If you own a Samsung Windows Phone 7 device, there is some good news waiting for you. It looks like most Samsung Windows Phone 7 devices will be receiving the Windows Phone 7.8 software update.Microsoft has been quite silent about their plans for Windows Phone 7.8. So far we know that the update is expected to land early in 2013. If you were one of those users who picked up a new Samsung Windows Phone 7.5 device, only to find that it would not be updated to Windows Phone 8, you must be wondering if you will at least get a chance at the WP 7.8 update.
Back in September a chart was leaked showing which Samsung devices would be eligible for updates. According to this chart the Samsung Omnia W, would not be updated past the 7.10.8107.7 software version.
However Samsung’s technical team have now sort to clarify this information. Contrary to earlier reports, all of Samsung’s Windows Phone 7.5 devices are now stated to receive the Windows Phone 7.8 software update.
Windows Phone 7.8 is Microsoft’s attempt to make up for denying Windows Phone 8 to older Windows Phones. The only valuable addition it brings is the resizable live tiles, which were introduced on WP 8. It also brings 10 new theme and accent colors, Bing Picture of the Day on the lock screen and updates. We are very disappointed however that Microsoft will not be bringing features like OTA updates and the ability to sync your device with the Windows Phone synching tool. Nor will they be updating their discontinues Zune services to the newer Xbox Music and Xbox Video service.
I can understand Microsoft wanting new users to purchase Windows Phones, but the idea that they are isolating users who very recently purchased new Windows Phone 7.5 devices is quite unforgivable.
Even with the launch of Windows Phone 8, Microsoft is still struggling to make a strong presence for itself in the mobile market. Nokia is probably going to feel this the worst, since they have nowhere to turn. Samsung, behind Nokia is probably one of the largest players in the Windows Phone platform. However having found immense success in the Android platform, they wouldn’t have to look back if Windows Phone fails.
We still feel Microsoft should have made the effort to port Windows Phone 8 to existing Windows Phone 7 devices. Treat your fans well Microsoft and new users will automatically flock to Windows Phone.
source – WindowsPhoneItaly | Esphoneblog | WMPowerUser