A number of reports last week indicated Microsoft would give Windows Mobile 6 away for free to licensees who want to offer platform upgrades to customers. It turns out this is incorrect.

While licensing fees can vary from vendor to vendor, a Microsoft representative recently explained the company would not make its latest mobile operating system (OS) available for free across the board.

So, it appears most device manufacturers who want to offer Windows Mobile 5 device users’ upgrades to Windows Mobile 6 will have to pay Microsoft for the ability to do so; just like they'll do when shipping the new OS on freshly minted device.

Vendors will pay Microsoft for each copy of the new software that is installed on a new device or made available as an upgrade for existing Pocket PCs and smartphones. The cost of a Windows Mobile 6 upgrade, as in the past, will likely be passed onto the consumer by the manufacturers.

It is basic economics: Microsoft recovers some of its investment in developing Windows Mobile 6 by charging device vendors, while the latter recoups the money it shells out for the OS by charging consumers for upgrades.

What companies are planning to issue Windows Mobile 6 upgrades?

So far we know HTC plans to release one for the T-Mobile Dash, and Palm has apparently committed to offering an upgrade for the Treo 750 as well. It is almost certain that many other vendors will provide Windows Mobile 6 updates for their more recent Pocket PCs and Smartphones also.