Later this year we’ll be releasing an update for Windows Phone code named “Mango”.  It features 500 new features and looks pretty impressive from what I’ve seen.  Below is a snapshot of what’s coming and a video to give you a taste.

Communications:  Easier to Connect and Share

• 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 Linked In 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.

A smarter approach to apps

• 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 are more dynamic and can hold more information.
• Multitasking - Quickly switch between apps in use and allow apps to run in the background while helping to preserve battery life and performance.

Internet beyond the browser

• Internet Explorer 9 - A browser based on the powerful IE9 and including support for HTLM5 and full hardware acceleration.
• Local Scout - Provides hyper-local 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.

Here’s a video with a bit more.

Mango Preview

Make sure you check out the Windows Phone Newsroom for more details.

Jeffa