Right on schedule, Nokia has just announced it had kicked off the rollout of the hotly-anticipated Windows Phone 7.8 update.
However, only those who own a Nokia Lumia smartphone powered by an older version of Windows Phone will be able to upgrade.
Microsoft is expected to make a similar announcement in the next few hours (days), but there are no confirmations yet.
According to Nokia, “following extensive software testing, update notifications will begin to appear for Nokia Lumia 510, 610, 710, 800 and 900 owners with an unlocked phone or operator-approved software during February.”
This doesn't mean the update will be pushed OTA (over-the-air), so those who are notified on it should connect their phone to their computer via Zune for PC, or the Windows Phone app for Mac, and follow the onscreen instructions.
Keep in mind that Windows Phone 7.8 update is rolling out for Nokia Lumia smartphones, in stages, through February.
Make sure you have the “notifications” option enabled by going to Settings / Phone Update / “Notify me when new updates are found”.
Once Windows Phone 7.8 is installed, users will notice lots of changes, including a range of new features: Internet sharing, Bluetooth sharing, imaging enhancements (Camera Extras).
Additional applications will be available on the Lumia phones, such as Contact Share, Play To and Nokia City Lens.
Furthermore, the “Start screen” has been redux and now offers users the possibility to re-size their tiles: small, medium and large.
New options are available on the lock screen as well, such as “having a daily background image from Bing; plus there’s improved pocket and child lock screen security.” It is also worth mentioning that language support has been increased.
Check out the video below for more details on how to download and install Windows Phone 7.8 on Lumia phones.
Why is the Nokia Lumia 900 the only Windows Phone that receives attention in online media? Microsoft isn't like Apple; they have their OS on devices produced by many different companies. HTC, LG, and Samsung released Windows 7 Phones before Nokia did. I'm sick of reading articles about the Lumia 900; blogs and virtual publications need to become mindful of the large percentage of Windows Phone owners that don't own the coveted Nokia smartphone. I'd like to, for once, read an article that will tell me when I can expect to receive the update for my Samsung Focus 2. I bought a Windows 7 Phone in 2009. I'd like my phone to be acknowledged. Shame on Softpeida.
Comment #3.1 by: Cosmin on 31 Jan 2013, 09:12 GMT
I already wrote an article that explains how Microsoft is letting manufacturers decide whether to offer the Windows Phone 7.8 for their older devices or not. You can find it here http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-Phone-7-8-Update-Is-Up-to-Manufacturers-Says-Microsoft-321466.shtml
It's not media's fault if Nokia is the only company that really communicates with Windows Phone users.
There are no official statements from neither handset manufacturer that launched older Windows Phone devices until now. Not one. When Samsung, LG or any other company decides to come forward and confirm the WP7.8 will be available for X model, Softpedia will surely inform its readers. The rest is pure speculation.
Find us on Google+
