The next version of Windows Phone – known as Tango – may include Skype and Google (News 
- Alert)+ support, according to news reports.
PocketPC has shown what appears to be a leaked screen shot of Tango with WP7 phone, according to news reports. There is some skepticism about the veracity of the screen shot, according to GottaBe Mobile, but if true, it is considered welcome news by industry watchers.
PocketPC reported that Tango will be able make and receive video and voice calls, and send messages, according to Stuff Mideast. Yet, video calling may not be offered soon enough for the Tango version, according to news reports.
In addition, Tech2 reports that Tango or an upcoming Apollo will increase the number of languages supported on the system to 120 from 35. The move suggests Microsoft (News - Alert) may target developing nations with the product. The version will also have support for C++ code, Tech2 adds. Tango is expected to be less expensive than Windows Phone 7, too, according to news reports.
The rumor that Skype (News - Alert) will be included on the next version of Windows Phone would be welcome news. Microsoft purchased Skype for $8.5 billion, with the deal closing in October. Microsoft and Skype both said that Skype would be offered “soon” on the Microsoft operating system, according to news reports. During the recent Consumer Electronics Show, Rick Osterloh, vice president of Products for Skype, claimed, “We’re … working on a Windows Phone (News - Alert) product that will be coming out soon,” TMCnet reported last month. Skype was supposed to be offered in the fall on a Windows phone handset but that deadline passed. TMCnet reported that a Skype release could also coincide with the launch of Tango, Microsoft’s new mobile operating system, which may appear during the second quarter.
Currently, Skype has over 200 million monthly users, according to news reports.
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Ed Silverstein is a TMCnet contributor. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by
Rich Steeves
