Mango RTM build 7720 leaked, flashable to devices (Update)

Whoa! Someone over at XDA-Developers is quite the connected cool kid. User longshot442 has uploaded a build of what he claims to be the official Mango 7720 RTM which is flashable to any device that would have it. Members in the thread have confirmed that it does indeed work without conflict, so this looks like a universal build (similar to Microsoft's own beta builds). There are also instructions on how to do it yourself available here, but be warned that flashing a device is always risky. You could end up with a bricked device, so unless you know what you're doing we recommend you wait!

We're looking forward to seeing any new features pop up in 7720. (If you find one remember that you can always tip us so we can write an article about it.)

Update: Here's the in-progress list of devices that have been confirmed to work with this RTM leak:

• HTC 7 Pro (and Arrive)


• HTC HD7


• HTC Mozart


• HTC Trophy (International and Verizon)


• LG Optimus 7


• Samsung Focus v1.3


• Samsung Omnia 7

Via: WPCentral
Source: XDA-Developers

Weekly Poll: What feature do you want to see in Tango?

This Week's Poll
We've been hearing a lot about the still forthcoming Windows Phone Tango lately. First we heard a Compal employee slip the codename (along with Apollo), later we spotted a mysterious build number of 8200 in the wild, and only three days later we received the first (alleged) photo of one of Tango's features: content search. Earlier today we received our biggest hint at what Tango could mean for Microsoft in the long-run, with sources claiming the update will provide the framework for low-end devices and fuel Nokia's pursuit to recapture its global standing.

Putting all of that aside, let's geek out a bit. What feature do you want to see appear in Tango? We've added a few options in the poll below, like better multitasking (one of the things we hate in Mango), the inevitable Internet Explorer 10, full support for a Skype video chat client, a proper notifications screen for management, and finally better landscape support. But we've done one better: you can vote for two features in the poll! We figured some of you like more than one feature, so feel free to pick another. If you don't see one, click on 'Other' and leave a comment for us below so we can talk about it! So what are you waiting for? Vote now!


Last week's poll results for "Are you expecting a Nokia Windows Phone on August 17th?" were pretty darn interesting! Jump past the break to see them!

Last Week's Poll
Last week we asked you if you thought Nokia would really unveil a device at GamesCom 2011 on August 17th. Invitations heavily suggested it, but a day later sources denied that Nokia would. That didn't stop you from voting, and it turns out 42.86% of you think it really will happen after all. What was more interesting was the even split between Maybe and No, as both pulled in 28.57% of the votes. Well we'll see: we're only a week away from finding out!

Rumor: Tango to support low-end hardware, "all about Nokia"

There's been a certain amount of mystery surrounding what comes after the update we haven't even officially received yet. Yes, Tango has been the talk of rumortown lately with the update making a cameo in an app and flaunting some of its new features. The always-reliable Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet has come up with her own set of rumors from anonymous sources that could come true.

Apparently Tango is "all about Nokia", or more specifically the manufacturer's play to drive Windows Phones into the mid and low-end markets as quickly as possible. It wouldn't be the first time a seemingly minor Windows Phone update brought some hardware benefits, as you may recall NoDo brought support for CDMA handsets. However the rumor gets a little more bizarre from there; Tango may just come in two releases and "may be focused largely or even exclusively on the Asian market."

Speculation time! We're more than just a little confused as to how Tango will come as two releases, unless the tipster meant that one would be for high-end devices (for feature updates/bug fixes) while the other would be for the new mid/low-end (for hardware support). When it comes to the Asian market exclusivity of the update, we're left scratching our heads as one of Mango's most touted features is its expansion in Asian language support. However, we do recall ZTE saying their first Windows Phones would release early next year so maybe Tango is somehow related to that? Plus mid/low-end devices go hand-in-hand with Asian markets, so maybe Mango isn't enough in that aspect.

Well don't worry your little noggin' for now because before all of that comes Mango, and it's right around the corner!

Source: ZDNet

Tango seen in new photo with Content Search, makes us lust for more

Ain't she a beauty? What you're staring at above is a feature that is not yet available in your Windows Phone but in someone else's. Content search (or more commonly known as universal search) is one of the most defining parts of any smartphone OS, and somehow Microsoft has yet to incorporate it into Windows Phone. However according to a moderator on forum Pretaktovanie.sk, the feature is on its way in the next update:

"Content Search (Build 8200 Tango), it more or less works, first it´s finding content directly on the phone, and then on the web, the good thing is that Facebook pages work now (finally), i don´t know about twitter/LinkedIn, i haven´t them synced up, voice activated searching is also possible, similar function what iPhone has."

