Microsoft proclaims threaded email in Windows Phone 7 update

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER Microsoft is claiming that productivity will take "a big step forward" with its upcoming Windows Phone 7 update.

Microsoft has been drumming up support for what it calls Windows Phone 7.5, codenamed Mango, by revealing features such as Internet Explorer 9, updates to Xbox Live integration, aggregation of instant messaging networks and improved battery life management. Now the firm is promoting productivity improvements aimed at improving the way businesses look at devices that run the Windows Phone 7 operating system.

During its Tech Ed conference in Atlanta, Microsoft showed off features such as being able to pin email folders to the start screen and have a conversation, or threaded, view in the email client. There's also the ability to search for emails on remote email services, which seems like a rather rudimentary feature at this stage.

Microsoft also showed off its Lync application for Windows Phone 7, saying it will allow users to see and communicate with their colleagues just like its desktop equivalent. Other changes affect administration of Windows Phone 7 devices and include alpha-numeric password support and data management to protect emails and documents.

The constant stream of information coming out from Microsoft about its Windows Phone 7 update shows that the firm is trying very hard to catch up with Apple, Google and Research in Motion. However features such as a threaded email view are hardly impressive when you consider Android's built in email client has been doing this for a very long time. However giving system and network administrators more control over its mobile phones might be a good way for Microsoft to get into the enterprise market.

Microsoft still has not revealed when it will release its Windows Phone 7 update but it will need to do so before Apple and Google release major updates to their smartphone operating systems if it wants to attract customers. µ