DigiTimes reports that Microsoft expects to deliver Windows Mobile 6.5 to handset makers by mid 2009.

Although a number of Windows Mobile 6.5-based mobile devices are expected to hit the market in the third quarter of 2009, most makers are likely to launch their Windows Mobile 6.5 handsets in the fourth quarter for the year-end shopping season, the sources projected.

Windows Mobile 6.5 is expected to compete with the likes of the Android and Apple's OSX when it arrives later this year.