Hasta La Gadget!

Microsoft has confirmed the dates it will end official software support for Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 7.8, with both smartphone platforms set to run out of mainstream support in mid-2014. In fact, both phone OS versions will get eighteen months of Microsoft love in total, the company says, with Windows Phone 7.8 ironically outlasting its more capable successor because of its delayed launch.

For Windows Phone 8, which first hit the market – and thus started its lifecycle – on December 14, 2012, Microsoft’s official support will run until August 7, 2014. As for Windows Phone 7.8, that saw its lifecycle begin on February 9, 2013, and so will be supported until September 9, 2014.

As for what “mainstream support” actually means, Microsoft defines it as a period of updates and fixes, though warns that what firmware changes actually arrive on individual phones will depend on manufacturer, carrier, and location.

“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” Microsoft

The decision to detail exactly what Windows Phone users can legitimately expect from Microsoft is a commendable one, though it’s still no commitment to timely updates or, indeed, any guarantee that the smartphone you buy today may get an upgrade to the next version of the platform. There’s also arguably a disconnect between the length of Microsoft’s commitment, eighteen months, and the typical twenty-four month agreement most smartphones are sold with.

Microsoft’s feelings of obligation do differ in that respect from some of the manufacturers. Speaking to Nokia’s smart devices chief Jo Harlow at Mobile World Congress last month, she told SlashGear that the Finnish firm sees its responsibility to users lasting potentially up to twice as long as Microsoft does.

“I think that probably 2-3 years [of software support], certainly within the normal life-cycle that most people would own a phone [could be expected],” Harlow told us. “And that’s kind of how we look at it: for most people it’s two years, because that’s when they renew their plan. And for as long as that phone is being sold in the market, it’s two years from there.”

[via Engadget]

Microsoft details Windows Phone 8′s ticking clock (but Nokia disagrees) is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Windows Phone 7.8 has had its fair share of issues in the past when it first rolled out, including one that saw it consume plenty of data that irked those who were on a limited data plan. Well, there were also other issues that accompanied this long awaited update, which would include the system’s live tiles acting up erratically. It did not take too long before Microsoft thought it better to stop all distribution of the update, which will hopefully buy them some time to fix some of the issues raised up.

It looks like D-Day is finally here, as there is a brand new Windows Phone 7.8 update that is ready to be propagated among users of Windows Phone 7.5-powered smartphones, where it will now come under the distribution of build 8860. No official changelog is yet available, so there is no way to verify just what this particular update will be able to do, but hopefully that the live tile issue will no longer be one. Have you given this update a go, and has it fixed your live tile woes?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Motorola X Phone Is Not A Single Device, Could Feature Customizable Hardware As Well [Rumor], Samsung Tizen Devices Expected In Q3 2013,

As we’ve noted a few times in the past, the fact that Windows Phone 7.x devices are getting passed over for the Windows Phone 8 update is most certainly a pet peeve of current Windows Phone 7.x owners. Microsoft attempted to make up for it with a Windows Phone 7.8 update and while that might appease some users, it looks like if you’re a T-Mobile subscriber with a Nokia Lumia 710, you might be out of luck with both Windows Phone 8 AND Windows Phone 7.8. According to a reader of WPCentral, they emailed Nokia asking if the Windows Phone 7.8 update would be arriving for their device.

The reply was not too comforting as Nokia reportedly stated that there are actually a small number of carriers who have chosen not to roll out the update, and it seems that T-Mobile USA is one of them. T-Mobile has not given a reason why they decided not to go with the update, but it has been speculated that perhaps the cost outweighs the benefit. Either way T-Mobile has been keeping mum on the issue, but hopefully they will be able to confirm this and have a change of heart in the near future.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Samsung Galaxy Exhibit Heads For T-Mobile USA, Nokia PureView Phase 1 Sensor To Hit Lumia Range?,

Brits who ground their fingers to stumps hammering their Lumia’s update button will finally be able to rest, as Nokia UK has confirmed that Windows 7.8 is rolling out today. The company has also revealed O2’s pricing for the Lumia 620, the handset that’ll bring Windows Phone 8 to the cash-strapped masses. It’s available from today on the oxygen-themed network, setting you back £149.99 or free on contracts priced over £18.50. Normally, the interchangeable back plates would cost around £20, but O2 is offering buyers a choice of a yellow, orange, green, white or cyan model for free.

You’ll also be able to pick up the quirky handset from ThreeUK and Virgin Media today, although neither has opened up about pricing just yet. Vodafone has announced that it’ll launch the phone on February 6th with a choice of white or black covers, while EE has yet to commit to carrying the handset. If you saw removable covers and hoped that the 620 would benefit from the same wireless charging plates we saw in the 820, we’ve got some bad news — Nokia has said it’s not likely to happen.

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Nokia

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Updating one’s smartphone to a newer software version is always fun, and so some Nokia Lumia users have a reason to be happy today. Nokia is in the process of rolling out a WP 7.8 update for Lumia users who are running Windows Phone 7.5. For those with the Lumia models slated for the update, you’ll be seeing a notification soon if you haven’t already received it.

The update is being pushed out to Lumia 510, 610, 710, 800, and 900 handsets running operator-approved software or that are unlocked. The roll out is said to be taking place over the next few weeks, so if you aren’t seeing the update yet, you might have to be patient for awhile. The update is said to have gone through extensive testing before being released.

Improvements from 7.5 to 7.8 include the ability to share via Internet and Bluetooth, additional apps, including Nokia City Lens, and Camera Extras, which is meant to greatly increase the functionality of your handset’s camera. With Camera Extras, users will be able to take Smart Group Shots and action shots, as well as utilize a self-timer and create panorama images via stitching.

In addition, the start screen has been revamped in 7.8, offering re-sizable tiles (they can be made smaller or larger, depending on preference), as well as new lock screen options. Bing’s daily wallpaper feature, which has been available to desktop users for awhile now, is also provided in 7.8, changing the background image automatically every day to one of Bing’s image backgrounds.

Other extra features are less obvious, such as additional language support. When you’ll receive your update depends on the carrier you’re under. To ensure you don’t miss the update, enable notifications under “Settings” > “Phone Update” so that you’re pinged when the software update rolls your way. Nokia says to contact your carrier if you don’t get the update within three weeks.

[via Nokia]

Nokia rolls out Windows Phone 7.8 update to Lumia users running 7.5 is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.