An update by Terry Myerson over at the Windows Blog today lets us know that Microsoft's latest version of the Windows Phone operating system, "Mango", has reached RTM (release to manufacturing) status.

With the RTM build now provided to handset and mobile operator partners, the Windows Phone development team is now working on the Mango update process for current Windows Phone handsets, which is said to be ready sometime this fall. All new Windows phones as of that time will of course come pre-installed with Mango.

In May, we officially took the wraps off of Mango, a release including hundreds of new features that create a smarter and easier approach to communications and apps, while delivering the best web experience. My favorites?

 

- Our unique new email Conversation View which helps me to efficiently participate in long email discussions with my friends and co-workers.

 

- Threads that bring together my text, IM, and Facebook chat all into one conversation.

 

- App Multitasking, enabling me to efficiently work on my email, listen to music, and then pop in and out of Words By Post games when it is my turn. Mango also connects apps to search results and deepens integration within the Hubs like Music and Video and Pictures.

 

- Internet Explorer 9 for fast web browsing and support for new HTML 5 web sites.