Microsoft made it clear that Windows Phone 8 would not be rolling out to handsets running Windows Phone 7, which meant users of Windows Phone 7-powered phones would be stuck with an outdated version of Windows Phone. Although these smartphone will not get to enjoy the latest software, they will be getting Windows Phone 7.8, which offers a number of new features.
So what are the new features to be expected from the update? According to a leak from Nokia, handsets such as the Nokia Lumia 800 and Lumia 900 will be getting a locked screen, new theme colours, and ringtones.
Spotted by WPcentral, training materials from Nokia reveal that the lock screen automatically updates information from any chosen app. The live tiles also get new colour schemes.
If you like making your favorite songs your ringtone, Windows Phone 7.8 comes with an MP3 editor that makes your tracks into custom ringtones. The update also brings Bluetooth file-sharing and security upgrades to IE9 (Internet Explorer 9).
According to a post by Microsoft Italy, Windows Phone 7.8 will bring ‘Rooms’, a new feature that allows a group of contacts (family, friends, colleagues, etc.) to communicate.
Various manufacturers have launched new smartphones running Windows Phone 8. Unfortunately, features such as Internet Explorer 10, new apps, voice control, and camera improvements will not be rolling out to handsets running Windows Phone 7.
Although these features will never find their way to Windows Phone 7 handsets, there will be a handful of features that will. This includes a flexible homescreen that allows users to resize live tiles.
The Windows Phone 7.8 update is expected to roll out sometime in the first quarter of 2013.
Excited to get Windows Phone 7.8 running on your handset, or would you rather get your hands on smartphones running Windows Phone 8? Share your thoughts through a comment on our Facebook page.
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