Back in June Microsoft announced their revamped mobile operating system, Windows Phone 8, to the delight of Microsoft loyalists and the chagrin of rival users. Somewhere amid the hype though, people forgot about WP’s red-headed stepchild, Windows Phone 7.8, which happened to be announced on the same day. This lesser known OS has been the buzz of the internet as of late because techies and mobile users alike have all been wondering the same thing, where the hell is it?
Sure, Microsoft may have had its hands full after launching their OS for mobile and desktop, developing a slew of new smartphones and tablets, and cultivating its flagship office productivity suite. But a promise is a promise and the Microsoft faithful are anxiously waiting for the software giant to make good on it.
A Microsoft spokesperson told TechCrunch today that “We have made no further announcement on this but hope to share more details in the near future.” Though this statement is as vague as they come, many are speculating that “near future” could be as imminent as Wednesday. A tech blog aptly called Tonis Tech Blog supports this claim, stating that “Microsoft is rumored to launch Windows Phone 7.8 on Wednesday, according to sources near the subject.” While anonymous sources aren’t exactly forthcoming, other sites like WMPoweruser make the same suggestion.
So what’s the big deal? Before WP8, there was WP7.5. Unfortunately for 7.5 users, WP8 uses the same kernel used by Windows 8 and Windows RT, which means it has completely different technology under its hood than WP7.5. Basically, those who use WP7.5 can’t upgrade to WP8 and Microsoft needs to curtail any animosity because of this.
Stay tuned to BostInno for the latest pertaining to Windows Phone 7.8. The only thing we know for sure is that it’s coming soon but other rumors are hinting at a more flexible home screen, bluetooth file transfer capability, and Xbox music store access.
In the meantime, let us know how you think WP7.8 will fair. And check out this video of the apparent WP7.8 on Nokia’s Lumia 510 which surfaced in the Philippines.
