It says a lot when we hear directly from a Microsoft partner that Windows Mobile 7 is indeed real and shipping this year. At the LG press event at CES, LG says this about Windows Mobile 7:

LGs new phones feature Meta Material Antenna, with Windows Mobile 6.5 and 7 phones coming this years. Including the Expo with Snapdragon.

Could this be foreshadowing an announcement from Microsoft later today on Windows Mobile 7? Considering that Robbie Bach will be joining Steve Ballmer on stage tonight at 6:30pm PST, this isn’t out of the realm of possibility:

Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft, and Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment & Devices Division, deliver the pre-show keynote address in Las Vegas to kick off the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Coverage begins on Jan. 6, 2010, at approximately 6:30 p.m. PST with the live, streaming keynote.

(via: Engadget)