Microsoft updates Games Hub for WP7 Mango

SOFTWARE HOUSE Microsoft has revealed some of the new features that will be part of the Games Hub in the upcoming Windows Phone 7 (WP7) Mango update.

Visually the Games Hub will look tidier and more minimalist with the aim to display games and information more clearly. Microsoft has taken feedback into account and improved performance and added features.

The Windows Phone blog said, "The Games Hub in Mango now comes with many of the features previously found in the popular Xbox LIVE Extras app, such as 3D avatars with fun animations, a new Collection view, and more. Here's a rundown of the changes."

The collection of downloaded games will display in a list ordered alphabetically, similar to the way apps are shown. Once there are 20 or more games the three most frequently used will appear at the top of the list.

Like on the Xbox 360, the Games Hub on Mango will have 3D character avatars. This was previously possible by downloading the Xbox Live Extras app but it will be a standard part of the Games Hub when Mango is released later this year.

The avatars can do some fairly pointless but possibly amusing things like wave, yawn, dance or faint.

There will also be more integration of features found in the Xbox Live Extras app. These include the ability to see which friends are online, achievements, profile editing and notifications.

Xbox Live messaging will grant the ability to read and reply to messages from another Windows Phone, PC or Xbox. It will also change your avatar's mood if the message contains emoticons.

Some users received the news well but others were calling out about one thing that was missing. Sogeman said, "Is it buying games with Microsoft Points? No? Well, nothing to see here then." µ