Things are heating up for Microsoft's mobile operating system, Windows Phone 7. The operating system is on the verge of getting a
new update, which is rumored to bestow more than 500 new features to the OS. But this is not all, finally, the operating system is also seemed to be getting accepted by its peers.
Microsoft reported that Windows Phone 7 platform will be adapted by some more mobile handset makers such Acer, Fujitsu and ZTE. These companies will join the ranks of Samsung, LG and HTC who are already working on WP7 phones, not to mention Nokia, which is going to use the operating system as its lead platform. The new companies are likely to release the phones by the end of this year.
If we look a little deeper, then it looks like Microsoft is focusing on developing entry level WP7 phones to capture emerging markets such as India, China and Brazil. However, Microsoft chose not to provide any specific details of the phones. Though, it did emphasized that the new partners will allow the company to offer its phones at various price points.
Microsoft is looking to differentiate itself from the rat pack by de-focusing on apps. Instead, for Mango update, it is planning to improve the user interface. It is also planning to amalgamate related functions to reduce the clutter and the need to switch between the apps. For example, its new Thread feature will let you switch between Windows Live Messenger, text and Facebook Chat within the same conversation thread. The new update will also link multiple email accounts to one linked inbox which will be helpful in keeping track of the correspondence.
Mango will also bring text to voice and voice to text service, which will let you text even when your hands are busy elsewhere. All in all, the new features seem pretty exciting and things seem to be finally looking up for WP7. Well, it is about time WP7 starts pulling its weight, if it wants to remain relevant in Android, iOS dominated mobile market.