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Microsoft shows off Windows Phone 7.8: last big update for existing phones

Summary: Microsoft is showing off the new home screen in Windows Phone 7.8, the last major version for all Windows Phones in customers' hands currently.

James Kendrick

By for Mobile News |

Microsoft recently upset a lot of people in a group they couldn't afford to alienate, Windows Phone owners. The confirmation that Windows Phone 8, the upcoming update for the platform to beat all previous versions, would not run on any existing handsets left the entire Windows Phone installed base in the cold.

Realizing that this would not be a popular move, Microsoft quickly mentioned that an interim release, Windows Phone 7.8, would be released to bring some of the features of WP8 that otherwise won't trickle down. This interim release will bring a new home screen similar to the one that will ship with Windows Phone 8.

The new home screen in WP7.8 is being shown off by Ben Rudolph of Microsoft in a video recently published online. Here's what Microsoft is hoping will be consolation enough for those who jumped on Windows Phone early.

Yes, in Windows Phone 7.8 you can now order your tiles in small, medium, or large. Like the fries at McDonald's.

Related:

Topics: Microsoft, Mobility, Operating Systems, Software, Telcos, Windows

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82 comments
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  • And that's a "Major Upgrade"?

    After kicking all your customers in the teeth, you throw them a nut and tell them to be happy with that?
    Jumpin Jack Flash
    Reply 2 Votes

    • We're not sure if that's it

      We just know Microsoft has only shown that one thing off right now. If it was just a new home screen, they'd probably be shipping it right now. Something tells me there's more to it than that.
      Michael Alan Goff
      Reply 1 Vote

    • How exactly are you affected?

      You do not actually own one of these phones.
      Your Non Advocate
      Reply 1 Vote

    • I have the original Motorola Droid...

      I haven't received an update in years. Not a single chip in my diamong crusted platinum fangs.
      mrefuman
      Reply 1 Vote

    • Ah the resident

      Microsoft basher. Are you not getting tired of the daily bull you are posting here ? I know I am.

      I actually own a WP7 phone, and I understand why I am not getting an update, because for 85% of the new features being offered in that new os I need new hardware. At least Microsoft is upfront and honest about what they are delivering, some companies (like Apple) make you believe you are getting the latest and greatest, but of course, depending on your model, they ripp features out, some are hardware related, others aren't. But of course, Siri being left out of existing handsets does have a very specific reason, one that fills the coffers at Cupertino, no more and no less, of course Apple does get a free pass, talk about being deaf and blind at the same time !
      sjaak327
      Reply 4 Votes

      • Obviously

        Since your one of the [b]Resident Microsoft trolls[/b] you hate the truth.
        "t least Microsoft is upfront and honest about what they are delivering, some companies (like Apple) make you believe you are getting the latest and greatest, but of course, depending on your model, they ripp features out, some are hardware related, others aren't."
        Prove it, oh wait you can't. Maybe it's because you're still using one of those "Vista ready" PCs? How is "Longhorn" working out for you? Microsoft has a long, and well documented history of over-promising, and under-delivering. Yet you don't seem to ever call them on it? How about that upgrade from Windows Mobile 6.5 to Windows Mobile 7? Oh wait that required all new hardware, just like Window Phone 8. The hypocrisy you display is truly sad, but the fact that you're a member of the [b]Angry Minions of Microsoft[/b] makes it okay?
        Jumpin Jack Flash
        Reply 1 Vote

        • Oh, let's talk about Apple compared to the fail of Vista

          so what? vista wasn't great, big changes brought on bigger problems... it was the future and we thought it has failed, but it didn't between patches, extra security and smart people vista is "alright" unlike the three new IMACS that we have been using, taken out of the box the hard drive died on one, the O.S. is trashed on the other and the last one gets hot enough to burn you... not to mention unstable, Windows XP blows it out of the water and it is a 10 year old program going strong. i have never seen anything stick and lock as bad as a mac. i'm still working on my XP as of now. just like XP which windows is preparing to disown, the Windows phone 7.8 will stick around for a while, and people complain too much, it's a cell phone people! Microsoft made things back up when they came out with windows 7, just goes to show why you should wait just a little bit before buying the latest & greatest unless it is still based on the past, windows vista veered way off course, but it still works... macs & PCs are based on a lot of the same components... windows hasn't failed us yet, Mac never gave us something to hope for.
          ZG_Windows98
          Reply Vote

  • I have on rule...

