Windows Phone 7.8 update landing ‘early 2013’

Microsoft has officially stated that the Windows Phone 7.8 update, which will introduce a limited set of Windows Phone 8 features to earlier Windows Phone 7 models, will be rolled out in ‘early 2013’.

The news comes via a statement posted by Terry Myerson, vice president of Windows Phone, on the official Windows Phone blog. It correlates with details from a leaked Nokia document which emerged earlier in November.

A specific date bracket hasn’t been outlined just yet, but the post did confirm some of the previously leaked features expected to make their way into the 7.8 update.

As has been reported for some time, Windows Phone 7.8 will feature re-sizable Live Tile icons and an expanded selection of theme colours – there’ll be 20 to choose from.

Myerson said: ‘There are also new lock screen features: the option to automatically display the Bing Picture of the Day plus the ‘A1B2C3’ PIN/password challenge to prevent accidental device wipes on phones connected to Exchange accounts.’

He also said there would be more new apps being released for Windows Phone 7.5 and 7.8.

As well as bringing existing Windows Phone 7 users up-to-date with Microsoft’s latest feature developments, Myerson implied that part of the company’s strategy involves introducing new models on Windows Phone 7.8 at lower price points to ensure there’s an option for consumers at all levels.

Clearly this is Microsoft attempting to take on Android’s multi-level market penetration.

It's believed Windows Phone 7.8 will introduce additional features besides the ones Myerson confirmed in the post. Previous leaks suggested Microsoft's revamped Xbox suite, including Xbox Music and Xbox SmartGlass, will make an appearance