Windows Phone Mango update set to land in the next week or two

Microsoft has confirmed that its long-awaited Mango update will roll out to Windows Phone devices in "the next week or two", as customers continue to wait for the promised enhancements including better multi-tasking and full IE9 browsing.

In a blog post on Wednesday, Eric Hautala, general manager of customer experience engineering for Windows Phone, explained that Microsoft and its partners have been laying the groundwork for Windows Phone 7.5 for months.

Hautala also repeated warnings to frustrated consumers not to install unofficial or leaked copies of the update.

"During the official Windows Phone 7.5 update process, every Windows Phone will also receive software from the handset manufacturer. This matched and paired firmware has been painstakingly tuned so that your phone and apps work with all the new features of Windows Phone 7.5," he said.

"Since your phone requires the proper firmware to function as designed, my advice is simple: steer clear of bootleg updates and homebrew tools."

Hautala also pointed customers to Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac and the Zune software for PCs, which will be needed to update devices.

"If you haven't already, I encourage you to install it. I think you'll like the update-related improvements which speed up the overall update process and give you more control over backups," he said.

Microsoft's Where's My Phone Update? table currently lists UK operators O2, Vodafone, 3 and Orange as 'delivering update', but there has been no activity yet on V3's Windows Phone handset.

Microsoft is hoping that Mango will encourage a whole new wave of converts to Windows Phone, as the company looks to compete with rivals Apple and RIM to win business hearts and minds.

Mango has certainly caught the attention of V3 readers. A poll last week found that three-quarters are planning to buy a smartphone with the new operating system, such as the new HTC Radar and Titan handsets.