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UPDATE: Microsoft keeping mum on Windows Phone 7.8 launch in early 2013

No comment on Nokia statement

UPDATE: Microsoft keeping mum on Windows Phone 7.8 launch in early 2013
UPDATE: It's being reported that Nokia Spain has taken to its Facebook page to inform customers that Windows Phone 7.8 is due to roll out on existing Lumia handsets in January, depending on the region's carriers.

Microsoft has refused to confirm that Windows Phone 7.8 – the last major update of the original Windows Phone platform – is on track to launch in early 2013.

Having heard from Nokia last week that the update, which brings many Windows Phone 8 features to the Windows Phone platform, was due to roll out "imminently", we contacted Microsoft in both the US and the UK for clarification.

However, we've been told by the firm's US base that the company won't be commenting on Windows Phone 7.8, other than to point to a blog post detailing its features published back in November.

Rewind

"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," detailed the blog post.

"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."

Microsoft's no comment – the giant's UK wing yet to respond at all - comes days after Nokia revealed it is already beginning to ship original Lumia devices equipped with Windows Phone 7.8, suggesting that an official launch for devices already in consumer's hands wouldn't be far off.



"Microsoft announced that it is working closely with hardware and carrier partners to get it tested, approved, and rolled out to as many devices as possible in early 2013," added Nokia.

"At present we have no more information we can give about wider availability of the update for phones running Windows Phone 7.5."

Talking of Windows

The news comes as reports suggest one of Windows Phone 8's flagships – HTC's 8X – is selling at such a high rate, the firm is struggling to meet demand.

That's according to DigiTimes, which claims sales of the handset have been "extremely strong in the US", while HTC's latest Android devices are gaining ground in China.

Details of how other Windows Phone 8 handsets are performing is thin on the ground, though early reports had suggested Nokia's Lumia 920 was performing well in Germany and its native Finland.

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.