If you own a Samsung branded Windows Phone 7.5 device, then we have some great news for you – you’re getting a software update!
The upgrade path for Windows Phones has been something of a black hole of information for the platform’s users. Those who picked up one of Samsung’s Windows Phone 7.5 devices not too long ago have found themselves fearing the worst after learning that their relatively new handsets would not be updated to the all-singing, all-dancing Windows Phone 8 platform. But what about Windows Phone 7.8, it’s slightly smaller, less exciting brother?
While most devices were expected to receive 7.8 updates, fears were given credence when a blog posted a chart showing which devices could look forward to updates. The glaring omission here was the Samsung Omnia W, which was slated to be updated as far as 7.10.8107.7, but no further. Worrying news indeed.
Now though. via another blog – this time WindowsPhoneItaly – Samsung’s technical team has sought to clarify the situation. Contrary to earlier reports, all of Samsung’s Windows Phone 7.5 devices will receive updates to 7.8, which is great news.
We can confirm that our products carrying the Windows Phone version 7.5 , are updated the [version] 7.8 but will be made ??available with terms decided by Microsoft.
Of course, while this is welcome news for Omnia W owners, what everyone would rather see is an update to Windows Phone 8. While we have to accept that such an update is simply not going to happen, the update to 7.8 is at least better than nothing. In a world where some Android phones find themselves without updates almost immediately after launch, Samsung has at least avoided that situation here.
Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform has suffered from lackluster sales around the globe, despite the signing of a very prominent deal to become Nokia’s smartphone operating system of choice. Unfortunately, Nokia is suffering something of a crisis itself, and neither it nor Microsoft have managed to turn this around just yet.
Samsung, behind Nokia, is one of the largest players in the Windows Phone space, and Microsoft will be hoping for its continued support in the arena. With Galaxy S Android phones proving hugely popular however, the company’s Windows Phone offerings are set to play second fiddle to those sporting Android for the foreseeable future.
Something Microsoft could really do without.
(via WMPowerUser)
You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web.
