LG Electronics and Microsoft have signed a deal that will put Windows Mobile on at least 50 LG phones in the next five years. This will be a big help in getting Windows Mobile phones in the hands of the mainstream consumer.According to a Bloomberg.com report, LG is the world's third-largest phone maker, and that it will use Windows Mobile "as its primary program for smartphones, devices that can send e-mail and browse the web." That doesn't mean it is the sole platform for smartphones, but at best, it pushes potential Andriod or Pre based devices to a minority. LG has made a number of popular devices for various carriers and has name recognition among consumers. That is something Microsoft's primary phone maker, HTC, doesn't have. That brand awareness alone should help Windows Mobile get into more people's hands. I suspect LG will be adding some of its own customizations to how the phone works, like the TV feature it has on some of its AT&T phones, or user interface tweaks just to make the phones stand out a bit from other manufacturers. While the article doesn't specify which version of Windows Mobile LG will start with, I'd bet it will be version 6.5, which is due out in retail outlets during the 4th quarter of 2009.

This isn't a slam dunk for Microsoft. It will still have to deliver timely updates to its operating system to keep it fresh and up to par with the likes of the iPhone, Android, and the forthcoming Pre. It is a solid step forward, though, and shows Microsoft is committed to making consumer-friendly phones, not just devices that IT departments like, because it integrates so well with Exchange and other Microsoft platforms.