Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7.8 is an upcoming update for Windows Phone 7.5 devices which will give users a taste of Windows Phone 8 and reports are suggesting that the update has been released to manufacturing (RTM). This of course suggest that we won't have to wait long before the update is available for download.Previous reports suggested that the Windows Phone 7.8 update wouldn't arrive until early 2013, but based on the new information we may receive the update before the end of this month.
With Windows Phone 8 devices from Nokia and HTC now available in the market, we would expect Microsoft’s focus to have shifted to their newer platform. But its great to see that the software giant is putting some effort into their solution for Windows Phone 7.5 users.
The announcement of Windows Phone 8 and the lack of bringing the update to older devices was quite frustrating to users. Especially those who purchased new devices like the Nokia Lumia 800 and the Nokia Lumia 900 which were made obsolete in just months after their release. Even though Windows Phone 7.8 offers new features like the updated homescreen, the ability to turn your favorite songs into ringtones and IE9 security, you are missing out on much more.
Users wont be able to sync Windows Phone 7.8 devices with their new Windows 8 devices, nor will their have access to the new Xbox Music and Xbox Video service. Instead they will have to rely on the old Zune client and services. In fact Windows Phone 8 has several other software features and additions which Windows Phone 7.5 users wont get to try out. We can understand the hardware limitations on Windows Phone 7.8, but the only way Microsoft can win back the developer and fan community who put their trust in Windows Phone 7.5 would be to replace all the existing Lumia 800 and Lumia 900 devices with new Windows Phone 8 handsets.
source – WMPowerUser