Nokia looks to Mango Windows Phone for boost:

Nokia, which missed out twice on the love-in between smart-phone users and their applications, may have a chance with Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 to attract writers of the next "Shazam" or "Angry Birds" blockbuster.

Third-party applications helped make Apple's iPhone the most profitable smart phone as users flocked to a handset with a slick touch-screen and an online store that has grown to more than 425,000 games and other programs. Google's Android system, supported by dozens of manufacturers, also lured developers and became the best-selling smart-phone system in the first quarter, soaring past Nokia's Symbian software.

Nokia is seeking to regain momentum by offering smart phones with Windows Phone 7, which will run about 30,000 applications, plus more that are being prepared before its handset release next quarter. Nokia is retiring Symbian, which frustrated app suppliers with its shifting versions and writing tools. Developers say the switch to Windows gives the Finnish company a greater chance of success.