The latest operating system from Microsoft, Windows Phone 7, is due to be released on UK handsets this month. It is said to be the most tested and, therefore, bug-free operating system for mobile smartphones released from MS.

The length of time in the making does mean that it is significantly behind the Apple and Android OSs and it is yet to be seen whether their features such as Xbox  integration will have enough appeal to gain them significant market share.

Their new devices will feature social networking heavily as well as device integration. Is this enough to reverse their declining smartphone market share? (from 20% to around 5%).

Key partners include the mobile phone manufacturers LG, Samsung, HTC and Dell, and they have all five of the network operators (Orange, Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile and 3) on board too.

From a business perspective the new handsets should integrate with existing Microsoft IT in a seamless manner. Many businesses prefer to use a Windows based operating system for their smartphones as it makes their life easier using a familiar platform.

Initial handset releases will focus on the consumer market with business mobile phones to follow in due course. Once handsets have been officially announced we will carry more information about Windows Phone 7 mobiles here.