14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Phone Mango, the next flavor of Microsoft's mobile operating system, is expected to bring into the mix a wide range of changes, including some related to the Music + Videos Hub. The multimedia capabilities of future Windows Phone devices would be affected too, with the addition of on-phone podcasts and of a SmartDJ feature, but there's more to it.
Apparently, Windows Phone Mango is also expected to arrive on shelves with a new interface in the Music + Videos Hub, and some details regarding these changes can be found below.
Microsoft claims that these changes were performed based on the customer research and feedback, and that users should greatly enjoy them.
For example, users will benefit from more discoverable playback options, such as a visible “shuffle all music” button, or the Rate, Shuffle, and Repeat playback options, which were hidden behind album art.
The History and News option was improved as well, which should translate in easier finding and playing of content, with items displayed vertically. Mango will also bring better mini-playback controls, accessible through tapping the volume button on the handset.
There are also new lock-screen options included in Mango, so that users can control the music even when the phone is locked, as well as new lock-screen options.
The music player was modified as well, with bigger buttons, which are easier to find, and with additional options and info included into the mix.
Some of the changes the player will suffer in Mango would include: Better playback controls: The playback controls are bigger and are now aligned with the mini-playback control - so your thumbs always know where to go.
Better artist images: We found that the background artist images were sometimes too bright, which made some controls hard to see. Our design team worked hard to find the right opacity for the images. The end result you’ll see in Mango has a great layered look and never interferes with the controls.
More playback info: We’ve added the artist name to the music player queue so that when you’re jamming to your new Smart DJ mix, you know exactly what’s up next. More playback options: Tap the Repeat button a couple of times and you’ll see the addition of a Repeat Once mode for those songs you just can’t get enough of. New playlist option: Yep, that’s right - you can finally create playlists on your device. Add a mix of whatever you want to your queue or start a Smart DJ mix and save it as a playlist. Better data management: In Mango, Zune Pass subscribers now see an icon on the phone when they’re listening to streamed music - so you always know when you’re consuming data.
More video options: Last but not least, for videos, we’ve added a full-screen toggle and video scrubbing (where supported) so you have quick access to the parts of your videos you love most - features we heard you ask for!
Microsoft notes that the feedback they received from users on the Music + Videos Hub led to these changes, and that more feedback on the changes planned for Mango will certainly be welcomed.
