Microsoft unveils new version of mobile operating system

Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday officially unveiled the latest version of its mobile operating system, touting new features that differentiate itself from competitors.

The major new update of Microsoft's Windows phone software, codenamed Mango, includes hundreds of new features that will deliver smarter and easier communications, applications and Internet experiences, the company said.

For example, the new software can integrate a user's text message, email, Facebook and Twitter chats, Windows Live Messenger in one, easy-to-access location, allowing the user to switch between them within the same conversation.

There is also a feature that can connect applications already on a Windows phone, or new applications available to download, with search results and users' other activities in a way that Microsoft said is deeper than any other platform.

Mango will use a mobile version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer 9 browser, and will leverage built-in phone capabilities like location awareness, camera and microphone to offer more relevant search results and local information and suggestions.

"Mango builds on the work that we did in Windows Phone 7 and extends a lot of key scenarios around communications, apps, and Internet experiences -- with even more capability and a deeper level of integration," Greg Sullivan, senior product manager of mobile communications at Microsoft, said in a statement.

Microsoft said Mango will be offered for free to all eligible Windows phone customers when it's available in the fall.

The company on Tuesday also announced new partnerships with Acer, Fujitsu and ZTE in its latest efforts to bring more Windows phone handsets to the market.

Posted in: Microsoft unveils new version of mobile operating system