Either Microsoft really wants to get this right or there are some bugs as a Windows Mobile 6.5 release date is still no where in sight. What we had previously thought was a May 11 release date for Windows Mobile 6.5 is now being refuted. The Boy Genius Report is claiming that Microsoft is clarifying its earlier statement. The firm is now saying that features and functions of Windows Mobile 6.5 will be previewed at the forthcoming Tech Ed conference in May, not an actual release.

There are actually leaked copies of Windows Mobile 6.5 that are being cooked into various ROMs. In what was discovered to be a hoax, a Microsoft impersonator sent legal letters to websites like XDA-Developers to take down leaked Windows Moile 6.5 ROM images. Those leaked ROMs, from the comments and forum discussions at other sites, seem to be relatively stable, giving hope that a 6.5 release is coming sooner than later.

Even if Microsoft had announced a release date for Windows Mobile 6.5 in May, it would be months before consumers will see it as an upgrade. Newer devices may ship with the new OS out the door, but carrier certification and hardware makers adding their own customizations will delay any upgrade process. As usual, Microsoft is leaving the decision for an upgrade path on current devices up to the discretion of the manufacturers. At this time, it is known that the Diamond2, and its cousin the Touch Pro2, will receive an upgrade.