It looks very similar to what everyone imagined. I'm glad we are moving into single-window, task-oriented environments.

Everything you need to know about Google here.

The shots are branded Windows 6.5.1, but as PocketNow says, we know what 6.5.1 looks like and it definitely doesn't share the modern, finger-sized aesthetic of these shots. The screenshots cover basics like the call screen, contacts list, mail, and on-screen keyboard, and all in all it looks substantially more modern (read: Similar to Android, iPhone, WebOS) than WinMo ever has before. Interestingly, the trademark Windows Start button appears to be a no-show: Is this a conscious choice to move away from the WinMo of the past? [PocketNow]

The other changes noted by Google include new app sub-categories and support for Italian. Google's post follows. [Phandroid via Engadget]

Some News from Android Market
Posted by Eric Chu, Android Mobile Platform on 03 September 2009 at 3:30 PM

I'm pleased to let you know about several updates to Android Market. First, we will soon introduce new features in Android Market for Android 1.6 that will improve the overall experience for users. As part of this change, developers will be able to provide screenshots, promotional icons and descriptions that will better show off applications and games.

We have also added four new sub-categories for applications: sports, health, themes, and comics. Developers can now choose these sub-categories for both new and existing applications via the publisher website. Finally, we have added seller support for developers in Italy. Italian developers can go to the publisher website to upload applications and target any of the countries where paid applications are currently available to users.

To take advantage of the upcoming Android Market refresh, we encourage you to visit the Android Market publisher website and upload additional marketing assets. Check out the video below for some of the highlights.

Here's the creator's explanation, in his own (poorly written) words. It was all just a prank, for some unknown reason!

I am sorry if you beleived it. It was a really bad attempt. You all are smart people. I never planned on it getting this big. But it did. (Come one, I know the Google logo. I am actually a graphic designer, I just wanted to see reactions if it was a crappy back.)

Oh, right, I also DO know CSS and HTML. Just clarifying that. I never was going to let this go on longer than 12 hours.

We're mostly just disappointed, since a more professional mockup would've been so much harder to disprove. Couldn't he have waited one day and gotten the damn Google colors right? [Faker's Blog via PC Mag]

As we already knew from our hands-on, it looks lickable. Head to Pre Thinking for the complete gallery, all taken through the Palm Pre emulator. [Pre Thinking]

Walking directions
Having just arrived to New York, I would definitely use this feature more than anything else. This would make Maps a lot more useful for all pedestrians, who can make a better use of the iPhone hardware than drivers.

Public transport information
Another great feature specially for big cities. I wish they could invest more on this, like connecting to status servers of public transport networks. That would actually make it perfect for commuters.

Street View
This will allow you to see any location in Google Maps that has Street Views, which is useful to get familiar with unknown places and for those people who are map-reading impaired.

Share location
If you are in the Maps application, you can share a location by just clicking a button, which will send an email with the URL to see the address in Maps. It's not actual real-time location sharing (and very low tech) but since we don't have any kind of copy and paste, it's better than nothing. Other than actually talking on the phone, that is.

Line-In sound access for developers
Apparently, the new OS update allows developers to have access to the sound part of the iPhone hardware. This opens the door for better microphones or high quality voice recognition.

Over-the-air podcast updates
This one will make TV and radio lovers happy, as many programs would be available from anywhere rather than having to connect to your computer every time you want to synchronize to get the lastest updates.

Japan will also get exclusive Emoji emoticons, as well as TV streaming support using a Wi-Fi accessory. [iPhoneYap]

These are shots from the latest build seeded to developers, 9A410. Charming name aside, this evolution of the beta unifies the UI elements, ditching the now aging brushed aluminum window borders, along with the interesting Finder sidebar icons. Check out a few of our faves, but there are tons more at Thinksecret.

UPDATE: I also like Leander's take on the low probability of these being real, and the logic behind that reasoning.

UPDATE: Linked to Images from Thinksecret's gallery, without any of the suspect images.–Brian Lam

Gallery: Leopard Seed 9a410 [Thinksecret]

Crossbow beta testers are disappointed, however. Unfortunately, most of its updates are cosmetic, and there's still no way to actually quit applications. There's no WiFi sync, either. Dang. – Charlie White

Windows Mobile Crossbow [Mobility Today]