Microsoft is planning to launch a raft of new mobile products for its new Windows Mobile platform at next month’s GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, reports Ars Technica. Microsoft will reportedly unveil the latest version of the platform – Windows Mobile 6.5 – and a series of accompanying services at the show. New applications are tipped to include ‘SkyMarket’ – a Windows Mobile application store in a similar vein to Apple’s App Store; ‘SkyBox’ – a cloud application deemed similar to Apple’s MobileMe that will allow Windows Mobile device users to back-up, restore, sync, and share data; and a version of SkyBox for businesses – codenamed ‘SkyLine’ – that will also include Microsoft Exchange functionality.

Ars Technica noted that all these services are likely to be available initially for Windows Mobile devices only, but that Microsoft could offer them to other mobile devices at a later date. Microsoft has reportedly been testing Windows Mobile 6.5 with its device partners since November last year, having earmarked a first-quarter 2009 launch.