A series of leaks and confirmed news about upcoming Windows Mobile changes suggest the platform is following in the footsteps of the iPhone. The new features include an App store and a MobileMe-style synchronization service.

Microsoft has announced it will change the way User Account Control works in Windows 7 to allay fears it could be abused by hackers. The change comes after the firm had previously denied the problem was a true vulnerability.

A security researcher says he’s found a flaw which could let hackers use Windows 7’s User Account Control to their advantage. But Microsoft says the system is working as designed and the problem is not a true vulnerability.

While there will be six editions of Windows 7, the average buyer should face fewer choices. The biggest difference is that the Basic edition will now be exclusive to countries deemed developing markets.

Microsoft is making the Windows 7 development program more open than ever in an attempt to avoid the driver problems that plagued Vista. The move will be key to a highly visible driver-dependent feature in the new system.

Reports peg Windows 7’s likeliest release date as October. The 2009 release appears to have become possible thanks to an accelerated production schedule with the current beta edition expected to be the last stage before a ‘finished’ version.