It has been reported that Microsoft has finally released its Windows Phone 7 update, also known as Mango. Free to download to existing customers, version 7.5 possesses better social network, contact and calendar integration plus improved multitasking. You do have to own one of the number of Windows Phone 7 handsets which are available including, for example, the HTC Trophy.

Other improvements to the existing operating system include enhanced access to Microsoft Office, better gaming options, the ability to cope with more than one email inbox plus enhanced local search options. This particular enhancement is called Local Scout. The platform also allows faster web browsing.

Despite launching WP7 last year to great fanfare, its reception by both experts and consumers alike was lukewarm. Sales of WP7 handsets have not really taken off, which may be one reason why Microsoft decided to team up with Nokia, earlier this year.

Nokia, while not completely ditching its own Symbian platform, has decided (some say has been forced) to develop handsets that use Microsoft’s platform. Both companies will obviously be hoping that the deal will enhance their own separate market positions, although sceptics believe it will make little difference.

The test though could be earlier than originally thought. It was expected that the first Nokia WP7 handsets wouldn’t be available until early 2012, but there is a suggestion that the first device could be launched as early as the end of October.

As for the Mango, the new update does at first sight appear to offer some real competition for Android and Apple. Whether that translates into sales of handsets is another matter however.