Nokia has announced that the rollout of the Windows Phone 7.8 update, for users currently on the Windows 7.5 platform, has begun.
When Microsoft first announced Windows Phone 8 in June last year, it was made clear that Windows 7.5 users would not receive a full upgrade to the new platform, but would get the benefit of the redesigned home screen and improved customisability.
At the time, Joe Belfiore, manager of the Windows Phone program at Microsoft, said: "Windows Phone 8 is a generation shift in technology, which means that it will not run on existing hardware. But we care deeply about our existing customers and want to keep their phones fresh, so we're providing the new Start screen in this new update."
According to Nokia SA, after "extensive software testing," update notifications will begin to appear for Nokia Lumia 510, 610, 800 and 900 users.
"A message will appear on the phone encouraging users to get the update, and they will simply need to connect their phone to their computer via Zune for PC, or the Windows Phone app for Mac - and follow the onscreen instructions," says Nokia.
The update provides new personalisation features, such as resizable tiles on the home screen, new theme colours and new lock screen options. Other features include new Internet and Bluetooth sharing options, Camera Extras, and apps such as Contact Share and the augmented reality app, City Lens.
Nokia recommends that users wanting to upgrade should ensure that notifications are enabled on their devices (accessible via Settings > Phone Update > "Notify me when new updates are found").
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