Windows Phone 7 “Mango” User Interface Design Update

After a long wait drawn-out for an update Windows Phone 7 is finally here. While further accentuating the much lauded tiled user interface design, Mango boasts a reported “500” new features! It seems the wait has been worth it as the update iteratively evolves the user interface design of Windows Phone 7 to present a seriously compelling challenge and alternative to Android and iOS. I would even go as far as saying that should Microsoft put as much effort and time into the usability and user interface design of Windows 8 as they have for Windows Phone 7 then it’s mojo will certainly be back. Detractors could point out that this version of Windows Phone 7, rather than being a 7 month late update, should have been the very first iteration. However, WP7 and the Kinect’s natural user interface design may not be as second rate as technological hipsters would have us believe.

Regarding user interface design the tiles are now more widgety, if such a word exists! Apps now show more information, e.g. real-time flight information from British Airways, on the tiles themselves making them even more useful. The social integration pioneered by the ill-fated Kin phones really shines here. None of the other major smartphone OSes offer such a comprehensive integration of social networks into its fabric and user interface design. Messages are now threaded across platforms meaning that someone can send you an SMS, chat, email or Facebook message and it will all be displayed neatly in a single place of the user interface design without having to launch the separate apps. Photos taken from the phone can be added to Facebook with faces tagged natively. Similarly Facebook events are integrated into the Calendar app from where you can RSVP, take that iPhone! With improved multitasking and a more forward thinking Bing, Mango makes Windows Phone 7 worthy of purchase. The question is will the improved features and user interface design of iOS5 and Android 4.0 squeeze all the Mango juice dry!