Vodafone: Windows Phone 7.8 rollout is delayed by Microsoft, possibly due to Live Tile issue?

Microsoft is holding back on the Windows Phone 7.8 update, according to Vodafone Germany. A member of the community team responded in a thread on the mobile operator forum that the reason customers aren't receiving the update is because Microsoft has halted the process. Vodafone originally planned to release the update to consumers through February.

There were supposed to be four stages (or waves), but unfortunately the mobile operator has been unable to push out Windows Phone 7.8 to the majority of subscribers, leading to numerous requests for information on the matter. It's odd that the company would publicly point at Microsoft for delaying the update (though the team member in question could be incorrect), but here's the full post which was published:

"Here is the info about the update. Microsoft has stopped until further notice, the rollout of the update. Currently there is a new date for it."

Well hasn't that spoiled the party? Those who were expecting to see their Lumia 610, Lumia 710, Lumia 800 and Lumia 900 Windows Phones updated this moth may have a slightly longer wait to endure. That said, is Windows Phone 7.8 worth all the trouble? Sure, there's the new Live Tiles and other improvements, but is it not the case that Windows Phones work rather well without the update? We're sure the wait won't be too long.

If what the moderator on the Vodafone Germany forum has pointed out to be true, one has to consider the possible reasoning behind Microsoft's decision. There's a major issue with the Live Tiles (arguably the highlight feature) in the update, which we've covered extensively. Rather than pushing out a faulty update, Microsoft may well be limiting damage by fixing everything and then continuing to publish a new release.

We'll dig around and see if anything pops up.

Source: Vodafone.de, via: WPArea.de; thanks, emin, for the tip!

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.