14 DAY TRIAL // With the release of the Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview, Microsoft opened up a new chapter in the evolution of its mobile operating system. Unlike the previous updates that introduced new features and improvements, but did not quite manage to surprise users, Windows Phone 8.1 is like a whole new operating system.
There are so many new features and improvements that Windows Phone 8.1 can definitely be seen as the most important update that Windows Phone has received since its initial release.
We can't say the same about the first update released by Microsoft, namely Windows Phone 7.8. Well, it appears that those still using devices powered by this old version of the operating system will have to switch to newer smartphones soon if they want to continue to receive support from Microsoft.
According to Microsoft, Windows Phone 7.8 will only have an 18-month life cycle, which means that “mainstream support” will end on September 9, 2014.
However, the Redmond-based company may announce an “extended support” date, in order to ensure that everyone switches to a new version of Windows Phone. Here is Microsoft's official statement regarding the Windows Phone 7.8 life cycle and support:
“Microsoft will make updates available for the Operating System on your phone, including security updates, for a period of 18 months after the lifecycle start date.
Distribution of the updates may be controlled by the mobile operator or the phone manufacturer from which you purchased your phone. Update availability will also vary by country, region, and hardware capabilities.”
It's just a coincidence that Microsoft decided to offer updates for Windows Phone 7.8 for just 18 months, which is exactly the same life cycle that Google has for its major versions of Android.
But that only applies to Windows Phone 7.8, as the other two versions of the operating system have received 36-month life cycles each. Add to that some extended support and Windows Phone users could keep their devices for quite a long time.
For those unfamiliar with these dates, Windows Phone 8 mainstream support should end around December 14, 2015, so there are still a lot of updates that the OS might receive during this time.
As expected, Windows Phone 8.1 has received a similar 36-month life cycle, so Microsoft should end mainstream support for the new operating system on July 7, 2017.
However, word is that the Redmond-based company has two more major updates for Windows Phone to release this year, so it will be quite an interesting year for fans of this particular mobile platform.