Microsoft makes 'loyal' users wait longer for Windows Phone 7.8
Microsoft has announced that Windows Phone 7.5 users will be upgraded to version 7.8 early next year.
Microsoft has launched Windows Phone 8 and 7.8 was due to arrive shortly afterwards. It's been a month and now the firm has said the software update will begin rolling out in early 2013. See also: Windows Phone 8 Apollo Plus coming in 2013.
The Windows Phone blog said: "We know you’re eager to get the Windows Phone 7.8 update, and we want you to know that we’re working closely with our hardware and carrier partners to get it tested, approved, and rolled out to as many devices as possible in early 2013."
Customers are understandably upset about the delay and the fact it's not clear what features 7.8 will bring. The new Start Screen will be the main part of the update with more theme colours. Key features such as Rooms and Kids Corner remain a mystery.
Devices awaiting the software update include the Nokia Lumia 800, Lumia 900 and HTC Titan.
Frank H said: "disappointed. extremely disappointed. beyond extremely disappointed. the first WP78 announcement was in June of 2012. 5 months later, we still don't have it. why you guys bother making announcements and then making us wait 6+ months to get it ???"
Microsoft also confirmed that new smartphones pre-loaded with Windows Phone 7.8 will launch in many countries at cheap prices. It announced 7.8 because older handset wouldn't be able to support Windows Phone 8.
"As we work to quickly get this in the hands of our loyal users, we’re also striving to deliver a high-quality release and ensure a smooth transition for our widely expanded services." added the Windows Phone blog.
Follow Chris Martin and @PCAdvisor on Twitter.
