It's the new user interface that comes with Windows Mobile 6.5 that has the potential to put Microsoft in closer competition with devices like the iPhone, BlackBerry Storm and the G1.

"Everything is now finger friendly," said Scott Rockfeld, group product manager for Windows Mobile. That means that with 6.5, most items are large enough to be clicked with a finger on a touch screen rather than selected with a stylus or by pushing buttons to navigate through menus. Rockfeld demonstrated the new software on an HTC phone with a large touch screen, but said that individual manufacturers would make their own announcements about phones that will run the operating system.

6.5 introduces a new Lock screen (below) so you can now respond to interactive user interface elements with a simple PIN even if the device is locked. Notifications — such as those for missed calls, voice mail, email, text and calendar items — are more intuitive and actionable on the Lock screen. Quickly select if you want to check your voicemail, read your email or text message first.

The new Start screen (below), characterised by a honeycomb interface, is designed for use with your fingers to accurately select the application, folder, game or setting quickly and easily.

6.5 also includes a powerful new Internet Explorer Mobile browser that presents desktop-quality rendering and Adobe Flash Lite to view the real web. The browser allows you to search in the address bar of the browser and now has auto-complete suggestions helping to make it quicker to get to the sites you are looking for.