The life expectancy of two Windows Phone platforms is set to end during summer 2014.
The Windows Phone 7.8 and Windows Phone 8 mobile operating systems by Microsoft are currently used by several manufacturers such as HTC and Nokia, but according to Microsoft Support Lifecycle, its mainstream support end date is next year.
Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy regulates Microsoft's product support policies for business and developer products, and for consumer, hardware, and multimedia products.
According to Microsoft, Windows Phone 7.8's mainstream support end date is Sept. 9, 2014 while the Windows Phone 8 platform will end approximately two months prior on July 8, 2014.
In a note provided, "Microsoft 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. Update availability will also vary by country, region, and hardware capabilities."
Is it possible Microsoft can issue updates or support past the 2014 end date?
Yes.
Pending on laws, market conditions, and support requirements that differ worldwide and by industry sector, Microsoft offers "custom support relationships" that go past the Lifecycle phase.
Microsoft Support noted, "These custom support relationships may include assisted support and hotfix support, and may extend beyond 10 years from the date a product becomes generally available. Strategic Microsoft partners may also offer support beyond the Extended Support phase. Customers and partners can contact their account team or their local Microsoft representative for more information."
The news of the support end date comes as software updates for three Windows Phone 8 devices are expected to roll out. The updates are for the Nokia's Lumia 920, Lumia 820, and Lumia 620 and will include performance and stability improvements, display stability enhancements during phone calls, and improvements to automatic adjustments on display brightness.
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- For the Lumia 920 vs. Lumia 620, click here.
- For the reviews round up of the Lumia 920, click here.
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