    I have one rule when it comes to the purchase of personal tech: always buy your gadgets for what they do now. Never buy a gadget for promised future upgrades.

    Follow my advice and you wil never be dissappointed, and occasionally will find yourself pleasantly surprised (as when my HTC Flyer got the promised Honeycomb update).
    dsf3g
    Reply 2 Votes

    • Yes

      That's a good advice. I follow it myself. ;-)
      statuskwo5
      Reply 1 Vote

    • Expect little from your Tech and you will likely get little from your Tech.

      I tend to want to provide feedback and expectations to companies I give my money to. You are correct that technically, no one can blame Nokia/Microsoft for what Lumia 900 will get. But that is why I chose not to purchase a Lumia 900. Who is hurt MOST by this, Nokia as I will likely not purchase a future Nokia Windows Phone either. I will probably wait 2 or 3 generations to purchase one, if even then. For the record, the last 4 phones I purchased (before the Google/Samsung Galaxy Nexus I just purchase instead of the Lumia 900) were all Nokia Phones.
      jkohut
      Reply 1 Vote

    • Doesn't matter

      Changing you expectations may help you avoid disappointment but it doesn't change the overall situation - some platforms do a better job of pleasantly surprising there customers than do other platforms. WP just solidly entered the second.
      rbgaynor
      Reply 1 Vote

    • Buy now

      Remember, that whatever electronic or personal tech item you buy, there will be a better one for less money next week.
      bb_apptix
      Reply Vote

    • But Microsoft said they were going to offer

      meaningful upgrades, all they've really provided are patches, and bug fixes. There was the big thing about Android not getting updates, and how Microsoft was going to be so much better. Then less that 2 years later they pull the curtain back, ad tell you, "tough luck"? In reality WP 7 was really just WM with more lipstick. Yet the [b]Microsoft Fanboys[/b] donned their skirts, grabbed their Pompoms and started cheering! WP 7 has proven one thing: you can fool some of the people, all of the time...
      Jumpin Jack Flash
      Reply Vote

      • Do you have a WP7 phone?

        I'm guessing not. I do, and I've gotten a couple of upgrades and each time it's offered a decent set of improvements.

        Given that you're very obviously an ABMer (the tone of pretty much every post I've ever seen by you is "hate Microsoft") I don't understand why you spend so much time trolling for any mention of Microsoft other than to spout your hate. Seriously, you should stop hating, it's not good for you.
        PollyProteus
        Reply 1 Vote

        • I tried a few...

          And immediately knew I would never want one. The UI is Fugly, the hardware is crap, in short why would I want to pay good money for ten year old tech?
          Jumpin Jack Flash
          Reply 1 Vote

    • You mean, I shouldn't expect an update/upgrade for my Samsung 52" HDTV?

      Or for my GE Washer and Dryer?

      Sounds so unfair...

      ... according to the WP7 and Microsoft bashers.
      adornoe
      Reply 1 Vote

      • Does your GE washer comes with buggy software?

        Does the washer need firmware updates?
        dave95.
        Reply 1 Vote

        • firmware for washing machines

          Let's hope it never comes to that.
          johnsmith9875
          Reply 1 Vote

      • dave95:No, no bugs, but then, that's not what the MS detractors are talking

        about when it comes to WP7, is it. It's not the bugs that they're mentioning as not having MS or Nokia needing to fix, is it?

        You bashers are complaining about the WP7 users not getting upgraded to similar specs as a WP8. That is an irrational expectation, just like it would be irrational for me to expect my Washer and Dryer to get upgraded to whatever newer features might come with the newer GE appliances.

        See the difference? No, probably not, because, your argument is not about real issues; it's about unreasonable expectations and irrational bashing of Microsoft and Nokia.
        adornoe
        Reply Vote

      • Not until the iWasher comes out...

        will washers need updates, be more expensive and suck compared to everything else.
        Kublakhanonomous
        Reply Vote
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