No Windows Phone 8 for Existing Devices

In addition to unveiling all the new features and capabilities that Windows Phone 8 will arrive on shelves with, Microsoft also confirmed that the platform will not be released to existing smartphones.

However, the Redmond-based software giant did commit to providing Windows Phone 7.5 users with an update that will offer them the possibility to enjoy some of the features that Windows Phone 8 will arrive on shelves with. Dubbed Windows Phone 7.8, the update will deliver to existing users the new, updated Start screen on Windows Phone 8, with resizable live tiles, as well as with access to some other features.

Windows Phone 7.5 users will also benefit from new applications in the Marketplace, Microsoft said. Unfortunately, Microsoft was not specific on what these features would involve, nor on when the update should start arriving on mobile phones. Stay tuned for more on the matter.

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