Fresh speculation over Microsoft’s long-awaited Windows Mobile 7 operating system suggests that the software giant may launch two versions of the platform: a business version and a media version. According to a PC World report, which cites sources at WM Experts (a Windows Mobile news site), the two versions are likely to be released at different times, which explains recent contradictory reports over launch dates; the business version of the platform is likely to launch first. The business edition will reportedly be a basic version of the mobile operating system largely centered around Microsoft Office. However, the rumoured media version will offer a host of other features including high-definition video capability, a Zune-like music player, and Facebook and Twitter integration.

WM Experts also reports that Microsoft is considering dropping the ‘Windows Mobile’ brand for the platform and replacing it with simply, ‘Seven.’ PC World suggests that this could be a strategy by the vendor to combine the PC version of Windows 7 and Windows Mobile 7 into one brand. The latest rumours provide further mystery regarding what Microsoft will or will not announce at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month. Reports say that Microsoft could showcase elements of the new media version at the show (though the actual launch of the platform may not happen until 2011). Other reports say it will simply use Barcelona to launch Windows Mobile 6.6, a minor update to the current platform.