Yes he also specifically mentions Build 8200 which was spotted a few days ago and what many believe is Tango, the next software update. We're just going to reiterate what we said about build 8200: it's awesome to see Microsoft already working on the next update and this leak is a reassuring sign we will see the update shortly after the Mango season passes...but then again, we want it now.

Via: WPCentral
Source: Pretaktovanie.sk

Windows Phone 7.10.8200 spotted, Tango already in the wild?

We knew Microsoft was thinking long-term with Windows Phone, but if this story is true they're really ahead of the curve. According to the Dude Where is My Update? app, which takes record of all of a Windows Phone's stats, has listed a new unheard of build: 7.10.8200. Compare that to 7.10.7720, the confirmed Windows Phone Mango RTM build number and you'll understand why some are thinking this is most likely the next version of the operating system, codenamed Tango. If it is, that's phenomenal news and a strong sign that Microsoft is most likely working on an update to slide in between Mango this Fall and Apollo next year. If NoDo is any indication we can probably expect it around March. Besides that we don't know anything about Tango so feel free to share your dream list of new features below.

Via: MobileTechWorld, Nanapho.jp

Vodaphone HTC 7 Trophy receiving firmware update, right on cue

Microsoft promised the world another Update-pocalypse and today we're seeing the first move toward that. Vodafone's HTC 7 Trophy is receiving its own super special update as we speak according to WMPowerUser. We have no idea what's in the update, but since this is allegedly  Vodafone-specific it could be related to network configuration and performance. If you just so happen to receive this update or any other one for that matter, feel free to drop a comment here or tip us with whatever you find.

Source: WMPowerUser

Microsoft Promises More Firmware Updates for Phones, Update-pocalypse Part II is near

Last week four of our beloved Windows Phones had received specific firmware updates in a single day. I called it "Update-pocalypse" and it included unlocked Dell Venue Pro's, the HTC Mozart, the LG Optimus 7 and the Samsung Omnia 7. Now Eric Hautala has posted a quick message on the Windows Phone Blog saying we can expect to see even more hardware-specific updates heading our way in the near future. No timeline was given nor were any specific phones discussed, but give it a few days and you'll probably start seeing them roll out.

In a related note, many Samsung Focus owners (myself included) have been wondering where the heck that 7392 security update is for our v1.3 devices (v1.4 have already received all of their updates). Well Hautala mentioned that the Samsung Focus v1.3 does not have issues updating to 7392 (which is what some were guessing) and that the update "will be bundled in our next update for AT&T customers with Focus 1.3 phones."

I know minor updates are, well, minor but damn it I just enjoy seeing that manufacturers actually care enough to update their more than 8-month old phones with tweaks and bugfixes. The last round of Update-pocalyspe went well, so I'm hoping round two goes even smoother.

Source: Windows Phone Blog

Developers: New Build of Mango Beta released and New SDK

Thanks to a post from Cliff Simpkins over at the Windows Phone Developer Blog, it seems like those earlier grumblings were true: developers are receiving a Mango Beta update! There's a keyword there that you still have to remind yourself of -- Beta. Yes despite Microsoft RTM-ing Mango yesterday, this developer build of Mango is still pre-release software. However, Simpkins makes it crystal clear that this is as close to a Release Candidate of Mango as you're going to get. The biggest takeaway from that is it means the Mango APIs are "locked" and will not change from this build to the RTM build. So developers can now pour in 100% of their effort into their in-progress apps before August 22nd pops up on the calendar.

So how are you supposed to get this update? Well if you're an invited developer (who this was officially only ever meant for) then your phone will receive an update notice "over the next few days". If you're impatient and think your update could be ready, then head on over to the Microsoft Connect site where you can find all of the files you need to update. Here's a step-by-step penned by Mr. Simpkins himself:

The process to update your phone with build 7712 is pretty straight-forward:

1. Make a copy of the backup you took when you updated to the Mango Beta 2 pre-release (which I’m sure you did) and put it in a safe place, if it isn’t in one already
2. Return to Connect.Microsoft.com (we’re using the same program you were invited to join last month) and download the freshly posted files, which includes a new Zune client and a new UpdateWP executable
3. Head to the Control Panel and uninstall the Beta 2 software (Zune client and UpdateWP) and tools (WPSDK) that you installed last month
4. Install the new software and tools that you just downloaded from Connect
5. Fire up the new Zune client beta (4.8.2134.0) to check for the new update
6. Zune will then update your phone from 7661 to 7712

Of course, what's a new build without a new SDK? That's exactly what Microsoft has given in its new "Beta 2 Refresh" package of tools (the RC version will be available later in the month). Anyway, get started from the Windows Phone Developer Blog and read everything before going on to the update.

