Windows Phone Thoughts: Mango Getting Good Reviews, but Challenges Await

"The next version of the Windows Phone operating system, code-named Mango, got heaps of praise today, as embargoes lifted for reviewers to comment on a technical preview of the code they tested. But for Microsoft, there's plenty of heavy lifting left to do. After nearly a week of testing Mango, CNET's own Bonnie Cha and Jessica Dolcourt write that "Mango is a satisfying upgrade from the original Windows Phone OS, and one that brings the platform closer to the competition."

This is a solid analysis of the challenges that Microsoft faces with Windows Phone 7 - Android has tremendous momentum, as does the iPhone, and Microsoft needs to create a compelling package for consumers to want these phones. Personally, I'm excited about Mango - the new features and improvements will put Windows Phone 7 on much better footing when it comes to competing with the iPhone and Android devices. There's a long way to go still, but Mango is a step in the right direction. Here's hoping the hardware we see released in the Mango timeframe will kick it up a notch. I'm looking at some of the Android superphones with envy...