Windows Phone Sales ‘Quadruple’, But 7.8 Update Not Coming Until 2013

Microsoft is selling four times as many Windows Phone devices as this time last year, according to CEO Steve Ballmer.

Sales have been boosted by the launch of Windows Phone 8, which landed earlier this month, with Nokia, Samsung and HTC manufacturing smartphones running the platform. Speaking at a shareholders meeting, Ballmer said that Windows Phone 8 was off to a great start and that the launch devices were getting rave reviews and have initially sold out in many countries.”

Ballmer did not reveal specific sales figures, but added that there were now more than 200,000 applications for Windows Phone.

Windows Phone 7.8 release date

However, owners of older Windows Phones, which are not compatible with Windows Phone 8, will be less pleased to learn that the promised Windows Phone 7.8 update will not arrive until at least next year.

The update had been announced earlier in 2012 as part of an effort to appease early supporters of Windows Phone, who felt betrayed by the fact their smartphones would not be compatible with the latest version. Windows Phone 7.8 brings features such as resizeable live tiles, a new lock screen and more themes.

In a blog post, Terry Myerson, corporate vice president for Windows Phone, said a number of new, cheaper, Windows Phone 7.8 handsets would be released to broaden the operating systems appeal.

“We know you’re eager to get the Windows Phone 7.8 update, and we want you to know that we’re working closely with our hardware and carrier partners to get it tested, approved and rolled out to as many devices as possible in early 2013,” said Myerson. “As we work to quickly get this in the hands of our loyal users, we’re also striving to deliver a high-quality release and ensure a smooth transition for our widely expanded services.”

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