Windows phones might not update to Windows Phone 8

19 April 2012

Mixed messages for Apollo upgrade

Got yourself the latest Nokia Lumia phone? Well, if rumours ring true, it might not stay 'new' when Microsoft launches its new operating system.

We're talking about Windows Phone 8, also known as Apollo, which we detailed back in February. The new platform, which will be very close to the PC-based Windows 8, looks like a considerable step forward for Microsoft, but possibly not for current Windows Phone owners.

A 'trusted source close to Microsoft' has told The Verge that there will be 'no upgrade path from Mango to Apollo'. Rather than deny this outright, Microsoft itself has just added to the confusion. Responding to the story, it said: 'We have stated publicly that all apps in our Marketplace today will run on the next version of Windows Phone. Beyond that, we have nothing to share about future releases.' Doesn't exactly fill you with confidence, does it?

Purchasers of Windows phones at launch might not be too concerned. After all, it was October 2010 when Windows Phone 7 broke, so a lot of users, if on contracts, should be ready for a renewal when Windows Phone 8 hits the market.

But what about purchasers of Nokia Lumia phones? If Microsoft does launch Windows Phone 8 late this year, owners of recently-purchased smartphones, including the Nokia Lumia 900, which is yet to go on sale in the UK, could become second-class citizens. The phones will work and apps will run, but owners will certainly feel short changed, especially if a 24 month contract has been signed.

On the plus side, it looks like the new Windows Phone platform will be a clean break and a significant advance on the current Windows OS - one that will enable Microsoft to take on the Android and iOS competition with the right hardware.

Source: The Verge