Microsoft Drops Windows Mobile ‘Standard’ Edition

Microsoft’s Steve Balmer said that a non-touch version of Windows Mobile doesn’t make any sense (WM 6.1 “pro” is the surviving touch version). He is quoted saying:

“Touch is the way of the future. No one wants to use a phone where they can not touch the screen. It’s like that scene from Back to the Future II where Marty is in the cafe with Max Headroom and was showing the kids how to play the arcade game and they laughed at him because it was like a child’s toy. That is what we feel Windows Mobile Standard has become”.

OK then, but the thing is: Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro is not very usable with a touch display (see our reviews of the Touch Pro and the OMNIA), however, the non-touch HTC Snap seems great. Anyhow, Windows Mobile 6.5 will fix most of these issues (read our WM 6.5 review)