Microsoft has finally rolling out its Windows Phone 7.5 and though the update is expected to be packed with new feature, the roll-out
itself seems to be treading the beaten path. As in the past, even with 7.5 update, Microsoft seems to be messing up the process royally. The update is currently available for select models only. However, there is no clarity about who exactly is eligible for getting update in the first round.
The first source of confusion is Microsoft's official Windows Phone blog. The blog states that the update is a "simultaneous, coordinated, global update that cuts across carriers, phone models and countries." While a couple of lines down from there, it mentions that the roll-out is gradual and would not be "available to everyone at once." The blog then asks you to wait for update-related message on your phone which will pop up when your handset is ready for receiving Mango. Though, it would be really helpful if Microsoft could make up its mind if Mango is a "global update" or a staggered one.
Once Microsoft gets past this rocky update experience, the real question that it has to answer is whether it would be able to compete with iOS and Android and carve out a niche for itself. So far, Mango has received positive reviews from industry pundits. The update features upgraded communication options and better app selection. Though, at 30,000 odd apps, its repository is nowhere near Apple and Android App stores, but still it features pretty robust collection. All in all, Microsoft claims to have made 500 major and minor changes to its platform. Keep watching this space for the evaluation of new features.