Microsoft is reportedly gearing up to launch their next version of the Windows mobile phone operating system - the Windows Mobile 7. The Windows maker might announce their new product in the Mobile World Congress which will be held in Barcelona in February.

Though the unveiling will supposedly happen next month, the actual release of the OS is expected to happen during summer 2010. Mobile phones sporting the new OS are speculated to ship during the latter part of 2010.

MobileMarketingNews reports that the Windows giant has already mentioned that they would be offering developers the opportunity to learn how to develop apps using the new platform, at the MIX10 trade show to be held in March 2010.

Currently, there are no details available on what WM 7 will have in store for smartphones and other portables. Microsoft has also kept mum on their latest progress in this aspect. However, the platform is expected to support both touch and non-touch gestures. It is also said to integrate Zune and Xbox Live services.