Microsoft and over 90 mobile communication partners have jointly announced at a conference held in Beijing that the first batch of 17 types of Windows phones will be launched in China at the end of 2009.

Microsoft's partners include telecom operators; 12 mobile phone manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, and Dopod; and over 70 software developers and channel providers. During the conference, Microsoft and these companies displayed 50 types of Windows phone products, including the 17 Windows Mobile 6.5-based products that will be introduced into the Chinese market at the end of this year. Apple's iPhone is planned for sale in China at the end of October 2009.

In addition, Microsoft teamed with over 60 Chinese software developers and content providers to introduce about 100 localized application software products for these mobile phones.

Microsoft's new service named My Phone, which is customized for Chinese users, was launched at the same time. This simplified Chinese version service will be offered to users for free and it allows users to visit, manage, and backup their information on mobile phones via a password-protected networking service, so as to realize upgrade and update of both hardware and software of their mobile phones.

Microsoft's Windows phone mobile communication strategy was announced by its CEO Steven Ballmer on February 16 during the Mobile World Congress 2009 held in Barcelona, Spain. Ballmer also revealed three major products at that time, including Windows Mobile 6.5, My Phone, and Windows Marketplace for Mobile.