Will Windows Phone 7.5 Mango be Successful?

Microsoft has begun to roll out its Windows Phone 7.5 Mango update to smartphones globally.

When Windows Phone 7 was launched, it received lukewarm reviews. Microsoft is hoping that the numerous tweaks and new features of Mango will be capable of drawing more attention from consumers, in addition to giving the company's hardware partners, which include Nokia, a stronger software platform for their new Windows Phone devices.

Windows Phone 7 customers will learn of the update's availability with a message that pops up on the phone.

Many of the improvements expected on Mango have been widely reported. Notable among them is that the communication hub of the Windows Phone has been enhanced with the Mango update supporting LinkedIn and Twitter. This is in addition to Facebook and integration with Windows Live, which the earlier versions supported.

Another feature offered in this update is the long overdue ability to multitask - or switch between apps without being forced to close one or the other. Also, Smartphones loaded with Mango have the option to operate as WiFi hotspots for nearby devices, provided that feature is enabled by a carrier.

There are many carriers which are launching phones this fall with the Mango update included at shipment.

But Microsoft is facing the reality that Android and iPhone are far more mature and more integrated systems that have the advantage of years' more development time. At the same time, with Mango, Windows Phone stands a greater chance of survival than it did a year ago when the first Windows phone was launched.

Understanding the significance of Mango to the strategy of Windows Phone on the whole, Microsoft will by all means be keen on wanting the latest update to progress in a smooth and fast fashion.