LG Electronics has confirmed the first devices featuring Microsoft's highly anticipated Windows 7 Mobile which will begin retailing later this year.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, LG said it will ship phones running Windows Mobile 7 and 6.5 this year.

LG said Microsoft supposed-iPhone challenging touch-and-gesture based Windows 7 will ship on its eXpo smartphone and projector and the Snapdragon, according to Gizmodo.

Although LG did not confirm the specific date, just said it will appear this year which coincides with the previously anticipated delivery of Microsoft's mobile operating system.

Microsoft's chief executive Stave Ballmer almost completely dodged the subject of Windows Mobile during his CES keynote Wednesday, but promised more details next month at the annual GSM Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, Spain.

This could suggest that Windows Mobile 7.0 will be out next month. We will have a lot more to say about phones next month at Mobile World Congress, Ballmer said.