Microsoft and Samsung Gets In To A Smartphone Patent Bind. Samsung Pays.

Well, this is some news to wake up to. Samsung has entered in to an agreement with Microsoft regarding Android and windows phones. Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will receive royalties for Samsung’s mobile phones and tablets running the Android mobile platform and yes, Android Patents are pretty hard to come by. they will also be developing and marketing windows phone.

“Through the cross-licensing of our respective patent portfolios, Samsung and Microsoft can continue to bring the latest innovations to the mobile industry, We are pleased to build upon our long history of working together to open a new chapter of collaboration beginning with our Windows Phone “Mango” launch this fall.” ” said Dr. Won-Pyo Hong, executive vice president of global product strategy at Samsung’s mobile communication division.

Man what happened to the Android protection from Google Motorola deal? Looks like everyone in Android Arena, running for their own cover.
Geemodo: Samsung Buys Android Protection From Microsoft!

Mango Windows Phone (WP7) Handsets To Sport Front Facing cameras, Skype And Lync Clients.

Mango Windows Phone 7.5 Handsets http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Microsoft has revealed today during a session at TechED NZ that Mango Windows Phone 7 Handsets will sport front facing cameras as well as VoIP clients such as Mobile Lync and of course, Skype. These facts were further recognized by Microsoft's Windows Phone NZ via a tweet.

Mango, brings major changes and updates to Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 platform, and these include multitasking, IE9 support, deep social networking, integrated chat to name a few. Mango is expected to be available to retail devices soon and Mango hardware is appearing slowly around the world with Fujitsu IS12T being one of the first to do so.
Neowin via TMC (TK)

Microsoft Windows Phone 7.1 "Mango" Officially Announced.

Microsoft Phone 7.1 "Mango" http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Microsoft has officially announced about Microsoft Phone "Mango" at the Microsoft’s Windows Phone VIP Reception. President of mobile communications at Microsoft, Andy Lees and senior Windows Phone product manager Derek Snyder has given a quick rundown of features and capabilities of the newest version of the Windows Phone platform, WP7.1 or “Mango.”

Supposedly there are 500 new features, but it looks like the main focus is centered around communication, applications, and the mobile internet. There are enhancements to the current service offerings in People Hub, now it has in addition to Facebook, Hotmail, and Gmail, two new services LinkedIn and Twitter.

One other interesting feature is that Mango will get Groups feature, which allows multiple people to communicate across a multiple platforms, while simultaneously integrating those people’s profiles, pictures, and a group history of all events and communication shared. Mango also employs Windows Live Messenger and Facebook Chat to keep you connected with friends, even those on other platforms.

The call history also get a nudge upwards with voicemail, missed calls, text messages, and any calendar events with regards to that particular contact integrated. Speech-to-text will also offer a completely hands-free experience for texting, which was definitely impressive in the demo according to Mobilecrunch.