REDMOND, USA - Microsoft has scheduled the "kick-off presentation" of their new mobile operating system for May 11th, the opening date for the Microsoft TechEd 2009 conference. It is also understood that the new platform will support a series of new features, including capacitive-display technology.

At the Windows Mobile corporate blog, it is noted that "Stephanie Ferguson, GM of Business Experiences at Microsoft’s Mobile Communications Business is going to deliver the kick off presentation of Windows Mobile 6.5", on the opening day of the Microsoft TechEd 2009 conference. 

Besides capacitive-display support, reported by MobileTopSoft, the user interface has also been redesigned, according to Ars Technica.

Microsoft's mobile group's Senior Technical Product Manager Loke Uei Tan claimed that the initial "honeycomb" design was not satisfying for testing users, and it has since been altered so that the divising lines no longer exist.

The altered interface, visible in the image in the top-left corner of the article, was shown at the MIX09 event, but it is at an early stage of design.

Scrolling behaviour has also been improved, in the lines of the iPhone interface.

Further Windows Mobile 6.5 touch and gesture features are planned to be presented at the TechEd conference.