Just as predicted, the latest version of Microsoft's mobile OS—complete with a revamped home screen, a new setup "center," and threaded messaging—made its debut today here at CTIA.

As Chris wrote in his preview back in December, the improvements in Windows Mobile 6.1 are relatively modest (we are talking a ".1" update, after all), but there's still some good stuff here—especially when it comes to the new home screen.

Thanks to a series of new "Sliding Panels," you can now quickly check new e-mails, SMS messages, and appointments directly from the WM home screen. The scrolling panels (one for messaging, one for events, etc.) slide open to reveal individual items, and you can even add appointments, share pictures with pals, and play or pause music. Nice.

Also new (and long overdue): threaded messaging, which makes your SMS exchanges look more like actual conversations. You'll also be able to move, flag, or delete entire groups of e-mail messages.

 

Meanwhile, the mobile version of Internet Exporer will now let you zoom in on text and images, a la the Nokia Web browser and Safari on the iPhone.

Finally, check out the Getting Started Center, which lets you set up e-mail accounts, Wi-Fi access points, Bluetooth headsets and so on, all without having to dig into the Settings menu.

One feature that Chris wrote about that's missing in action: the ability to cut and paste for the Standard (non-stylus) version of Windows Mobile handsets. Bummer.

Phones equipped with Windows Mobile 6.1 are due later this year, and according to Microsoft, several popular handsets—including the HTC Touch, the BlackJack II, the Moto Q, and the AT&T Tilt will be getting WM 6.1 software updates.

Related:
Press release