Pop on schedule, Nokia has announced that it is kicking off the rollout of the anticipated Windows Phone 7.8 update for its Lumia line of smartphones. Reportedly, Microsoft is also set to make a similar announcement soon.
Only those that are running an older version of the mobile operating system are in line to receive this upgrade, however. According to Nokia:
“Following extensive software testing, update notifications will begin to appear for Nokia Lumia 510, 610, 710, 800 and 900 owners with an unlocked phone or operator approved software during February.”
Right then, according to the Finnish phone maker, the Windows Phone 7.8 update is set to arrive for Lumia devices all through February.
Users will need to have the “notifications” option enabled on their devices for it to show up.
The update will not be pushed OTA (over the air) though, and those who get the notification of the update will have to connect their smartphones to computers using either Zune for PC or the Windows Phone app for Mac and follow the onscreen instructions.
In addition to updates and changes, Windows Phone 7.8 brings with it several new features, from Internet and Bluetooth sharing to camera and imaging enhancements. The Start Screen also gets a refresh and now offers the possibility of resizing tiles — small, medium or large.
To round up the new options, the lock screen also gets the ability to display a daily background image from Bing along with improved pocket and child lock screen security.
Not to mention all the additional language support that arrives with this update. Nokia has also updated several native Lumia applications like Connect Share, Play To and Nokia City Lens.
All in all, this is a pretty extensive update, and one that was rightly anticipated. If you are on an older Lumia device, the wait is almost over it seems.
Other smartphone vendors will also be rolling out the update in the coming days.
