For Windows Phone 8, which first hit the market – and thus started its lifecycle – on December 14, 2012, Microsoft’s official support will run until August 7, 2014. As for Windows Phone 7.8, that saw its lifecycle begin on February 9, 2013, and so will be supported until September 9, 2014.

As for what “mainstream support” actually means, Microsoft defines it as a period of updates and fixes, though warns that what firmware changes actually arrive on individual phones will depend on manufacturer, carrier, and location.

“Microsoft will make updates available for the Operating System on your phone, including security updates, for a period of 18 months after the lifecycle start date” Microsoft

The decision to detail exactly what Windows Phone users can legitimately expect from Microsoft is a commendable one, though it’s still no commitment to timely updates or, indeed, any guarantee that the smartphone you buy today may get an upgrade to the next version of the platform. There’s also arguably a disconnect between the length of Microsoft’s commitment, eighteen months, and the typical twenty-four month agreement most smartphones are sold with.

Microsoft’s feelings of obligation do differ in that respect from some of the manufacturers. Speaking to Nokia’s smart devices chief Jo Harlow at Mobile World Congress last month, she told SlashGear that the Finnish firm sees its responsibility to users lasting potentially up to twice as long as Microsoft does.

“I think that probably 2-3 years [of software support], certainly within the normal life-cycle that most people would own a phone [could be expected],” Harlow told us. “And that’s kind of how we look at it: for most people it’s two years, because that’s when they renew their plan. And for as long as that phone is being sold in the market, it’s two years from there.”

[via Engadget]

The update is being pushed out to Lumia 510, 610, 710, 800, and 900 handsets running operator-approved software or that are unlocked. The roll out is said to be taking place over the next few weeks, so if you aren’t seeing the update yet, you might have to be patient for awhile. The update is said to have gone through extensive testing before being released.

Improvements from 7.5 to 7.8 include the ability to share via Internet and Bluetooth, additional apps, including Nokia City Lens, and Camera Extras, which is meant to greatly increase the functionality of your handset’s camera. With Camera Extras, users will be able to take Smart Group Shots and action shots, as well as utilize a self-timer and create panorama images via stitching.

In addition, the start screen has been revamped in 7.8, offering re-sizable tiles (they can be made smaller or larger, depending on preference), as well as new lock screen options. Bing’s daily wallpaper feature, which has been available to desktop users for awhile now, is also provided in 7.8, changing the background image automatically every day to one of Bing’s image backgrounds.

Other extra features are less obvious, such as additional language support. When you’ll receive your update depends on the carrier you’re under. To ensure you don’t miss the update, enable notifications under “Settings” > “Phone Update” so that you’re pinged when the software update rolls your way. Nokia says to contact your carrier if you don’t get the update within three weeks.

[via Nokia]

However, the roll out may be set to begin on January 31, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be getting it then. The Facebook post says the roll out will continue throughout Q1 2013, so it could be days or possibly even weeks before it arrives on your handset. Keep in mind too that Microsoft hasn’t made a formal announcement yet, so the date we’re hearing from Windows Phone Colombia may be off.

Still, as WPCentral points out, a number of carriers around the world have suggest an end-of-January release for the Windows Phone 7.8 update. We’ve seen devices running the new version of the OS as well, so if it isn’t finished just yet, it’s at least very close. Microsoft previously gave the update a release window of Q1 2013, and considering all of the other evidence, January 31 could possibly be the date the Windows Phone 7.5 users of the world get updated to Windows Phone 7.8.

Windows Phone 7.8 is said to come with a number of new features, including Bluetooth file transfer, a new lock screen, and resizable live titles. It obviously won’t be as big as Windows Phone 8 – Microsoft’s latest mobile operating system – but it should do something to please Windows Phone users who are stuck on 7.5. Stay tuned, as we’ll have more information for you once it’s available.

[via GSMArena]

So far, those who have flashed their devices are reporting all the features we expected and hoped for, including resizable Live Tiles, a new boot screen, additional Accent colors, new Xbox, Office, and Store icons, Bluetooth sharing, two dozen lock screen backgrounds, and the ability to make Google your default search engine in Internet Explorer. 

On November 28, Microsoft made this statement regarding the 7.8 upgrade. “We know you’re eager to get the Windows Phone 7.8 update, and we want you to know that we’re working closely with our hardware and carrier partners to get it tested, approved, and rolled out to as many devices as possible in early 2013. As we work to quickly get this in the hands of our loyal users, we’re also striving to deliver a high-quality release and ensure a smooth transition for our widely expanded services.”

Users who have taken the plunge so far are stating good things, with few experiencing any issues or unexpected happenings. If you’re planning to upgrade your Lumia 510, 800, or 900 to Windows Phone 7.8, make sure you backup your data first. After you’re finished updating, don’t forget to leave a comment and let us know what you think!

