A Session 2 in the drop down below the video, and go to around 12 minutes, where he answers a question about the next 12, 18, 24 months of Windows Mobile:

With releases we’ll make this year – releases we’ll make with 6.5 next year, Windows Mobile 7, I think we have a pretty interesting roadmap.

So there you have it – Windows Mobile 6.5 is real, and will be shipping on devices next year! Let the speculation begin =D. Thanks to msmobiles for the keen eye.