Microsoft has announced the latest version of their Windows Phone operating system. Codenamed 'Mango' the latest release will be known as Windows Phone 7.1.
As announced earlier, the 7.1 update features more than 500 new features. Some of the new features include 'threads' for messaging, Facebook, email and Windows Live Messenger, deeper integration with social networks and hands free messaging.
Full multi-tasking has been added with a card like interface and apps will now intelligently hibernate improving the power consumption of Windows Phone smartphones.
Microsoft also pointed out that they have improved upon the inbuilt Office app which will now provide a desktop class experience. Corporate customers will have access to Office 365, which will be available on subscription basis.
Microsoft has even integrated a version of Internet Explorer 9 that supports HTML 5 and full hardware acceleration. Additional features like Local Scout will provide hyper-local search results.
The newly redesigned Bing features Bing Vision, Music Search and Voice.
Cloud integration on Windows Phone 7.1 includes Sky Drive which will now hold up-to 25 GB of data.
For gamers Windows Phone 7.1 has redesigned the Xbox live hub, which now features a more social experience, and greater customization options for Xbox live 'Avatars' similar to that on the Xbox 360.
The 'live tiles' in the operating system have been upgraded and will provide real time information related to the apps without opening them.
Samsung, HTC and LG will launch new Windows Phone 7.1 devices with new partners Acer, ZTE and Fujitsu. Notably Microsoft also mentioned their partnership with Nokia is already bearing fruit and they have Nokia Windows Phone 7.1 devices in their test labs. Though, the company did not announce any particular device.
The Windows Phone 7.1 update will be available for free to all current Windows Phone 7 customers this fall and will come preloaded on all new Windows Phone powered smartphones.