Windows Phone 7.5, the upcoming “Mango” update for Microsoft’s mobile operating system, will let phones double as wifi hotspots, sharing their Internet connections with up to five other devices — if mobile carriers enable it as an option.
That’s the word from news site WPCentral, which broke the news with the help of an image from one of its readers.
Another interesting Mango tidbit: Windows Phone is also expected to support devices with front-facing cameras, according to WindowsPhoneNZ, citing information shared at a Microsoft TechEd conference in the country. That opens the door to Skype calling at some point in the future, particularly after Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype is completed.
Mango is due out this fall on new devices and as a software update for existing Windows Phones.
The update has been getting positive buzz from early reviews — including a surprise endorsement from Dilbert creator Scott Adams — but Microsoft still needs to pull itself out of a deep hole in the mobile market.
Earlier this week Microsoft started accepting third-party apps that take advantage of Mango’s new features.
