Microsoft gives people the nod to port Mango to old WinMo hardware

Microsoft in the past was not always the most kind towards people tinkering with its products. That has changed, and the company now usually turns a blind eye to those tweaking, shaving, and hacking with its hardware and software.

That perspective was evident today as the company told AllThingsD the following about people who were porting Mango to older Windows Mobile hardware: “We say tinker away with Mango and enjoy the juice. But beware the fine print — unlocking phones may void your warranty.”

Kind words indeed. It is likely that Microsoft is happy that old Windows Mobile customers are so enamored with its new mobile operating system that they wish to use it. Of course, Microsoft would rather they buy a fresh new handset with Windows Phone 7 installed, but enthusiasm is enthusiasm.

Microsoft has no plans to commercially release Mango for older Windows Mobile phones as they do not match the hardware specifications that the company has set for Windows Phone 7, and as the company wishes to drive sales of its current crop of smartphones in the market to keep its hardware partners content.

Mango, due late this year, is the first major upgrade to the Windows Phone 7 platform, and will bring a host of upgrades including Internet Explorer 9 and Bing Vision. You can read our hands-on impressions of Mango here, if you are unsure as to just what Microsoft is cooking for its mobile line.