Barcelona pickpocket makes off with Microsoft's new mobile phone

[Moz]

The notorious pickpockets of Barcelona have struck again – but this time the target was more precious than a handbag or a leather wallet. A prototype mobile phone loaded with Microsoft software built to rival Apple’s iPhone was filched from an executive’s pocket during an evening function at the Mobile World Congress, an annual gathering for the industry being held in the Spanish city this week.

The stolen phone had been given its debut at a press conference on Monday. Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO, said it contained software which would “allow every person in the world to access information and participate in the knowledge economy".

Officials at Microsoft were today in a panic over the theft. The device was loaded with the brand new Windows Mobile 6.5 software, which the company hopes will give it the edge over the iPhone and Google’s new Android operating system.

Mr Ballmer is expected to have strong words with Sol Trujillo, the CEO of the Australian telecoms giant Telstra, who was given the phone by Microsoft to try out. He handed it to an unnamed executive - who was then pick-pocketed at an industry party on Monday night.

A spokesman for Telstra confirmed the theft. “One of our product executives was given the phone to test the system. He had it with him at an organised event and it was stolen from him – we don’t know by whom.”

The updated Windows Mobile system offers users a free online backup service for their personal contacts, text messages and documents. It also boasts a new version of Windows Marketplace designed to compete with Apple’s popular App Store.

Microsoft’s operating system was due for release in the final quarter of 2009. The American company would not comment on whether the theft might delay the release, or on any other matter to do with the theft.

Barcelona is infamous for pickpockets and has a reputation for petty theft; so much so, that a public relations consultant for a major mobile phone company went so far as to run a sweepstake at this year’s conference on which telecoms journalist would get pick-pocketed first.

Yeah right, expect it on Ebay soon

[Mr G]

Pickpockets get invited to industry partys dont they LOL

[mkr100001]

i was in barcelona last week...it was me! Lol o.j.

[mariokarter]

honestly like anyone gives a anything about WM 6.5....i mean maybe if it was a ew build of android or something it would be worth money but everyone hs already said 6.5 is exactly the same as 6.1.

[Tommie]

Maybee it's a clever public relations from microsoft who give the news a good PR value ,

"The stolen phone had been given its debut at a press conference on Monday.
Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO, said it contained software which would
“allow every person in the world to access information and participate in the knowledge economy".

Officials at Microsoft were today in a panic over the theft.

Microsoft’s operating system was due for release in the final quarter of 2009.
The American company would not comment on whether the theft might delay the release, or on any other matter to do with the theft.

Or maybee Microsoft already knows it be delayed and find an excuse ..-)

[gnjuss]

A prototype Microsoft phone?! Are you kidding me,the guy was probably so happy he had lost it,he partied the night away.