Yesterday we noted how Microsoft won’t shut up about the iPhone. Mix in the G1 from Google and T-Mobile, upcoming releases by RIM and you’ve got to wonder if there is any room left for Microsoft in the mobile market. There’s only so much room in consumers minds for OSes and Android+OS X mobile+RIM doesn’t leave much room for Windows Mobile 7.

Quick digression: When IBM came out with a PC Apple took out a full page ad out in the Wall Street Journal welcoming them to the party. The reason wasn’t to promote IBM but because Apple wanted consumers to see Apple as the other major player even though there were still a few other serious computer makers around (Commodore, Radio Shack etc.).

How dark are things looking for Microsoft? Jack Shofield has posted a good over view of the situation at the Guardian. From the article:

But while Microsoft sold 18m smartphone licences in the year to June, 2m short of its target, Apple says it sold 6.9m iPhones during the last quarter alone. As the iPhone goes global, it’s not hard to see it outselling Microsoft’s 50+ handset manufacturers combined. It’s also not hard to see many of those 50+ handset manufacturers at least trying Android as well.

There’s a lot more in the article outlining paths to success and possible pitfalls. Well worth the read if you’re wondering what Windows 7 mobile actually has going for it. (hint: “Microsoft has a passion for developers”)