Microsoft used its MIX11 conference to showcase the next version of its Windows Phone platform, codenamed Mango, stating that it is “providing developers with more hardware capabilities, better browsing and improved tooling, as well as expanded opportunities and Windows Phone Marketplace options.” Together, this will provide a richer application environment that “expands mobile usage scenarios,” it said. The next version of the platform is set to arrive on “new and existing handsets later this year,” with developers presented with updated Windows Phone Developer Tools in May 2011.

New features of the platform include application multitasking support, to enable background processing, audio and file transfer, and fast application switching; deeper phone integration, so apps can, “for example, take better advantage of the versatility of Live Tiles”; and access to the camera and Motion Sensor library, so developers can build apps that incorporate device hardware and build augmented reality experiences. The improved developer tools will include a performance profiler and sensor simulation, enabling developers to build “more integrated and high-performing” apps. It also adds support for Silverlight and XNA in the same project, structured storage which enables access to an SQL database, access to calendar and contacts through apps, “and much more.”

According to The Register, the OS has been optimised to enable applications to run faster, use less memory, and deliver improved scrolling. It will also improve device battery life. The report also says that the code has been optimised without requiring developers to change their apps.

The company also provided an “early glimpse of app concepts” for the next version of Windows Phone OS, “with new experiences from Skype, Spotify, Layar, Qantas, Amazon Shopping and Kik Messenger.”

Joe Belfiore (pictured), corporate VP for Windows Phone Program Management at Microsoft, said: “The next release of Windows Phone represents the evolution of our strategy for ensuring that developers are at the forefront of ‘what’s next’ by investing in even richer customer experiences, a powerful application platform and a thriving ecosystem. We will soon deliver a new set of Windows Phone Developer Tools that will enable developers to create a new generation of apps that are even faster, more capable and better integrated with Windows Phone.”

The Register also reports that Belfiore stated that the company is “optimistic” that it can rollout the handset upgrades without encountering the same problems it has with its current NoDo update. Speaking at MIX11, he said: “We expect we are going to get these problems licked and have no problems in the future.”

Marketplace update
Microsoft is also readying some updates to the Windows phone Marketplace. It said that more countries will be supported for the “creation and commerce” of apps, with the total increasing to 35 from 16 – with China the most notable of the new additions. It also trumpeted “expanded reach,” with a dedicated games Marketplace, parental controls, and a new beta distribution service.

The company is also targeting improved discoverability, with “exposure through Bing Search ‘extras,’ expanded search functionality and new merchandising opportunities.” Additional monetisation opportunities will be provided through extended operator billing support and expanded country support for the advertising SDK, and the Marketplace procedures have also been “streamlined,” including App Hub application submission, update, management and reporting capabilities.

The number of apps available through the Windows Phone Marketplace has passed 13,000.