While Microsoft has been focused on the launch of Windows Phone 8 and new devices, there has been little news about its Windows Phone 7.8 update for existing Windows Phone 7 devices. That changed today with a blog post that shed some light on when we will see it. It is currently working with its hardware partners and hopes to start rolling it out in early 2013.
Aside from its new Start screen with resizable Live Tiles, Windows Phone 7.8 will also come with 20 theme and accent colors “so you can make your phone even more personal,” new lock screen features: the option to automatically display the Bing Picture of the Day plus the ‘A1B2C3’ PIN/password challenge to prevent accidental device wipes on phones connected to Exchange accounts. There will also be new apps including Angry Birds Space and Angry Birds Star Wars.
Microsoft also announced that new models running Windows Phone 7.8 should be hitting the street in the near future.
These devices will typically be sold at a range of lower price points, meaning there will now be Windows Phones for everyone’s budget and need. This is incredibly important for broadening the reach of Windows Phone across the globe and ensuring we have the right product for every market.
With Windows 7.8, it will also be possible to buy apps through the Xbox service in 95 countries, 30% more than before.
Read more: Microsoft