Microsoft is quickly trying to become relevant in the mobile space against giants like Apple and Android, and they’re doing a fine job at it. Windows Phone 7 features Live enabled games that will net achievement hungry gamers some extra gamerscore, while also being a cut above the rest of the downloadable games currently on the service. Only problem is the Games Hub is nearly a mess and fairly disjointed.
Coming along with a slew of other features, the Mango update will also fix what was most definitely broken in the Games Hub application. The first change will be the layout of your games collection, streamlining it to resemble the more familiar app list that you would find to the right of your home screen. So instead of large icons you will see a small icon next to the title in a clean-looking vertical list.
Secondly and most notable is the integration of your avatar in the main games hub area, which is currently very limited unless you download the Live Extras pack, which creates an extra step to get to any Live content, such as your 3D avatar and comparing games with friends. Now this is all accessible right from the same screen your collection is listed.
Finally an improved notification feature is going to be available, you can either enable or disable push notifications for messages received, nudges as well as game invites.
I am glad they have heard many user complaints and will remedy the currently faulty Games Hub section. Now if only they can give us some info on cross-platform multiplayer.
