Microsoft insists on update to Windows Phone 7.5

26 April 2012

Update or be blocked from downloading or updating apps

If you want to continue downloading apps for your Windows Phone, you need to be using Windows Phone 7.5. That's the stark warning from Microsoft.

The company has made changes to its Marketplace, which will affect you if you haven't updated the software on your Windows Phone. Any customers who have failed to update their phones to Windows Phone 7.5 (and all phones are able to update) will be able to browse the Marketplace but will not be able to download apps, nor update existing apps. You'll just get an error message.

According to Microsoft, this isn't just some random decision or a way of annoying its users. This is all about improving the Marketplace experience. In its blog, Microsoft says: 'Marketplace is growing fast. It now has over 80,000 apps overall and is available in 54 (soon to be 63) countries around the world. Requiring Windows Phone 7.5 is part of a larger effort aimed at improving Marketplace performance and security, and paving the way for even faster growth and more new features.'

it isn't clear how many people will be affected by this. Microsoft says 'a handful', which isn't very specific. However, if you are one of those, updating your phone isn't difficult. It's just a matter of plugging your phone into your computer and following instructions. But check out the online guide first before you start. It isn't quick, so do put some time aside to do the update.

Microsoft is also removing the option to shop for Windows Phone apps from the Zune PC software. Again, this is to focus on the most popular platform for getting apps. Nothing is required on your part for this – it will simply stop offering the option to access apps in this way.

Source: Windows Blog