What is the Difference Between Windows Phone 7 and Mango (WP 7.1)?

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Windows Phone 7 and Mango (also known as Windows Phone 7.5) are two versions of the Windows Phone operating system. Mango, also referred to as Windows Phone 7.5, was a major update to the platform that introduced several new features and improvements over the original Windows Phone 7. Some of the key differences between Windows Phone 7 and Mango include:

  1. New features: Mango added over 500 new features to the platform, such as improved email and Exchange support, voice dictation, and enhanced Live Tiles.
  2. Bing integration: Mango introduced new Bing features like Bing Audio, Bing Vision, and Bing image search, as well as Windows Live Messenger functionalities.
  3. Third-party app support: Mango improved the framework for third-party app developers, allowing them to take advantage of new features and create more engaging experiences.
  4. Visual improvements: Although the overall look of Windows Phone 7 was preserved in Mango, many native tiles displayed more viewable information, providing a more informative user experience.

In summary, Mango was a substantial update to Windows Phone 7, introducing numerous features, improvements, and enhancements. It paved the way for third-party developers to create more feature-rich and functional apps, while also refining the user experience on the platform.

Comparative Table: Windows Phone 7 vs Mango (WP 7.1)

The main differences between Windows Phone 7 and Mango (WP 7.1) are as follows:

Feature Windows Phone 7 Mango (WP 7.1)
User Interface Based on Metro design language with live tiles linked to applications, features, and other items including contacts and media items. Expands the features of Windows Phone 7 by around 500 new features, including Bing Audio, Bing Vision, Bing image search, and Windows Live Messenger functionalities.
Local Database and LINQ to SQL Not available Introduces local database and LINQ to SQL for creating and querying local databases in Windows Phone applications.
Secondary Tiles and Deep Linking Not available Introduces secondary tiles and deep linking for improved app integration and user experience.
Silverlight/XNA Integration Not available Introduces Silverlight and XNA integration for enhanced application development.
Multitasking Not available Supports graphical multitasking of third-party apps.
Internet Explorer 9 Mobile Not available Includes a mobile version of Internet Explorer 9 that supports the same web standards.

Mango (WP 7.1) is a major software update for Windows Phone 7, adding new features and enhancements to the platform.