[Rumour]Windows Phone 7.8 Update : 31st January

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“Where is my Windows 7.8 update ? Where is my Windows 7.8 update ?” Windows Phones’ online forums have been buzzing with this very question off late. Well, it’s been a heck of a time for early backers of Microsoft’s Windows Phone. First they find out they’re not getting Windows Phone 8 (despite hints to the contrary), then the consolation prize, Windows Phone 7.8, takes forever to materialise.
However, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, Windows Phone 7.8 update will be here by the end of the month. Although Microsoft itself has been officially mum on when the Windows Phone 7.8 update will go out to the masses, the end of January is coming into focus as the target date.
On the face of it, Windows Phone 7.8 is a minor update bringing only the ability to use three different size tiles on the Start screen, reflecting the Windows Phone 8 paradigm in addition to some smaller, device specific enhancements. But based on user experience, we know that the windows phone 7.8 update really does make a difference in perception, making older devices feel more modern.

The Confirmation

Evidence for an end-of-January global rollout derives from a few carriers who have proclaimed the date through their official PR channels like Twitter or even their website. A new piece of evidence though coming from Microsoft has been revealed today, reinforcing the launch time-frame.
First up is O2 which mentioned the 7.8 update recently in a fairly specific tweet. When asked by a customer regarding the updates availability, the popular UK carrier responded with “by the end of January”.
Australia’s Telstra expecting the much-anticipated OS update for the Lumia 800 also by January 31st (although other Windows Phone devices are still in testing, with a roll-out anticipated in February or early March). WPArea.de also recently reported that O2 Germany tweeted the same time-frame regarding the Lumia 710, citing January for that push.

Now, Windows Phone Colombia via their Facebook page has landed on this date of January 31st as being key for the 7.8 update. In an announcement post on their page, the Latin American branch of Windows Phone proclaimed:

“As of January 31 and during the first quarter of 2013 some phones with Windows Phone 7.5 will be receiving 7.8 update… Happy weekend.” (Translated by Bing)

Once again, the information is specific and thrugh official channels.

When will Microsoft make it formal?

We don’t want to make guaranteed predictions here folks, but that’s four official sources all arriving on the same date for a Windows Phone 7.8. Even more interesting is the fact that how spread out they are: Colombia, Australia, Germany, the UK and we bet there are more.
We should temper excitement though as Telstra demonstrated that the majority of their devices won’t have 7.8 on January 31st and we have a feeling that will be the case for a lot of carriers. In other words, some high-profile (and previously bestselling devices) will get first priority for this update with others falling in line thereafter.
To wrap it up, we’re confident that Microsoft will begin a global roll-out starting January 31st for Windows Phone 7.8. This, however doesn’t mean that everyone will get it on this very day but rather the process (which will go through March) will begin on that date.
We now expect Microsoft to make an official announcement in the coming days. So to all those asking ” Where is my windows phone 7.8 update ?”, here’s your answer :)