Microsoft is delaying the launch of its next-generation mobile operating system, Windows Mobile 7, until the second half of 2009, reports CNET. Citing partners who've been informed of the delays, Ina Fried claims that the highly-anticipated update -- which will bring such input methods as multi-touch, gesture recognition, and motion-control -- will not, in fact, be seeded to hardware manufacturers early next year as had initially been expected. The delay comes at a time when Google and Apple have both stolen headlines with their Android and iPhone platforms, respectively, although third parties such as HTC and certain service providers have stepped in to refresh Windows Mobile 6's somewhat antiquated-looking interface. Microsoft is also said to be planning its own application market to launch in conjunction with WM7, which would shore up another area where it's lagging behind competitors. News of the delay comes on the verge of the public launch of the company's next desktop operating system, the similarly-titled Windows 7.

[Via Slashdot, image courtesy of Inside Microsoft]