Microsoft Rolling Out Windows Phone 7.5 Mango to Samsung Focus v1.4 Owners

Microsoft has announced that it has begun to roll out Windows Phone 7.5, “Mango” for Samsung Focus phones with updated v1.4 firmware, which was released in mid-2010 following a mid-cycle hardware revision.

The update allows owners of the revised phone to take advantage of the Windows Phone 7.5 update without the issues that previously affected other Focus owners. Those issues prompted Samsung to pause the rollout of the upgrade until solutions could be found to the issues that left devices bricked.

In related news, Microsoft has also confirmed that more maintenance releases are being scheduled for select models and is actively seeking feedback on the updates. Microsoft has said that all first-generation Windows Phone 7 devices will be updated to at least Windows Phone 7.5.

Windows Phone 7.5 adds key new features, most notably support for turn-by-turn GPS navigation, as well as free Bing Maps Navigation services. The update also makes key performance and API improvements for third-party apps.