In an attempt to keep up with Apple and Google in the mobile phone industry, Microsoft has unveiled its Windows 7 version of its mobile phone operating system.  New features, such as video games and music have been added on, according to BusinessWeek.

The new operating system will be available at the end of the year to catch on with holiday business, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in an interview in Barcelona at the Mobile World Congress.  He also stated that phone makers, Samsung, HTC, and LG, and carriers Orange, T-Mobile and AT&T will "express their support and enthusiasm for what we're doing."

"It's the biggest launch we have done in the phone space," Ballmer stated.  "I think everyone is going to stop and say wow, they are really upping their game.  I think we have done a very good job but it's a very competitive market out there."

The program has a new design, and also connects with Microsoft's Xbox Live online game service and their Zune music service.

"Apple has done a nice job," Ballmer continued.  "But the smartphones today all kind of look the same.  Everybody went ahead and kind of copied the user-interface approach of Apple and people will say Windows phone 7 Series is different, the way we integrated Bing, Office, Xbox and Zune."

Bill Predmore, president of Seattle-based digital marketing agency POP, which helps clients to develop mobile applications, thinks that this new system could help Microsoft gain some traction again.  "It's far too early to count Microsoft out," he said.  He also thought the new series will be something developers will probably want to build apps for, especially in the business realm.  "Windows Mobile was a serious contender a few years ago," he continued.  "They did lose momentum, but they are good with developers and know how to build good software.  Microsoft absolutely has a chance to redeem themselves."

Image courtesy of Slashgear.com