So are you guys excited for this pleasant little Mango-flavored surprise? You can practically see a new Windows Phone 7.5 device can't you?

Source: Windows Phone Developer Blog

Fujitsu IS12T running Windows Phone 7.5, name officially confirmed?

We noticed in the press release for the newly-official Fujitsu IS12T that the OS is in fact called Windows Phone 7.5. Then we spotted the above photo from Engadget and it also very clearly states the same name. Well it looks like it's finally time to retire the Mango codename because Microsoft's Windows Phone 7.5 is on its way!

Soure: Engadget, au KDDI

T-Mobile HD7 receiving software update, just one more away from another Update-pocalypse

Are you HD7 owners on T-Mobile jealous that the Dell Venue Pro is getting its own super special software update today? Feel like your device should get a random update too? Well there's good news for you: the T-Mobile HTC HD7 is getting a software update! So far according to WPCentral's tipster the only real changes so far are the firmware and radio versions. We'll be on the look out for exactly what the HD7 is receiving from this update, and if you've already updated your device and spotted something why don't you tip us so the whole world gets to know?

P.S. If at least one more device gets a software update, we officially declare today as Update-pocalypse Part II: Update-ier.

Source: WPCentral

T-Mobile Dell Venue Pro update rolling out later today (hopefully)

We know some of you had to be crushed when you heard the update for the T-Mobile Dell Venue Pro had suffered from a last-minute delay after being announced last week. It was a cruel bait-and-switch and you didn't deserve it. Well if you're ready to open your heart again, Dell's Lionel Menchaca has once again set a date for the promised update: later today! We know, you trusted him once before and he disappointed you but hopefully this time things are going to work out. Besides, you don't want to go into Mango with a buggy phone and a cynical view on life now do you? Keep your eyes glued to your phone (in other words: do what you usually do) and watch a little longer for that update notice.

Source: Twitter (@LionelatDell)

Mango Officially Released to Manufacturers (RTM)!

Well it looks like those rumors were off by just a few days: Microsoft just announced via the Windows Phone Blog that their latest and greatest build of Mango has been released to manufacturers! For those who may not know what this means, we'll translate it for you: Mango is complete. Now do you get why this is a big deal? Here's a quote from Terry Myerson's post about whats happening now and whats coming next:

This marks the point in the development process where we hand code to our handset and mobile operator partners to optimize Mango for their specific phone and network configurations. Here on the Windows Phone team, we now turn to preparing for the update process. The Mango update for current Windows Phone handsets will be ready this fall, and of course will come pre-installed on new Windows Phones.

Rest easy, because Microsoft is already hard at work on making sure those Mango updates go smoothly for current-gen hardware. Judging from the overall pretty high success rate of those who updated to the Mango Beta, we'd say that things will probably go smoother. So who brought the champagne? We need to celebrate!

Side note: Did you catch Myerson saying the update "will be ready by Fall" but he curiously didn't say the same about the hardware? We have a feeling Mango hardware is going to come out sooner than those updates. Need proof? Microsoft announced RTM just hours before the Fujitsu event. Hmm....

Source: Windows Phone Blog

T-Mobile Dell Venue Pro Update Delayed, Crushed Hearts a Common Side-Effect

Sorry for getting your hopes up yesterday, you tortured Dell Venue Pro owners on T-Mobile. A tweet from Dell's Lionel Menchaca sadly confirmed a last-minute change of plans for the long, long, long awaited firmware update. The new date is now next week and heck, he even apologized in his tweet. Still we're still only a few days away until "next week" and do we need to remind you just how important this update is so you can wait patiently for just a little longer?

Via: WPCentral
Source: Twitter (@LionelatDell)

Update-pocalypse: Dell Venue Pro, HTC Mozart, LG Optimus 7 and Samsung Omnia 7 all receive updates

Yeah, you read that right: we have officially dubbed today as Update-pocalypse. Why? Well it's because not only have we heard about the Dell Venue Pro update as well as the LG Optimus 7 update within the last hour, there's also even more on their way to users. WinRumors reports that updates for those two devices as well as the HTC Mozart and Samsung Omnia 7 are also on the loose. That means five Windows Phones are being updated today, and therefore Update-pocalypse is applicable. For those of you with the mentioned devices, keep your eyes open

If you get an update for a device that we haven't mentioned, send us a tip!

Source: WinRumors

LG Optimus 7 receiving software update today?

