The future of Windows Mobile is clear, according to company CES Steve Ballmer, who discussed more shared technologies in a conference call this week. Available in 2010, features of the Windows Mobile 6.5 to Windows Mobile 7 would include the Browser and Kernel with more being released over time.

The unveiling of the operating platform, Windows Mobile 6.5 was mentioned last week with Windows Mobile 7 coming next year. Over the conference call, Ballmer continued that a Microsoft ‘lowcost’ smartphone will help grow Windows Mobile despite the downturn in the economy by extending revenue-generating opportunities. The release comes amid Microsoft’s 3rd place for market share behind Symbian and RIM.

Microsoft will be committing to the licensing model of the platform rather than developing a ‘Microsoft Phone’. Ballmer cited that the segment is currently costing $900 million in expenditures per year. Windows Mobile covers almost 4% of Microsoft’s operating expenditure although is considered a “somewhat unprofitable” Microsoft business. If Microsoft is able to deliver a smartphone product with suitable compatibility to Windows; this is one thing. If it can live on my phone and withstand a crash landing into a somewhat packed handbag, I might just jump the mobile platform fence.

[via WM PowerUser]