According to SmartCompany, Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer told last week's news conference reporters that the company is expecting to ship its Windows 7 Mobile software later on this year.

On the other hand, some analysts claimed that the handsets carrying the operating system may not be available in time for the Christmas season despite the fact that the software will be available by end of this year.

Moreover, Microsoft intends to launch an app store to enable users to download and install applications.

Steve Ballmer stated that the Windows 7 Mobile software will be a remarkable change from Microsoft's previous operating system instalments with a new UI design and third party applications support.

The company also wishes to take some of the market back with its new endeavour. According to Gartner figures, Microsoft currently holds only about 6.8% of the mobile market, which decreased from 10.2% a year ago.