Today is a busy one for firmware updates! We just talked about the long-awaited update for the Dell Venue Pro moments ago, and now we've heard from Tom Warren of WinRumors. He says the LG E900 (aka the Optimus 7) has a new software update rolling out to users today and it includes better touch sensitivity. We've snooped around the web and other users have also received the update, so this appears to be legitimate. If you have an Optimus 7, you better be on the look out for a shiny new firmware version!

Source: Twitter (@tomwarren) (@CrisRowlands)

Dell Venue Pro update for T-Mobile rolling out now with remained of unlocked device updates

Awesome news for Dell Venue Pro owners in the crowd: your promised update is finally on its way! We just spotted the above tweet from Dell's Lionel Menchaca, in which he confirmed that T-Mobile users will begin to receive update notifications today. For those with unlocked devices that have yet to see an update notice, its also said that your update should be on its way today as well. This firmware update is huge for existing Venue Pro users, the most significant fix being those frustrating Wi-Fi lock up issues. Other fixes include improved signal strength, camera additions, and performance tweaks.

So if you were sitting on the fence when the Dell Venue Pro went on sale, you can still pick one up on the cheap starting at $0.99 with a new T-Mobile contract and $299 for an unlocked device.

Via: WPCentral
Source: Twitter (@LionelatDell)

Update for Samsung Focus v1.4 Now Available!

Wow, they weren't kidding about that 'expediting' process. Eric Hautala just took to the Windows Phone Blog less than 24 hours after his last post to announce that Samsung Focus owners can expect their promised updates....now. Or now. Or anytime starting from now actually. When AT&T signals your device, you should receive a pop-up notification telling you its ready to update. If you want to try an easier way, just connect your phone to your PC and the Zune desktop software should find the update if it's ready when it first boots up. So what are you waiting for? A whole new world of copying, pasting, and security updates awaits you!

Source: Windows Phone Blog

Focus v1.4 update enters scheduling phase, Microsoft 'expediting' it for faster rollout

Good news everyone! Microsoft just announced via the Windows Phone Blog that the long-awaited combo pack of pre-NoDo, NoDo, and 7392 updates for Samsung Focus v1.4 devices has finally left AT&T testing. What's more, Eric Hautala has promised they are expediting scheduling with news about the roll out becoming available in the next 24 hours. This is most likely in an effort to get developers with affected v1.4 devices up to speed with the Mango beta and make good on their promise of a 'mid-July' update. Unfortunately Hautala made no mention of whether v1.4 devices would be able to make the leap to Mango, but we expect to hear about that very soon. So now that the update is finally here v1.4 owners, are you relieved that the nightmare is over or still bitter about the whole debacle?

Source: Windows Phone Blog

AT&T update for Samsung Focus 1.4 in testing phase...and that's it

We know there are a ton of Samsung Focus owners who are extremely annoyed that they cannot upgrade to NoDo thanks to getting stuck with the affected v1.4 revision hardware. Last week Microsoft's Eric Hautala urged those affected to wait just a little bit longer as the update was Microsoft-approved and had already begun its testing phase with AT&T. Hautala returned to the Windows Phone Blog this week once again, but sadly it appears the update is still stuck in testing limbo. The post was so short that was can actually quote the entire thing right here:

Hi everyone. I don’t have much this week. AT&T is now testing the update for Focus v. 1.4 owners, and we’re still working to deliver that to you as soon as possible. I’ll be back with more update news next week.

Eric

Yup, that's all of it. We know Microsoft has probably been extremely busy what with the press receiving Mango updates and then releasing it to many of their registered developers abroad, but it's still disappointing to know that a device originally released in November 2010 still has yet to receive a single update 7 months later. Just hold on a little bit longer folks.

Source: Windows Phone Blog

Samsung Focus v1.4 Close to Finally Updating, Orange Omnia 7's Update Delievering

Last night Eric Hautala took to the Windows Phone Blog and dropped a quick post offering some up-to-date info about the status of Samsung updates in progress. First off, Hautala mentions that they are finally close to completing the update for those poor Samsung Focus v1.4 owners. He also tells us that, when it's eventually rolled out, the update will be packing a triple punch containing pre-NoDo, NoDo, and the 7392 security update.

Moving on to the Samsung Windows Phone across the pond, the Omnia 7 on Orange has resumed the delivery process to devices. The update contains both NoDo and 7392, ensuring you're all caught up with the majority of users. Finally, Hautala reminds us that AT&T is already delivering the 7392 updates for the HTC Surround and LG Quantum.

Source: Windows Phone Blog