Microsoft's Mango promises to connect apps to Bing search

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) took the wraps off the newest version of its Windows Phone mobile operating system during a New York City press event Tuesday morning, announcing hundreds of new features highlighted by tighter platform integration that promises a smarter approach to mobile applications.

Codenamed Mango and expected to reach consumers this fall, the Windows Phone upgrade introduces App Connect, which ties applications to Bing search tools to foster a more relevant and efficient user experience. For example, if a consumer searches Bing for movie information, their Windows Phone device will generate showtimes and theater locations but also anticipate subsequent ticket purchase requirements by presenting digital movie services provider Fandango's ticketing application. Also new in Mango: Improved Live Tiles to deliver more real-time information to the device's homescreen, app multitasking, and Live Agents tools giving developers the flexibility to build app multitasking scenarios without compromising battery life and performance.

Windows Phone Mango also touts the new People Hub, which integrates multiple communications tools and social networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Outlook and LinkedIn in one location. Mango additionally detects the best method of communication for interacting with contacts and introduces group text and IM options. Personalized Live Tiles offer real-time social media updates, and built-in text-to-voice and voice-to-text functionality supports hands-free communication.

Mango includes Internet Explorer with HTML5, which Microsoft says translates to a faster mobile web experience. New browser tools include Local Scout, which prioritizes local search results according to user preferences and recommends nearby points of interest; Visual Search, which initiates Bing searches via barcodes, QR codes and Microsoft Tags, and Music Search for accessing song and artist info. Mango additionally boasts support for Augmented Reality solutions.

Windows Phone Mango brings with it new languages as well as new hardware partnerships with Acer, Fujitsu Limited and ZTE Corp. In addition, Nokia (NYSE:NOK) confirmed Mango will power its first Windows Phone-based smartphones. Earlier this year, Nokia announced a strategic agreement with Microsoft that makes Windows Phone its primary smartphone platform moving forward.

With the coming launch of Windows Phone Mango, Microsoft will begin phasing out its legacy Windows Mobile 6.x operating system this summer, informing developers they can no longer submit new applications or update existing apps from that date forward, although consumers may continue downloading and purchasing software from the Windows Marketplace for Mobile storefront.

In an email sent to developers, Microsoft states that beginning July 15, programmers will not be able to modify app prices, metadata and related information, although they can remove Windows Marketplace apps by contacting developer support--Microsoft's App Hub will continue to supply sales and download reports, and the company will also continue processing payouts.

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