Microsoft official with Windows Mobile 6.1, new version of Internet Explorer Mobile

Well folks it’s not an April Fools’ joke – it’s happening for real just as we’ve expected. The Redmond giant announced an update to its mobile OS at the CTIA. Aside from the new version of Internet Explorer, Windows Mobile 6.1 includes “new time-saving features, easier phone navigation and management, and increased security safeguards.” We’ve already covered the new features in the past, let me quickly jump to the list of mobile operators and device makers which right from the bat vowed to update firmware versions on the existing devices.

Mobile operators:

• Alltel Wireless: HTC PPC6800, HTC Touch
• AT&T (NYSE: T): Samsung BlackJack II, MOTO Q 9h global, Pantech duo, AT&T Tilt by HTC
• Sprint: A new Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Treo and updates for the Mogul by HTC, Touch by HTC, MOTO Q 9c, Samsung ACE
• T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) International: T-Mobile MDA Ameo 16 GB, T-Mobile MDA compact IV

Device makers:

• ASUS: New phones including the P320, ZX1, P560, M536 and updates for the P527, P750, M930
• HTC: A new Touch Dual for the U.S. and updates for the AT&T Tilt, Touch by HTC, Mogul by HTC from Sprint, TyTN II
• i-mate: 8502, 9502, 8150, 6150
• Intermec: CN3
• Motorola (NYSE: MOT): MOTO Q 9c, MOTO Q 9h global, MC70, MC9000
• Pantech: Pantech duo
• Samsung: BlackJack II
• Toshiba (OTCPK: TOSBF): Portege G810, Portege G910

Guess the official “Upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.1″ announcements are just around the corner now… Full release is available on PRNewswire.