Microsoft Previews Windows Phone 7.1 ‘Mango’ Update
Submitted by lalit on May 24, 2011 - 3:26pm.
Microsoft today previewed the next release of Windows Phone, codenamed “Mango”. According to Microsoft, Mango will bring more than 500 new features to Windows Phone 7 customers for free. Some of the main features of Windows Phone 7.1 update are:
Threads – Switch between text, Facebook chat and Windows Live Messenger within the same conversation.
Groups – Group contacts into personalized Live Tiles to see the latest status updates right from the Start Screen and quickly send a text, email or IM to the whole group.
Deeper social network integration – Twitter and LinkedIn feeds are now integrated into contact cards, and “Mango” includes built-in Facebook check-ins and new face detection software that makes it easier to quickly tag photos and post to the Web.
Linked inbox – See multiple email accounts in one linked inbox. Conversations are organized to make it easy to stay on top of the latest mail.
Hands-free messaging – Built-in voice-to-text and text-to-voice support enables hands-free texting or chatting.
App Connect – By connecting apps to search results and deepening their integration with Windows Phone Hubs, including Music and Video and Pictures, “Mango” allows apps to be surfaced when and where they make sense.
Improved Live Tiles – Get real-time information from apps without having to open them. Live Tiles can be more dynamic and hold more information.
Multitasking – Quickly switch between apps in use and allow apps to run in the background, helping to preserve battery life and performance.
Internet Explorer 9 – A browser based on the powerful Internet Explorer 9 and including support for HTML5 and full hardware acceleration.
Local Scout – Provides hyperlocal search results and recommends nearby restaurants, shopping and activities in an easy-to-use guide.
Bing on Windows Phone – More ways to search the Web, including Bing Vision, Music Search and Voice so it’s easy to discover and decide.
Quick Cards – When searching for a product, movie, event or place, see a quick summary of relevant information, including related apps.
Microsoft plans to ship Windows Phone 7.1 “Mango” update on new phones beginning this fall. Existing Windows Phone 7 customers should get the update soon after. Microsoft is also releasing free beta Windows Phone Developer tools that support “Mango” release for app development. The tools will be available for download on Microsoft’s website within 24 hours. You can get more information about “Mango” update and developer tools here.
Microsoft has posted a video showcasing the new features in Windows Phone Mango update, check it out below. We have also added video of the Microsoft press conference.
