Microsoft Announces WP7 Update: Named Mango

At its event today, Microsoft announced the much speculated update for Windows Phone 7 named Mango. This is to be a very large release, with over 500 new features according to Microsoft. This will include some much anticipated features such as full Multitasking, support for HTML5 in the browser, and deeper social networking integration.

One of the most  enticing features, however, is the local scout, an integrated feature in bing that using your location to give you recommendations to restauants, things to do, favorites, and shop. All of these translate into a lot less searching for what you want. The search is integrated tightly into the app ecosystem. For example, when one searches for "Portillos" local scout may bring up a restaurant rating app such as Urbanspoon.

The update also includes Bing vision, which is nearly the same as Google Goggles, but much more tightly integrated into the OS.

All of this adds up to make a feature packed update, that signs on more new OEMs for even more selection for your Windows Phone. Unfortunately, it won't be on your phone until this fall.