As we speak, one of our Lumia 800s is currently in the process of updating to the new version of the OS, which brings Windows Phone 8-style functionality to Windows Phone 7 devices.
Better late than never
Windows Phone 7.8 does not, however, given owners the ability to run Windows Phone 8 apps, though developers can and, indeed, have been advised to update their titles to make use of the new multi-form live tiles.
Developers received the Windows Phone 7.8 SDK last week, despite Microsoft having spent the start of 2013 being suspiciously quiet about the timing of the update's roll out.
Speculation by commentators had suggested Microsoft was unwilling to push Windows Phone 7.8 into the spotlight, wary it might put customers off buying more expensive handsets running the visually-identical Windows Phone 8.
Lumia love
As we understand it, it's currently only Nokia's Windows Phone 7 handsets that are being offered the update, with OEMs in charge of the launch's timing.
"The Windows Phone 7.8 update is beginning its rollout to phones currently running on Windows Phone 7.5," detailed Nokia on its blog.
"Windows Phone 7.8 has already been shipping pre-loaded on theNokia Lumia 510 and other phones in the Nokia Lumia family, with users delighted by the new features.
"And now, following extensive software testing, update notifications will begin to appear for Nokia Lumia 510, 610, 710, 800 and 900 owners with an unlocked phone or operator approved software during February."
Windows Phone 7.5 on the left, Windows Phone 7.8 on the right
It's expected most phones will be offered the upgrade at some point in the coming months, however, with the platform's other major manufacturer HTC having also suggested it's on board to deliver it to its customers.
