Microsoft had some time back announced the Mango update for its Windows Phone which is also set to bring the Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) mobile version. So what is it that IE9 Mobile brings to the tablet? Here’s a look.

Microsoft has tried to take advantage of the available hardware on the phone to improve performance, they have also used their brand-new “Chakra” JavaScript engine, to give performance boost to web applications.

This bump in performance means web developers can create great sites for the mobile that perform like native applications and give users a rich, immersive experience. The platform is now optimised for mobile HTML5 applications and is expected to deliver game-like interactivity and movie-quality graphical richness to the user experience.

Microsoft has built in full support for HTML5 audio, images, and video. Just like native applications, audio stream will continue to play in the background when the Browser is not the front-most app. The company has even integrated support for HTML5 audio with the phone’s volume and playback controls, giving the user a nice integrated experience that they expect on Windows Phone 7.

Developing web apps is easier for IE9 as it uses the principle of “same markup” that is developer shouldn’t have to write a whole bunch of custom code to get mobile websites to look and work well on IE9 on WP7. This will mean more and more web sites will be supported well on IE9.

Support for Key Mobile Features

Microsoft has included full support for CSS3 Media Queries, GPS when working with Geolocation, some mobile enhancements for layout (like controlling text scaling) and the Viewport. Microsoft has changed the way form elements are rendered to look more like native “Metro”-styled controls to ensure that users have a consistent experience across native applications and Web sites.

The browser user interface has changed too, in order to devote more of the available screen real estate websites sites, with lesser and simpler tabs and buttons. URL edit field and refresh button have been collapsed down into the Application Bar, which allowed to get rid of the top status bar and allow more space for the actual web sites.

Google Maps may be getting ready to go offline, a website has said which cited an update earlier this year that allows phones to remember routes as well as surrounding areas, as a possible indication.

According to the Dutch website ‘All About Phones’, the idea behind the update is even if the users lose their coverage for some time, they do not feel lost wherever they are. However, one cannot enter new destination in the Google Maps during the offline mode.

Google anyway has started storing maps as vectors and not as massive images. So, if the user goes offline, their phones will have no trouble due to size of the stored data.

Since the turn by turn navigation of Ovi Maps is coming on Windows Phone 7, Google Maps needs to pull something out of its hat to compete. Google Maps has been a unique selling proposition for Android platform, which may not be used by the users on a daily basis, but feels great to have when they are in a new place.

It’s not really clear how strong the offline abilities of Google Maps would be, or how much data the phone would be allowed to hold. The turn by turn navigation system of Google has any way been quality, and the fact that it’s free helps. The addition of offline navigation may prove to be the icing on the cake.

Angry Bird is world’s most played mobile game and with its popularity it is attracting not just players but also other business to cash in on its success. And the latest one to get attracted is mobile accessories makers.

Gear4, a mobile accessories maker, has launched a new line of iPod, iPhone and iPad cases designed with Angrybirds theme. And it has not just stopped at that, it will soon launch a mobile speaker with Angry Birds’ design. The prices of the cases start at Rs 800 and go up to Rs 2,500.

The T-shirts are also available with Angry Bird pictures which will cost you Rs 300. Soft toys of Angry Bird characters are also available starting from Rs 1,300 to Rs 5,500.

With the success of the game continuing unabated, we are likely to see more merchandise designed to lure Angry Birds fans.

Mercedes-Benz India has launched a mobile-optimised website m.mercedes-benz.co.in for its tech-savvy customers which can be readily accessed through multiple mobile devices including smart phones, Androids and other feature phones capable of internet browsing.

Customised for mobile viewing, the website presents a summary of the brand’s corporate website, which is designed to function like a virtual car showroom with information on product highlights, technical data, picture galleries, pricing and details on local service centers.

The mobile website is served in multiple layout modes device specifically to ensure maximum quality output: irrespective of using HTML, xHTML or WML. Aimed at offering improved usability, better graphics and functionality, users soon will also have the option of redirecting themselves to the mobile website from the main website as well.

Manas Dewan, general manager, corporate communications and strategic planning, Mercedes-Benz India Ltd elaborated, “Our mobile optimised website will ensure that customers and enthusiasts of the Mercedes brand can enjoy far greater levels of interactivity as compared to any other manufacturer in India. Features like &#151 fast browsing, video and flash content, easy navigation and enhanced interface will further enhance browsing experience.”

Mercedes-Benz India has also upgraded its corporate website www.mercedes-benz.co.in. With optimised interface, easier navigation and features such as a full-screen viewing, bookmarks and downloads, the visitor experience has been significantly enhanced.

Microsoft has announced that its Windows Marketplace for Mobile website and My Phone services are to be shut down. Windows Mobile 6.x device owners will not be able to browse, buy and download applications from the Windows Marketplace for Mobile website from July 15 onward. Along with that Microsoft’s cloud-based My Phone service will stop saving content from Windows Mobile 6.x phones.

Last month we had reported about Microsoft’s plans to stop accepting new apps for the Windows Mobile platform. The software giant has officially started bidding adieu to its decade old Windows Mobile platform. Starting in mid July Windows Mobile 6.x users won’t be able to get applications from the Windows Marketplace for Mobile website

Users will apparently have to depend directly on respective application developers for support.

Microsoft had launched cloud server based data backup services for Windows Mobile 6.x devices, dubbed ‘My Phone’, back in early 2009. Starting August 7, the My Phone service will stop syncing and taking backup of content from Windows Phone 6.x devices.

However, the company will move all user data from My Phone to Windows Live SkyDrive, the free online storage service of Microsoft. Users will be able to access their backed up content, such as contacts, calendar entries, text messages, photos, documents and other files from SkyDrive using a Windows Live ID.

In a way, Microsoft is slowly shutting down the Windows Mobile platform. Current Windows Phone 6.x users will be left with whatever apps they have from the Windows Market, and they cannot expect to see new ones.

Windows Mobile 6.x users will be left with no option but to dispose with or sell their devices. After that users will have to choose from among Windows Phone 7, iOS, Android, BlackBerry or Symbian.