New OS will offer embedded links to Windows Marketplace for Mobile and Microsoft My Phone.
In Europe Orange, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Acer, HTC, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba have confirmed they'll be supporting the OS.
In North America operator partners include AT&T, Bell Mobility, Sprint, TELUS and Verizon Wireless, with devices from HP, HTC, LG, Samsung and Toshiba.
Operator and handset partners in Asia include NTT DOCOMO, Softbank, SK Telecom, Telstra, WILLCOM, Acer, HTC, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and Toshiba.
Windows Mobile 6.5 devices will link straight back into the Windows Marketplace for Mobile app store and will offer the free My Phone service, which allows users to back up photos, music and contacts.
Microsoft is making much of the customizable aspects of the OS, and its ability to integrate with third party apps from the likes of Facebook and Netflix.
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The company has some catching up to do in the mobile apps space, with Apple, Nokia, LG, Sony Ericsson and Samsung already well away down that road.
The software giant is feeling confident though, and last month boasted that Windows Mobile 6.5 would out-browse the iPhone.
