Existing Windows Phones will receive Windows Phone 7.8 instead of Windows Phone 8

Today Microsoft revealed some features of Windows Phone 8 at their Windows Phone Summit in San Francisco. While Windows Phone 8 turned out to be an amazing addition to the Windows Family, there was some very disappointing news. Current Windows Phones will not receive Windows Phone 8 and instead will receive a Windows Phone 7.8 update instead. 

So what does this mean for current Windows Phone users, which include the recently launched Nokia Lumia 900. Well it seems that they will remain stuck on a platform which will eventually die off just like Windows Phone 6x.

Now that is really disappointing, especially given that the Lumia 900 is a near brand new phone.

While Windows Phone 7 apps will work on Windows Phone 8, Windows Phone 8 apps won't work on Windows Phone 7. So anyone who has a Windows Phone will have to be happy with the apps that are releases up until Windows Phone 8 arrives. Following which we won't expect to see another Windows Phone 7 app released by any developers.

The only consolation for current Windows Phone users is the Windows Phone 7.8 update. While the update will only be available to some devices, While details of the update have not yet been revealed, Microsoft did say that it will bring the “Core customer experience” from Windows 8. From what we know it will bring one of the most appealing features of Windows Phone 8 with is the new start screen with resizable tiles. But it will miss out on the most important improvement which is the shared kernel.

Windows Phone 8 along with a score of new Windows Phones will be available in Fall. Watch out for our first impressions on Windows 8 which will be coming soon. And for anyone out there who is thinking of purchasing a new Windows Phone. DON’T purchase a Windows Phone 7.5 device. We think you should wait for Windows Phone 8.