Windows Phone 8 phones are upgradeable
Microsoft confirmed that existing devices will be able to get the next full version of Windows Phone
If you've picked up a Windows Phone 8 handset, you should be happy to know that Microsoft has confirmed these devices will be upgradable to the next version of the platform.
Microsoft's Greg Sullivan told PC Mag that there will definitely be an "upgrade path" available for those who want the next version of Windows Phone. Moving Windows Phone 8 to the same kernal as Windows 8 gives Microsoft much more flexiblity in terms of being able to incorporate various styles of hardware.
"Windows Phone 8 can evolve," he told PC Mag. "We have an architecture that enables portability and is fundamentally hardware independent."
This may not seem like such a big deal but you have to remember that there are still a lot of early adopters of Windows Phone who are still stinging over the fact that the initial crop of devices weren't capable of getting the software update to Windows Phone 8. This was particularly galling for supposed flagship devices like the Nokia Lumia 900.
Microsoft also said that it won't be announcing the next version of Windows Phone months ahead of its release, as it wants to "shut up and ship." Many believe that the next version will be called Windows Phone Blue and some much-needed features will likely include a proper notification center and more APIs for app developers.
Microsoft has been relatively quiet during this year's Mobile World Congress, so look for it to make some major Windows Phone waves later in the year.
[Via PC Mag]
