Prepare to weep all you Windows Mobile 6.5 handset users, as it appears Windows Mobile 6.5 user will not receive an upgrade to the latest Microsoft operating system, Windows Phone 7 Series, including the HTC HD2 which I posted about previously (here).

So just why isn’t Windows Mobile 6.5 being upgraded to Windows Phone 7 Series? Well according to an article on the Register, who gain the info via apcmag, Microsoft has stated that any Windows Mobile device must have only 3 buttons whereas the HTC HD2 has 5 buttons even though it fits most other Windows Phone 7 criteria.

Apparently Microsoft’s criteria for upgrading to Windows Phone 7 Series “Chassis 1” the handset must include a Qualcomm 1GHz processor, 5 megapixel camera, a high resolution touch display and only 3 buttons with 1 being a dedicated search button. The 3 button bit is where the HTC HD2 falls down.

Windows Phone 7 Series is due towards the end of this year and thus far Microsoft still hasn’t revealed the full hardware requirements for Windows Phone 7 Series. However, no doubt once WP7 Series finally hits, some mod will hack the OS so it can be used on smartphones with more than 3 buttons.