Nokia rolls out WP7.8 to test devices, reaffirms Q1 2013 release

Recently, the Windows Phone 7.8 update rolled out to some Lumia 800s. According to Tweakers, Nokia has clarified that the update isn’t ready to be rolled out to the general public yet. The update was just rolled out for some pre-production models and was part of the testing process. The Finnish company has also reaffirmed that the WP7.8 update will arrive in Q1 of 2013.

Nokia was forced to respond due to the positive response some Lumia 800 users got after getting the update. Translated from Dutch, here is the statement from Nokia spokesperson Stella Jansen: “We are responding, because otherwise people disappointed and waiting for the update.”

Almost there…

Earlier this month, some users had caught the update for the Lumia 900 on Nokia’s servers. The update is for the RM-823 devices, which is the international non-AT&T version, and has an OS version number of 8858 with 12480 firmware. A user, who had also managed to download the update and flash it onto his Lumia 900, stated, “No Nokia features, just live tiles, Bing wallpaper, new colors, new boot screen, new wallpapers.”

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These features are expected as part of the Windows Phone 7.8 package and the report adds that Nokia will most probably include the camera apps via the Nokia Collection when it officially rolls out the update to users.

Microsoft revealed some of the new features that come with the update, but the highlight comes in the last paragraph of the post on the Windows Phone Blog. Terry Myerson, Corporate Vice President, Windows Phone, stated, “We know you’re eager to get the Windows Phone 7.8 update, and we want you to know that we’re working closely with our hardware and carrier partners to get it tested, approved, and rolled out to as many devices as possible in early 2013. As we work to quickly get this in the hands of our loyal users, we’re also striving to deliver a high-quality release and ensure a smooth transition for our widely expanded services.”

Myerson stated that Windows Phone 7.8 not only features the new Start screen, which is used on Windows Phone 8, but also brings in a new range of features. He said that when he used the WP 7.8 update on his Nokia Lumia 900, it felt like using a completely new phone. Myerson stated, “Resizable Live Tiles totally change the way I do things, providing faster access to more of my favorite people, photos, and apps.”

Windows Phone 7.8 comes with more themes as well as an increased number of accent colours, which is now 20 in all. The new operating system also features new lock screen features such as the option to automatically display the Bing Picture of the Day and the ‘A1B2C3’ PIN/ password challenge to prevent accidental device wipes on phones connected to Exchange accounts.

He had also mentioned that there are a number of new apps that are coming to Windows Phone 7.5 and Windows 7.8 users. Apps such as Words with Friends and Draw Something are already available, while Angry Birds Space and Angry Birds Star Wars are on the way.

Myerson stated, “New models running Windows Phone 7.8 are beginning to launch in many countries around the world, strengthening the ecosystem by bringing more Windows Phones to more people. 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.”