Microsoft reveals new Mango Windows Phone

Mango will ship on new handsets by autumn

Microsoft has unveiled its newest Windows Phone release, dubbed Mango, which is set to be released on handsets by autumn this year.

The beta version of Mango is available for free download on Windows 7 handsets from today.

"Seven months ago we started our mission to make smartphones smarter and easier for people to do more," said Andy Lees, president of the mobile communications business at Microsoft.

"With Mango, Windows Phone takes a major step forward in redefining how people communicate and use apps and the internet, giving you better results with less effort."

Mango aims to help users stay on top of applications and accounts by organising information around a person, or group of people, you want to interact with rather than the app itself.

For instance, instead of having to access email, Facebook or instant messenger apps, you will be able to use "threads" to switch between these accounts within the same conversation.

Applications on the phone will also provide real-time updates and information without users having to open them.

Internet Explorer 9 will be available on Mango, and will include support for HTML 5.

Earlier this year Microsoft announced a partnership with Nokia, whereby Windows will be the primary OS for future Nokia smartphone handsets.

It has announced today a number of other partnerships with Acer, Fujitsu and ZTE Corp, which will also be providing handsets with the Mango platform.