As expected, existing Windows Phone 7.5 devices will not be upgraded to Windows Phone 8. Instead, Microsoft will offer a number of Windows Phone 8 features to current devices through a Windows Phone 7.8 upgrade.
Microsoft explained that the significant changes made in Windows 8 and ties to new hardware such as multi-core processors meant that many features would not work even if the upgrade had been made available. Microsoft’s Greg Sullivan, explained that “the nature of the investment [in Windows Phone 8] is primarily in areas that are not exploitable by existing hardware.” The company decided instead to focus on making Windows Phone 8 as good as it could and without making compromises that would hinder that direction.
Instead, Microsoft will offer a new upgrade for current Windows Phone 7.5 devices. Windows Phone 7.8 will deliver the features focused on the user interface (such as the new Start screen) without providing any that depend on the new hardware requirements for Windows Phone 8. Also included could be other features that were not unveiled today.
Did Microsoft make the right decision? I guess it depends on who you ask. Those with existing devices will likely be disappointed/upset but those who pick up Windows Phone 8 devices later this probably will likely be happy to know that Microsoft did not compromise performance or features by having to deal with backwards compatibility. One thing is for sure, it just got tougher for Microsoft and its hardware partners to sell Windows Phone 7.5 devices.
A timeline for the update was not provided. Hopefully it will coincide with the release of Windows Phone 8.
Read more: The Verge