Microsoft claims 'NoDo' delayed so WP7 update process can be fixed

Responding to claims that Windows Phone 7 updates might be hampered by carriers, Microsoft has taken time out to cast light on why the platform's first major revision 'NoDo' is yet to see the light of day.

According to Microsoft's Eric Hautala, it's because the update process simply isn't good enough yet.

Fleshing things out

In an extensive post on the Windows Phone blog detailing everything from how the updates work to how Microsoft deals with customers, Hautala said problems with the platform's first refresh which was rolled out for most consumers in February have resulted in Microsoft taking stock.

"I believe it's important that we learn all we can from the February update," Hautala said in the post

"So I've decided to take some extra time to ensure the update process meets our standards, your standards, and the standards of our partners. As a result, our plan is to start delivering the copy-and-paste update in the latter half of March."

No carrier carnage

Hautala's statement goes against recent speculation that suggested 'NoDo' might be being blocked by carriers.

As such, the Microsoft man also decided to clarify WP7's update policy.

"We work closely with our carrier partners, and encourage them to test our software as swiftly as possible.

"But it's still their network, and the reality is that some carriers require more time than others," he said, adding that such carrier testing is a "common industry practice that all of our competitors must also undergo, no exceptions."

Updates for all

He continued, "I've seen a lot of speculation on blogs and forums lately about whether carriers can 'block' an update.

"We work closely with carriers to test and schedule updates. They may ask us for a specific date to start an update. They may ask for updates to be bundled together. But you should ultimately receive all the updates we send out."

Though Hautala stops short of giving NoDo an exact release date, ZDNet has named March 21 as the most likely launch day.

[source: Microsoft]