The official Windows Phone blog has posted a walkthrough of the new Games Hub feature in the upcoming Mango release of Windows Phone 7. As you can imagine, it borrows quite heavily from the popular features of the console Xbox Live, including a new "Recent" games browser, more ways to connect with Xbox Live friends right from the phone and new comparison views between accounts, similar to what's found on Xbox.com.
Additionally, Avatars are now fully 3D -- you can even shake your phone on the Avatar screen to make yours sick, and Avatars will "act out" certain emoticons that show up in messages from friends.
Mango is a free firmware update for all Windows Phone 7 users, and is slated to arrive sometime in this fall.
Reader Comments (16)
Posted: Jun 23rd 2011 8:18PM BlueXArmed said
I went through a whole 1.5 liter bottle of Mango Jarritos today. So damn good...
Posted: Jun 23rd 2011 8:19PM arucious said
I'll comment to please you mighty joystiq smiley
Posted: Jun 23rd 2011 8:22PM Entegy said
I can't wait for this update. I really enjoy mu phone and this update seems to improve every aspect of the experience.
Posted: Jun 23rd 2011 8:35PM RonnieCordova said
Can you pluck a Rainbow from the sky? Can you tell the stars to quit shining? Can you say to an ocean, "Hey, stop being an ocean for a little while?" NO. SUCH IS MANGO.
Posted: Jun 23rd 2011 8:47PM Shadowbender said
So if my more immature and muckier friends send emoticons that resemble, say, a penis, or a middle finger...are the avatars educated on the adult world?
Posted: Jun 23rd 2011 9:19PM ShadowXIII said
@wwqqqqww
Hey guys, check it out! I found Chicken and Stars flavored Chinese Spam!
Hey guys, check it out! I found Chicken and Stars flavored Chinese Spam!
Posted: Jun 23rd 2011 9:46PM laserboyjc said
I would like a windows 7 phone, but I don't like any of the data plans out there...
Posted: Jun 24th 2011 12:57AM Mcmax3000 said
@laserboyjc - I'm sort of in the same boat.
In my case, I can't bring myself to spend $80/month when I barely use my cell phone as it is and up here (Canada), that money will get you maybe 2GB of data if you're lucky.
If I could even get one that was just data included with either no minutes or a very, very small amount for like half that price, I'd jump on it.
Reply
In my case, I can't bring myself to spend $80/month when I barely use my cell phone as it is and up here (Canada), that money will get you maybe 2GB of data if you're lucky.
If I could even get one that was just data included with either no minutes or a very, very small amount for like half that price, I'd jump on it.
Posted: Jun 24th 2011 12:35AM littlejay2o02 said
the fancy avatar stuff is already in the xbox live extras app. it just looks like they are integrating the app into the phone without having to launch it after the original games screen. i can make my avatar fall down by shaking the phone too :) it's good they are putting everything together a bit better though, looking forward to the update!
Posted: Jun 24th 2011 1:34AM Dark Mirage said
Lack of comments show just how popular this fine OS is right now :(. Hopefully Nokia and Mango together will burn a few fires in some people.
Happy to see all these upgrades though. Truly MS sees the potential in tethering the home experience to the portable one; something that other companies seem to be out to lunch over.
Happy to see all these upgrades though. Truly MS sees the potential in tethering the home experience to the portable one; something that other companies seem to be out to lunch over.
Posted: Jun 24th 2011 2:12AM theSkillfull1 said
I've had my WP7 since November, and still love it. It's just a pleasure to use. I can't imagine going back to the other OS's that all look the same. Now if only they'd get the HBOGo app!
Posted: Jun 24th 2011 10:57AM ChupacabraHuntr said
I switched over from the iPhone to the Quantum about six months ago and I love it. I will never go back to apple. WP7 is amazing. This update will make the phone even more amazing. I am excited about all the new voice controls (i.e hands-free texting, easier Bing search), the product scanner, and the option to create a ringtone. The streamlined Xbox Live experience will be nice as well. If only this update brought with it "Words with Friends."
Posted: Jun 24th 2011 3:32PM TehPeanut said
Avatars are already full 3d on WP7.
Posted: Jun 25th 2011 2:48AM ThePenIsMightier said
@kgoo867
LOL Zune. Loser.
LOL Zune. Loser.