[via My Nokia Blog]

Unfortunately, not all existing Windows Phone 7.5 handsets will receive the update, but most existing users can expect an update to version 7.8 that will bridge the gap between their device and new devices running Microsoft’s latest mobile operating system. WP7 users are upset as it is, since they won’t be able to get WP8 on their current devices, so it’s crucial that Microsoft roll out the update in a timely manner.

Microsoft’s corporate vice president of Windows Phone, Terry Myerson, said that “new models running Windows Phone 7.8 are beginning to launch in many countries around the world,” which means that there will technically be Windows Phone 7.8 devices out in the wild, but the update for existing customers won’t be ready to roll out until early next year.

Other features of Windows Phone 7.8 include 20 new theme and accent colors, new lock screen features that can display the Bing Picture of the Day, and an “A1B2C3″ PIN/password challenge to prevent accidental device wipes on phones connected to Exchange accounts. While I’m sure most WP7 users would love to have WP8, WP7.8 seems to be a good compromise.

What you’ll be working with here is a single-core 800Mhz processor from Qualcomm and shell that looks rather similar to the Nokia Lumia 710 [see our review here]. The big difference is in the physical buttons and the fact that this device does not appear to be working with a USA carrier at the moment – though there is an international version of the 710 too, for those of you wondering. This handset is more than likely set to be released in China first and foremost for those just jumping in on Windows Phone.

Please excuse the terrible quality of the video, but do note that the device does appear to pretty much be a legitimate model if not a final working device.

For everyone else, the specifications of this device might not impress fully – a 5 megapixel camera on the back, no front-facing camera, and a 4-inch LCD up front as well. This device will fit in your hand perfectly will and will likely come in a variety of case colors on the back. Look for this device to appear in your local China-based mobile carrier within the next couple months, more than likely. This device has been tipped to be costing aproximately $150 USD (converted) with a 2-year contract) and will be working with 4GB internal memory and 256 RAM.

Have a peek at the timeline below to get a handle on what else is coming from Nokia in the weeks ahead – it’s a Lumia festival. Along with the Nokia Lumia devices we saw in New York City what seems like yesterday, you’ll be getting Windows 8 compatibility with full Windows Phone 8 software integration. Nokia is one of Microsoft’s best buddies on this set of devices, so you’ll be getting the full Windows Phone 8 experience without a doubt!

[via GSMArena]

The keyboard has reportedly been designed for one-handed thumb typing, with the keys aligning with the natural resting angle of the thumb against the screen. Keys are placed together, almost like a T9 keyboard but using a QWERTY layout instead. A language option can be found at the bottom right corner, while oddly sized back and enter keys are off to the side.

WMPoweruser also notes that the keyboard is being demoed on an HTC Trophy, so it’s possible that the new feature could be destined for Windows Phone 7.8 and not just restricted to Windows Phone 8. Still, we’re eyeing this picture cautiously given the skewed “Curved to match thumb” text not aligning with the display, and there’s still the question of usability versus a normal on-screen keyboard.

Of course there are quite a few relatively large changes to this next-generation update to the Windows Phone user interface when it comes down to it, beginning with the most obvious: the addition of a tile size. You’ve got colors, three sizes of tiles, and ultra-easy to re-arrange goodness. Next you’ve got an announcement that Audible just hit the Windows Phone app market, and that Words with Friends, Draw Something, and the online banking system PayPal will all be hitting the market soon.

Above you’ll see a brand new Microsoft-made hands-on video focusing specifically on the start screen, with Windows Phone 7.8 live and in-action – this just one of a vast collection of content bits we’re sure will be appearing on the Windows Phone 7.8 homepage soon. The basic push for this version of Windows Phone as a viable alternative for those not quite entirely happy about the fact that their devices will not be upgraded to version 8 of Windows Phone is plain to be seen. Microsoft will certainly be continuing to make an effort to appear fair for legacy users moving forward, you can bank on it.

Have a peek at our own Eyes-on with Windows Phone 7.8 and check out the video from the big event earlier this month here:

Rudolph notes that this is a “VERY early” build of Windows Phone 7.8. The implication is that some features of the screen or perhaps the layout could change. The Start Screen has all the tiles we’re used to seeing on Windows Phone, and each tile can be resized between small, medium, or large as the user sees fit.

Users can resize any of the tiles on the screen, including the tiles that lead the main functions of the phone such as making phone calls. If you want to see more of what the new Start Screen will be like when the latest version of the operating system is available, check out the video below. Rudolph also mentions that there are new apps coming for Windows Phone users soon, including the arrival of Audible, Words with Friends, and Draw Something.