Windows Phone 8 support ends in 2014. Then what?

March 18, 2013

The countdown for Microsoft to end support of Windows Phone 8 and 7.8 has already started, and the two mobile operating systems could be orphaned as soon as the second half of 2014, according to Microsoft's own support calendar. The Microsoft Product Lifecycle support page indicates Windows Phone 8 and 7.8 are already past their lifecyle start dates. According to the listing, Microsoft plans to end mainstream support for Windows Phone 8 in July 2014, just 16 months from now, and support for Windows Phone 7.8 will end later in September 2014. Regarding the schedule, Microsoft said it “will make updates available for the operating system on your phone, including security updates, for a period of 18 months after the lifecycle start date. Distribution of the updates may be controlled by the mobile operator or the phone manufacturer from which you purchased your phone.” Microsoft hasn't made any commitment to updates for every compatible device. If you’re looking to buy a Windows Phone 8 device now on a typical two-year contract, Microsoft's statement could mean that by the end of your deal, you'll have a handset that is no longer supported with software updates. If still offered, the updates could be intermittent and, as Microsoft noted, “update availability will also vary by country, region, and hardware capabilities.” To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Link: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2031124/windows-phone-8-support-ends-in-2014-then-what-.html#tk.rss_all