Windows Phone 7.8 tipped for early 2013 release date

Microsoft’s highly anticipated Windows Phone 7.8 update will land in early 2013, according to a leaked Nokia document. 

Windows Phone 7.8 will bring a whole host of Windows Phone 8 features, including its new Start screen, to Microsoft’s first batch of Windows Phone 7-powered handsets like the Nokia Lumia 800 and the HTC Titan. 

The leaked information comes via one of Nokia’s Chinese training manuals and was first spotted by WPCentral, which reports that ‘the new start screen is mentioned, as well as the three Live Tile sizes that users can manipulate to create unique and personal experiences.’ 

It added: ‘more themes are included (20 in total) to match what's available in Windows Phone 8. Internet Explorer is patched with security upgrades, and the system supports the editing of MP3 files for ringtone creation,’

Microsoft is also reportedly looking to add lots of USPs inside Windows Phone 7.8 in order to appease unhappy users left on the now-defunct Windows Phone 7 iteration of its software. What these features will be remains to be seen but it’s good to see Microsoft taking care of users that are now stuck on legacy hardware. 

Windows Phone 7.8 will likely launch during Q1 2013, if the above reports are to be believed. Initial reports from users that have already upgraded to the platform via a leaked ROM have been very positive, so don’t go chucking your Lumia 800 just yet.