Windows Phone Mango: First Impressions
My HTC HD7 just updated to the latest version of Windows Phone 7 (Mango), perfectly timed with the launch of iOS 5, allowing for a direct comparison between operating systems.
Key Improvements in Mango
App List Organization
The application list has been better organized and now includes new search functionality. Additionally, the animation between the app window and list has improved.
Wireless Network Management
Improved wireless network management, now making it possible to view IP address and network configuration.
Battery Saver
New battery saver functionality displaying detailed information about battery status and power consumption.
Contact History
Contact history integrates social networks, emails, and calls in a well-organized and thoughtful way.
Facebook Chat Integration
MMS messaging has been integrated with social networks, making Facebook chat directly available.
Internet Explorer 9
The new version of IE9 feels quite fast, though the bottom navigation bar is a bit unusual.
Calendar Improvements
The event calendar improved how information is displayed, using colors to differentiate birthdays and Facebook events.
Facebook Notifications
The profile has been integrated with Facebook to display Facebook notifications.
Email Account Linking
Email accounts now have the option to link accounts and display conversations.
Enhanced Maps
Maps now include location information by categories near sites, making it easy to find restaurants and deals.
Overall Experience
The interface in general works quite fast, and the update process was very smooth. With all these changes, there's hope that this operating system and its alliance with phone manufacturers like Nokia and HTC will position this alternative for smartphone users.
Historical Context
Note: This review from October 2011 captures Windows Phone 7's "Mango" update at a pivotal moment in mobile OS evolution. While Windows Phone ultimately didn't capture significant market share against iOS and Android, many of its UI innovations (like the Live Tiles interface) influenced modern mobile design patterns.