There we all were thinking Microsoft had finally nailed this advertising lark. And then along comes this strange new advert for Windows Phone (formerly Windows Mobile) and it all goes to pot. The first question to be asked is, ‘What the hell?’ The second, ‘Seriously, what the hell?’

Microsoft’s first foray into the mobile hardware market has been rumored for years, but it’s so far turned out to be vaporware, with nothing ever materializing. And it looks as though Project Pink, the latest step on the ladder, could soon be killed off before it’s been born. At least if an inside source is to be believed.

The rumors are true: Microsoft is indeed developing a tablet-style device, though it is closer to a book in design. However, the “Courier” is still at a prototype stage and there is no guarantee it will ever be released.

October is shaping up to be a busy month for Microsoft. Oct. 22 will see Windows 7 released to General Availability, while the new range of Windows Mobile-enabled Windows Phones will be available after Oct. 6. The question is whether Microsoft can gain the foothold in the smartphone market it has so far failed to grab and provide competition for the Apple iPhone.

The iPhone is made much better, and a lot more entertaining, because of the App Store. Here is the place where budding developers can sell or give away their wares, and iPhone users can download new applications for their device. Microsoft is hoping to replicate the App Store with the Windows Mobile Marketplace, but how easy is it to port an iPhone app to Windows Mobile?

Microsoft’s mobile device back-up system, a rival to Apple’s MobileMe, is now available for public use, though it’s still in beta testing. Those who’ve tried it say it’s useful, if somewhat limited and glitchy at this stage.

A new set of tests confirms that Windows 7 does run faster than Vista across a range of applications. However the improvement is likely too minimal to be noticeable in ordinary use.

To suggest the iPhone has been a success would be a major understatement. Millions have one of the Apple devices, and those who don’t invariably want one. Yes, even those of us who hate Apple. Which is why there is a new iPhone-killer unveiled every week – none of which have so far lived up to their promise. Can Microsoft change that with its ‘Pink’ iPhone rival?

Microsoft has trademarked the term ‘Swivel’ for a mobile phone operating system. It’s also trying to trademark ‘Sift’, though that application appears to be on hold.

Microsoft has announced that major players such as Electronic Arts and Facebook will be selling applications for Windows Mobile through the firm’s answer to the iPhone App Store. It’s also announced refund and purchasing policies which are more flexible than its rivals.

Software developers planning to create products for Windows Mobile devices had better triple-check their work before submitting it. It’s emerged that correcting a single typo could cost $99.

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.

A variety of rumors and reports indicate Microsoft could be working on its own smartphone. The most common theory is that it would be based around the company’s Zune media player.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has admitted the company intentionally accepted some early compatibility problems to make sure Vista was as secure as possible. But he claims customer complaint figures show Vista is better than previous editions of Windows.

Dell, Intel and their various partners have all announced initiatives and new technologies aimed at eliminating and/or reducing the need for an OS all together.  The secret, according to these companies, lies in mobility technology, and apparently cutting out Microsoft all together.