Samsung set to rollout WP7.8 update to its existing Windows Phone 7.5 devices

All the talk about Windows Phone 7.8 has been in relation to Nokia and its existing devices. However, a report by Windows Phone Italy has some good news for those using Samsung devices running on the Windows Phone 7.5 platform as they have been informed by Samsung directly that all these handsets would be updated to Windows Phone 7.8.

The statement by Samsung reads, “We confirm that our products with Windows Phone 7.5 [indeed, all Windows phones so far marketed by Samsung, N.d.R.], will be upgraded to version 7.8, but will be made available with timing determined by Microsoft.”

This means that though Samsung may be ready with the Windows Phone 7.8 update, it all depends on Microsoft when it is officially ready to release the OS. So one should expect the update in early 2013, when Microsoft announced the availability of the operating system for Windows Phone 7.x devices.

More from News & Analysis

What is the US HIRE Bill and why is India’s $250-billion IT sector worried? Is the internet dead? What's this theory that OpenAI's Sam Altman says might be true?

Windows Phone 7.8 update getting ready by Samsung

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 had 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.”