Microsoft at its MIX11 event in cin sity caught up in app development in a very significant fashion with a handful of major Windows Phone 7 apps that will take advantage of its fall 2011 update, Mango.
Skype was unveiled first and will take advantage of Mango’s deeper access to hardware like the microphone. The app on demo didn’t make any mention of video chat, though Mango so far doesn’t have front camera support.
Skype is due in the fall, once Mango is available, Microsoft said.
Spotify would also be coming and would catch up to the Android and iPhone versions. It will have the usual streaming features, but the new background task support will let it both play music in the background and use WP7’s stock audio controls to pause or skip tracks. The app like Skype will have to wait for Mango.
Kik Messenger will also be onboard in the “coming weeks.” The app won’t need Mango and will initially have chat notifications and other features while it’s open, with background updating coming later.
Layar will reach WP7 with direct access to the camera for its augmented reality app.
More One App…Yes, It is Pig Killing Time
Angry Birds was onfirmed to be reaching WP7. The app won’t need any Mango features but will support multitasking when it arrives. It should reach the Windows Phone Marketplace on May 25.
