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Microsoft revealed Windows Phone 8 earlier today, paving the way for a second generation of more powerful smartphones to use the platform.
Hopes were riding high for the current crop of Windows Phones to get the option to update to Windows Phone 8, but unfortunately Microsoft quashed those hopes during its presentation.
Windows Phone 8 is designed for faster, more capable devices with multiple core processors and screens with higher resolutions. While some of the more recent top-end devices may just be able to run it, Microsoft is cutting them off in order to bring in Windows Phone 8 as a fresh start with a whole new breed of devices.
Rather than leave those who have just shelled out for something like a Nokia Lumia 900 in the dark, Microsoft announced a new software update to bridge the gap: Windows Phone 7.8.
Several key features and improvements from Windows Phone 8 Apollo will be added to Windows Phone 7.8 to keep users happy, including that impressive homescreen with resizable live tiles. This update will be downloadable directly over Wi-Fi, saving users the hassle of messing around with desktop software such as Zune and Windows Phone Connector for Mac.
Microsoft confirmed that Windows Phone 7 apps will work on the upgrade Windows Phone 8, but unfortunately any apps designed for Windows Phone 8 won’t be backwards compatible with 7.5 or 7.8.
The lack of an update to the next big OS is sure to disappoint many, particularly those with handsets like the Lumia 800 and 900, although hopefully Windows Phone 7.8 will sweeten the deal.
For the full lowdown on everything Windows Phone 8, check out our coverage of it right here.
Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.
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