Microsoft Unveils Windows Phone Update with 500 New Features

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft has launched an update for its Windows phone software, aiming to bridge the gap with smartphone leaders Google and Apple. The update, known as "Mango," offers 500 new features, including Internet Explorer 9 as its mobile browser, Twitter and LinkedIn feeds integrated into contact cards, and access to over 17,000 downloadable applications. The update is scheduled to be incorporated on new phones beginning this fall, and Microsoft is betting big on it to deliver a solid start to its alliance with Nokia, which will start shipping Windows-based phones late this year or early in 2012.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Mango" release offers 500 new features, including Internet Explorer 9, Twitter and LinkedIn feeds integration, and access to over 17,000 downloadable applications.
  • The update aims to simplify the smartphone experience by organizing information around the person or group people want to interact with, not the app they have to use.
  • Key features include Threads, which enables switching between text, Facebook chat, and Windows Live Messenger within the same conversation, and Groups, which groups contacts into personalized Live Tiles for easy interaction.
  • Deeper social network integration, including Twitter and LinkedIn feeds, and built-in Facebook check-ins, are also part of the update.
  • The Linked inbox enables users to see multiple email accounts in one linked inbox, and Hands-free messaging allows for built-in voice-to-text and text-to-voice support.
  • Windows Phone will challenge the way people think about apps by integrating them directly into the core experiences of the phone, and App Connect will surface apps as part of search results and within Windows Phone Hubs.
  • The update also includes Improved Live Tiles, Multitasking, and Internet Explorer 9, which will connect the power of the web to the unique capabilities of Windows Phones.

Statistics:

  • Android holds 36% of smartphones, while Apple has 17% market share (Gartner).
  • Microsoft held only 4% of the smartphone operating system market, but aims to leverage Nokia's 27% market share (Symbian) to increase its market share.
  • Over 17,000 downloadable applications will be available on Windows Phone devices.
  • The "Mango" release will be available for free to Windows Phone 7 customers.

Sources:

  • Microsoft Corporation
  • Domain-b.com (distributed by Contify.com)
  • Gartner (research firm)