In between the major events such as CES, MIX, or Mobile World Congress (MWC), there is a pent-up anticipation to find out what Microsoft and their partners plans are for the future of the platform and usually in the few weeks leading up to each event, the details and rumors start flowing like the salmon of Capistrano (Dumb and Dumber reference).

These past few weeks have been no different as we gear up to some potentially big new for Windows Phone at Mobile World Congress in a little over a week. Here’s what we think we know about Windows Phone and the coming devices:

Software

First and foremost, you can almost certainly expect Microsoft to detail the next update for Windows Phone, Codenamed “Tango”. Although, I wouldn’t expect there to be too much get excited about here as the update is rumored to bring lower spec devices for Windows Phone in developing countries. It is possible we could see a few tweaks and features, but I wouldn’t count on it. As for the next major Windows Phone update, “Apollo”, I wouldn’t expect Microsoft to reveal much or even any information about this update for a number of reasons, but primarily because revealing what might come next might discourage new users from buying the current gen devices in a very important retail time for Microsoft, Nokia and its partners. However, if you are anxious to read a little about what’s coming in Apollo, click here.

Hardware

Speaking of Nokia and the other Windows Phone partners, perhaps the most important news at MWC is going to come from the new hardware that we can expect from the OEMs. Nobody is tipping their hand, but the rumor mill believes that Nokia could come to the event with as many as six new devices to announce. Some of those would be low end devices, like the rumored 610 or 601 and some could be high-end devices like the rumored european version of the Lumia 900 which is already coming to AT&T in March. We might also see LG make an announcement regarding the often-leaked LG Fantasy handset and there is currently no news on whether Samsung might make an announcement regarding Windows Phone, so we’ll have to stay tuned.

There are always a few rumors which come true and also a number of surprises at these events, so be sure to check back periodically as we try to search out the latest and greatest coming to Windows Phone at Mobile World Congress.