Windows Phone Mango to be unveiled earlier than expected?

Microsoft has the big Windows Phone Mango update coming up in some months from now which is to improve certain things on the platform, as well as bring new ones.

Microsoft has already demoed the features that are to come with Mango, but we didn’t have an idea about the devices or manufacturers who will roll out handsets. But that changed when Microsoft showed off four new WP7 Mango handsets at the Worldwide Partner Conference, of which 3 were from new manufacturers (Acer, ZTE and Fujitsu) and the other was made by Samsung.

The Samsung device grabbed more attention for being known as the WP7 variant of the Galaxy S II.

But how could we disregard companies like Fujitsu, Acer and ZTE who have been around in the electronics biz from some time? And now, the focus has turned towards Fujitsu’s bid, which according to reports will be the first manufacturer to roll out a Windows Phone Mango handset. The handset known as the IS12T will be shown off in August during the KDDI in Japan.

This comes as a surprise to many, since the launch of WP7 Mango will happen earlier than expected. Quite frankly, we’re not used to device launches being preponed.

There is not much info about the specs of the Fujitsu IS12T, but it is undoubtedly one of the flagship WP7 handsets. Priced at a reasonable 30,000 – 40,000 Yen (Rs. 17,000 – Rs. 22,500), the IS12T has all the makings of being a crowd favourite, if marketed appropriately. And it seems like the handset will be launched in a pink version as well, which calls out to women.

With new manufacturers showing faith in the WP7 platform, it seems like WP7 has all the potential to rise up a notch to be the number three platform in the world behind Android and iOS.

The new Mango update features some interesting additions to the platform like a front facing camera, which indicates that integration with Skype is on its way.