Microsoft launches first Windows Phone 7 update

Microsoft has begun rolling out the first update to Windows Phone 7, to make updating the mobile operating system easier.

In a blog post on Monday, Microsoft employee Michael Stroh wrote that the update being deployed is a "relatively small one" that is not to be confused with another coming in the next few weeks, bringing with it such functionality as cut-and-paste.

"This first update for Windows Phone is designed to improve the software update process itself," Stroh wrote. "So while it might not sound exciting, it's still important because it's paving the way for all future goodie-filled updates to your phone, such as copy-and-paste or improved Marketplace search."

Stroh added that not all users would gain access to the update on Monday, as "it won't be sent to everyone at one".

A much bigger update will come out in the second half of this year, adding Internet Explorer 9, better HTML 5 support, multitasking for third-party apps and SkyDrive document support.