Deeper Xbox Live, Facebook Integration Revealed For Mango

Windows Phone fanatics are waiting patiently for the upcoming software update that will bring them from Windows Phone 7 to Windows Phone 7.5

Code-named "Mango," the new firmware is poised to change the way the operating system functions, and could alter the way everyone else looks at mobile software.

At an official media unveiling two months ago, Microsoft said more than 500 new features will be coming with the Mango update.

These include new integration with Twitter and LinkedIn, group messaging and "pictures history" features, enhanced 3D visual technology, and Internet Explorer 9 software that is identical to the PC version.

In addition, according to new details that are pouring out from a recently updated Mango development kit, here are a few more features that will be coming to WP7.5:

- Streaming video or music content from the phone's Web browser will continue even if users open up another app or put the phone in sleep mode.

- Expanded Xbox Live connectivity - voice chatting with other Xbox Live users, attending or hosting Xbox Live parties, and possibly even playing online Xbox 360 games in real-time with console players.

- Extremely deep Facebook integration, tying the user's login credentials directly to the phone, eliminating the need to log in over and over.

In other words, Mango looks to be one heck of an update. The only thing to worry about is whether or not the update will happen as scheduled. Microsoft hasn't exactly boasted a stellar record with Windows Phone software updates up to this point.

What is exciting, though, is the way Mango looks at the mobile infrastructure. As demonstrated by the Facebook integration details, Microsoft wants to get rid of the idea of "launching apps." Instead, everything you used to do with an app should be part of the phone's normal experience, it argues.

So instead of launching a "movie times" app, just search for the movie you want to see in the built-in browser and you'll get movie times right away. Want to play Farmville? Don't worry about typing in your Facebook log-in info; it's already saved to the phone.

This is just a basic outline of what will be heading our way with Mango. We're sure to hear a lot more as its release becomes imminent.

Via Rethink Wireless

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