Recently, over at the Windows Phone blog, Eric Hautala published a post that said the Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) update was starting. Last week, I mentioned that Mango will be supported on all unlocked Venue Pro smartphones and T-Mobile and Cincinnati Bell SIM-locked units. The Mango upgrade process started earlier this week and like previous updates, it happens through Microsoft’s Zune software. For customers with AT&T-locked units, unfortunately I don't yet have information on the Mango update. Stay tuned to this blog for more details.
Before I get to the update process itself, I’ll share some thoughts about Windows Phone 7.5. Like many of you already know, it brings many new features to the table. There are lots of Mango overviews out there, but I thought Chris Ziegler did a good job in his post. Feel free to share other good Windows Phone 7.5 review posts you’ve come across in the comments below. here’s a quick overview video from the Windows Phone team:
Folks who read this blog know that I’m a big fan of the Windows Phone 7 Metro interface. If you’re like me, then upgrading to Mango is a no-brainer. It builds on what was there before. In my view, if you like Windows Phone 7, you’re going to like Windows Phone 7.5. I’ve been using it for several days now, and here are some of the new features that stand out in my view:
Speaking of the Windows Phone Marketplace, here’s a video from the Windows Phone team that shows how it works:
Now, here’s what to expect from the update:
You will receive a notification of an available update via your phone. You can also check on your phone manually by going to Settings –> Phone Updates. If you want to check by connecting your Venue Pro to a machine with the Zune software installed by logging in and clicking Settings by your login name , then clicking Update. Once you get the message that there is an update available, choose the Update Now button to kick off the update process:
From there, it will begin downloading the update:
After the download, it will start the process of updating your device:
Clicking Next will restart your phone on Step #6:
Creating the backup is the part that takes the longest. In my case, the process took a little over 20 minutes. The overall time will depend on how much data you have on your phone:
The next step involves actually installing the update:
Step 9 will restart your phone:
Once you get to the above screen you are done. From there, enjoy Mango. Welcome your questions below, and also welcome links to good Mango overview articles as well.
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Thank Lionel,
That's appreciated - very exciting news.
Just a quick question, however: your blog - and most Dell blogs - focus on your US business. I'm a Dell Venue Pro owner/user in the UK. My DVP is unlocked, purchased direct from Dell UK and is used on the O2 network. As I have no 'carrier' support (the DVP is not recognised by O2) I rely only on Dell for support and updates. None of what you say in your post applies to me. To add to the complexity, I am a Mac user, so the Zune software is irrelevant to me, as it does not operate on Mac - instead, I have to rely on the Windows Phone Connector for Mac (which is limited in functionality and information at best). Or is there a blog dedicated to the UK market?
So, one comment. Then my question.
It would be helpful for all of your non-US customers if you could remember to say a word to us in Dell blog posts/instructions, etc. We are competent adults but we sometime need information tailored to our circumstances. (I'd add that if Dell/Microsoft really want to take share from Apple/the iPhone, these questions might be important to everyone)
So, is there anything different about my circumstances that I should know about? Is the update rollout process the same? Or should I expect a different timescale or update procedure?
Thanks
SH
@SH Architect: Sorry for not being more clear. I tried to communicate that this update does apply to all unlocked Venue Pro smartphones. This post does apply to you in that the Mango update is supported for users with unlocked phones such as yourself.
All Windows Phone 7 updates require using the Zune software. As a Mac user, you can download the Windows Phone 7 connector for Macs. More information on the right side of the Zune download page.
Why is it always at&t customers who don't get the update at the same time as other customers?
Hello from Greece, i've bought Dell Venue Pro unlocked in England when i was studying there, the reason i chose that device was the natural qwerty keyboard. With the previous OS version (NoDo) Greek wasn't supported. But now, with Mango it is officially supported as an input language. HOWEVER, when i updated my device to Mango OS i realized that the Greek Language is NOT supported with the natural keyboard, i can't switch and type in Greek :-(
Why is that?
I'd like to mention that i wasn't expected my device to inform me that there is update available and i forced the update through Zune with the online/offline trick. Is is that the problem? I restored my device to NoDo and wait for the official alert to Update my phone hoping that this would work, otherwise ill be very disappointed. Do you know anything about that problem? Thanks.
how long will it be before the update notification is sent to t-mobile customers?
As a UK based DVP owner when should I expect to see this update appear as available? As a Dell consultant I am in front of customers on a day to day basis and my DVP has already had a few customers contacting their account managers, would be good to get Mango on mine to really show it off.
@leekenie: Lots of variables go into timing... when I do have more information about AT&T and the Mango update, I'll let you know.
@Lee Umney: This update is being rolled out to customers over time. Unfortunately, I don't know of a way to narrow down the schedule. Would tell you to keep checking for the update manually. Would like to hear your thoughts once you receive it.
@bobstomper: The update starting rolling out to T-Mobile customers last week, an will continue to hapen for the next few weeks. You can check manually on your Venue Pro by going to Settings --> Phone update.
Make sure both options are checked.
I now have Mango installing.
I still Can't find a solution to my problem :-(
Hi Lionel,
I am also a DVP user (i have an unlocked version) from Europe (Bosnia&Herzegovina) i also did not recieve the notification that the mango update is available , just to be sure i understood i will at some time get the notification but you do not know how soon? Your suggestion is to manually check for it? Did i understood correctly?.
Kr,
Adnan
Hello from Plantation FL - USA
I did the update... not sure what I expected, but it looks the same. Only difference I can see right now is that the apps have corresponding alphabetic letters and a little search feature... I haven't had time to really check it out yet.
I had trouble getting the update to install. After waiting 2 and a half hours while stuck on #6, I consulted some web sites that said to disconnect the phone and remove and replace the battery and restart the phone... which I did and when I reconnected it to my computer and Zune, I was able to successfully install it. Took about an hour after reconnecting it.
Will report more when I have had time to check things out....
I've given it a quick look over since the update... Email threading is kind of interestng. I'll need to get used to it, but pairing related emails is pretty goo.
HUGE improvement with TMobile TV App... picture is no longer pixeled and blurry, and buffering is no longer an issue. Runs smooth, not choppy or interrupted. Volume is MUCH improved. Could not hear it well before. Love this!!
Thanks Microsoft, thanks Dell...
I just added my first three custom ringtones, sans Mango update... I used Real Player to trim some MP3's, edited the genre to Ringtone, transferred it to the phone through Zune and now I have custom Ringtones. I'm lovng it...
I just ordered the unlocked, AT-mobile Version of the DVP yesterday, th esame dau rumors started on the web concerning Dells commitment to updates for the DVP beyond MAngo. I am really looking forward to owningt the DVP. Dell must inform its owners and potential owners if the DVP will be updated any futrther beyond Mango. I may need to return it by return deadline. I do not want to own the beautiful DVP and not have updates for WP&, especially for the pric e I paid for it.
A commitment from Dell seems to be the professional, ethical and smart move from Dell.