Microsoft has just unveiled the next update to its smartphone platform, Windows Phone 7. Codenamed Mango, the new release isn’t just an incremental update – it brings a ton of new features (over 500 according to Microsoft) to the platform, including Google goggle-like functionality, location aware services and better app integration. “Seven months ago we started our mission to make smartphones smarter and easier for people to do more,” said Andy Lees, president of the Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft. “With ‘Mango,’ Windows Phone takes a major step forward in redefining how people communicate and use apps and the Internet, giving you better results with less effort.” Users will now be able to keep all relevant conversations with one person in one thread regardless of the method used to communicate (IM, SMS or whatnot). Additionally, Twitter and LinkedIn feeds will be integrated into contact cards, allowing for better integration. Internet Explorer 9 will also be making an appearance. The update will be available for free for users when it launches in Q3, and new Windows Phone 7 devices that start shipping from that time period will have the update built-in. We’ve embedded a video of Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President for Windows Phone Program Management doing a demo of Mango below.
Source: Microsoft