Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer gave clues at his presentation for the Japan Microsoft Developer Forum (video below) that the upcoming Mango update for Windows Phone 7 would not just have a large number of features but might be matched by new hardware at the same time. The release would have over 500 new features, including the known expanded language update that would give Japan devices by the end of the year. He alluded also to more details of hardware partners and carriers, suggesting more hardware might show at the planned May 24 event.
Tips have emerged that as many as nine devices could come, including from new partners. Acer would join the Windows Phone leagues for the first time with two new models. Dell would launch the Wrigley, another design with a four-inch screen but an eight-megapixel camera. HTC would have two new devices, and Samsung would commit itself much more deeply with four new models, one or more of which may be WP7 equivalents to the Galaxy S II.
Mango isn’t expected to arrive until fall and would leave any hardware shown on Tuesday shipping months later. Microsoft may be willing to show prototypes early to avoid leaks and sustain attention up until the end of summer or early fall.
