Windows Phone 7 Mango reception positive

Several early previews of Windows Phone 7 ‘Mango' are in, and like the original release, the reviews are positive but with some reservations. The general consensus is that Microsoft has taken some significant strides with its 7.5 update that clearly warrant the company’s claim that it is a major update. Microsoft has given the OS a much more rounded, and finished feel. However, on the downside, some of the vaunted new features have potential, but in their current state are not yet implemented as well as they might.

Among the major additions to the Mango upgrade include enhancements to contacts, messaging, Bing search functions, music and video, voice-to-text, the Office Hub, Xbox Live, and the Marketplace. Internet Explorer 9 has also been given an early preview, and like Apple’s Safari, Microsoft has opted to drop Adobe Flash support for enhanced speed, stability and better battery life. Microsoft has even omitted support for its own Flash alternative, Silverlight, instead focusing on HTML 5 support and faster script loading.

Another major feature upgrade is enhanced multitasking functionality, allowing users to easily switch between open apps for the first time. The other enhancements such as voice-to-text and the new Bing search functions are somewhat hit-and-miss. The voice-to-text functionality could be more accurate. Bing adds additional functions, including a Shazam-like function to identify playing songs, which was also not yet as effective as could be expected.

Overall, the feeling is that Windows Phone 7 Mango brings Microsoft ever closer to matching iOS and Android. Previewers were also keen to point out that it is a pre-release version of the OS that they are using and that it is likely that Microsoft will further polish the update before its general release. [via Win Supersite] [via Gizmodo] [via CNET]

By Electronista Staff