According to a few sources, Microsoft is planning on releasing an update to its already released Windows Mobile 6.5 mobile operating system. The new update, dubbed Windows Mobile 6.5 Second Edition by some, will feature a new layout, a new on-screen keyboard, and better support for capacitive touch displays.

The new keyboard was found in a new leaked build of Windows Mobile 6.5 "SE", featuring a new design with larger buttons and customizable keyboard layouts. These new tweaks to the on-screen keyboard are to better suit a wider range of touch screen devices, especially capacitive touch screens for finger input rather than via stylus. The keyboard also has other "modes", such as a number pad without alphabet and a directional pad.

To clarify, capacitive touch screens are like those on the Apple iPhone & iPod Touch as they are responsive to a finger touch as opposed to a resistive touch screen that detects changes in surface pressure. Capacitive screens have one drawback, however, they are less accurate, which means they require a larger "touch area" on the screen to be sure to user can successfully "touch" what they intend.

As far as naming is concerned, a source told Electronista that the rumored name of Windows Mobile 6.5.1 is incorrect. Instead of this update being just that, an "update", it may just be an alternate version of Windows Mobile 6.5 for devices with capacitive touch screens.

No date has been set for this release, but it has been said to be "coming soon".

The screen shots below are courtesy of Electronista: