Windows Phone 7.8 : What you need to know

Microsoft's Windows Phone OS has become quite popular. Currently, most of the Windows Phone in the market run the Windows Phone 7.5 OS. This December, many Windows Phone 8 handsets will hit the market. Critics have loved these phones and response from users is also very encouraging.

And between 7.5 and 8, Microsoft has announced 7.8, which officially be launched in January 2013. It has been made clear that all the existing 7.5 phones won't be upgraded to 8. That's because a Phone 8 needs more powerful specifications. 7.5 phones will be upgraded to 7.8, but not all the phones. Nokia has confirmed that its Lumia phones would be upgraded to 7.8. Similar announcement should come from Samsung and HTC , the other two major players in the Windows Phone segment.



So, the question arises -> What's new in Windows Phone 7.8 ?

Windows Phone 8 and 7.8 homescreen.

Here are some news that are "floating" around the net :-

1. It will bring the Windows Phone 8 start-screen to 7.8.
   The start-screen has everyone drooling over. Its just so, awesome. And that would be available to you when you update your phone to 7.8
2. New Lock Screen Pictures.
   You can "Bing Picture of the Day" as your lock screen. Plus, "A1B2C3/PIN" challenge to prevent accidental swipes.
3. Resizeable Tiles.
   The same feature is in Windows Phone 8. There are a variety of sizes of tiles in the phone.
4. More Themes.
   20 more themes are available in 7.8. Thats overwhelmingly more than 7.5. But thats hardly any good addition.
5. More apps.
   Angry Birds : Stars Wars and Angry Birds Space will be available in 7.8. Plus many more apps than 7.5

Note that, there has been no confirmation from Microsoft that apps on Windows Phone 8 would be backwardly compatible to 7.8. However Nokia has said that some apps will work on Lumia handsets.

There is no denying that Windows Phone will have a considerable share in the smartphone segment. All it needs is some constructive steps from Microsoft because all major smartphone makers - Samsung, Nokia and HTC are making Windows Phone. Lets see, if Phone 8 can be the iOS killer.