Will Windows Phone 8 get updates?

Share This Article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Since its original release, Microsoft’s Windows Phone has had to compete with both Android and Apple for coveted market share.

For the most part, the OS hasn’t been a smash hit, which Microsoft is working to turn around. In October 2012 they released a new version of the OS – Windows Phone 8 – and phones are now available. One thing on the minds of the many people who have bought these devices is whether they will be able to access software upgrades.

While Windows Phone 8 is hardly more than six months old, the next version of the OS is rumored to be in production behind closed doors. Microsoft hasn’t made any public announcements, or shown off any updates so far. However, from leaks and news channels we know that the new update is code named Windows Phone Blue.

This is inline with Microsoft’s rumored update scheme for Windows 8 – also codenamed ‘blue’ – which has proposed yearly updates. Chances are that future updates to mobiles will follow this as well. This speculation about future updates has some Windows Phone users a bit worried. Understandably so, you wouldn’t want to purchase a new phone just to have to buy another a year later if you want an upgrade.

Speaking at a recent conference Microsoft’s Senior Marketing Manager put users’ minds at ease by saying, “we’re going to have an upgrade path going forward.” He also noted that the hardware and OS capabilities allow for upgrades.

What does this mean for my company? If you use an older version of any Windows Phone and are looking to upgrade, but have been hesitant to look at a newer version because of the lack of updates, this news is somewhat reassuring. We would recommend waiting until Microsoft officially announces this is in fact the case before you do upgrade. However. Any confirmations will likely be in the late spring, with an update appearing sometime after, or at the same time as the PC update.

If you would like to learn more about the Windows Phone, contact us today!