Microsoft previewed Mango, a major update to its existing mobile platform on Tuesday. The new version of the mobile operating system will come with 500 new features and will be available for free to Windows Phone 7 customers. More details on the update will be provided closer to availability, Microsoft said.

“Seven months ago we started our mission to make smartphones smarter and easier to operate,” said Andy Lees, president of the Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft. “With Mango, Windows Phone takes a major step forward in redefining how people communicate and use apps and the Internet, giving you better results with less effort.”