Microsoft today announced the long awaited Mango update to its Windows Phone 7 OS, and unveiled some of the 500 promised new features.
Andy Lees, President of Microsoft’s Mobile Communications Business took to the stage to introduce us to the update. “Seven months ago, we kicked off this mission: to make smart phones smarter and easier to use by users. With Mango, Windows Phone is a big step forward in redefining the way users communicate, use applications and surf the Internet, so with half the effort now to get double results”
Threads – You can toggle between messages, chat up, and Windows Live Messenger, all in the same conversation. Tap to expand an email thread, shows received and sent messages.
Groups – Contact groups Tiles custom Live turns to see the latest statuses and quickly send a message to an email or instant message to the entire group, directly from the Start screen.
Better integration with Social Networks – Twitter and LinkedIn contacts are integrated into the card and can include Mango check-in, also have available one nine facial detection that makes it easy when tagging your photos or posting them on the Internet.
Linked inbox – More email accounts in a secure inbox, conversations are organized so you can view the most recent mail.
Hands-free messaging – Built-in speech-to-text and text-to-speech, which allows writing messages and chat hands-free.
Connect App – By connecting and integrating applications on their search results in Windows Phone Hubs, including Music and Videos and Pictures, applications are visible when and where needed.
Live Tile’s improved – You can get updated without requiring applications to be open. Live Tiles are now more dynamic and can store more information.
Multitasking – Applications can be rotated quickly and at the same time, others may run in the background, while retaining the performance and battery duration.
Internet Explorer 9 – The power of a browser-based IE9 support for HTML5 and support for hardware acceleration.
Recognize local (Local Scout) – Providing local results and recommendations for nearby restaurants, shops and suggested activities, present in a user-friendly guide.
Bing Windows Phone – More ways to search the Internet, including Bing Vision, Voice and Music Search, so that decision making is easier.
Quick Cards – When searching for a movie, event or place, you are provided a summary and relevant applications.
Microsoft say that Windows Phone 7 users will be able to update to Mango this Autumn, though there’s currently no exact date.
We’ll be looking at the top new features in some more detail throughout today and tomorrow so stay tuned!