Nokia unveiling Windows Phone 7.8 update

PanARMENIAN.Net - Nokia has started rolling out the Windows Phone 7.8 update to older Lumia smartphones, with all customers expected to be upgraded by the end of February, Digital Spy said.

After "extensive software testing", the Finnish firm is now upgrading Nokia smartphones on Windows Phone 7.5 to the new software on a phased basis.

The first notifications have been issued to users of the Nokia Lumia 510, 610, 800 and 900, telling them they can upgrade to Windows Phone 7.8.

The upgrade is straightforward for unlocked phones, but more complicated for handsets locked to a mobile network, as availability of the software is dependent on operator approval.

Windows Phone 7.8 has already been shipping pre-loaded on selected older Nokia Lumia handsets, including the 510.

Whilst users do not get the full Windows Phone 8 experience, they do get new functionality, including resizable Live Tiles on the Start Screen with small, medium and large options, backed up by extra theme colour options.

The Bing search engine homepage can be included on the lock screen on 7.8 handsets, but third-party developers will not be able to add their services in the same way, as with the full Windows Phone 8 software.

Users who get a Windows Phone 7.8 notification should connect their phone to their computer via Zune for PC, or the Windows Phone app for Mac, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Alongside the major system update, Nokia users who upgrade to Windows Phone 7.8 also get a range of other features, such as Internet sharing, Bluetooth sharing, imaging enhancements (such as Camera Extras), and new apps for Contact Share, Play To and Nokia City Lens.