Microsoft rolls out Mango update for Windows Phone

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is now rolling out its Windows Phone 7.5 (a.k.a. "Mango") mobile operating system. In addition, the company debuted a revamped version of its Windows Marketplace app storefront, dubbed Web Marketplace.

Click here to watch a video about Windows Phone Mango.

Interestingly, Microsoft also announced a handful of new features for Mango. Specifically, the company said Windows Phone 7.5 will support "Internet Sharing," which allows devices with radios capable of broadcasting a Wi-Fi connection to "tether" their cellular Internet service to other devices. Microsoft also announced support for visual voicemail, which varies by carrier.

"There are no new hardware requirements for this feature, so all existing devices in market along with new hardware will be capable of supporting visual voicemail when enabled by the carrier," a Microsoft spokesperson said. 

Microsoft's new Web Marketplace allows users to browse for apps on a desktop or laptop and wirelessly download the app directly to their devices or email download instructions to download the app at a later point. The revised marketplace also includes My Windows Phone, which allows users to remotely lock or wipe their devices in case of theft.

The Web Marketplace is available in 35 countries and can track a user's history, allowing for a smoother transition when switching handsets.

Earlier this week, several device makers announced new phones optimized to run Windows Phone Mango including the the HTC Radar 4G, Samsung Omnia W and ZTE Tania. 

Windows Phone 7.5 is the first major update for the OS since Windows Phone 7 was released one year ago. Microsoft first announced plans for Windows Phone Mango in February during a Mobile World Congress press conference.

For more:
- see this Windows Phone blog
- see this Mobile Burn article

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