Windows Phone 7 update resource debuts

Windows Phone 7 owners now have a resource that provides them with basic information on when their devices will receive their next update.
The appropriately named "Where's my phone update?" Web page lists six available Windows Phone 7 devices in the U.S., along with the status of software updates--in testing, scheduling, or delivery. The resource will be updated once a week.
When a device is in the testing phase, its software update is undergoing "mobile operator network and quality tests." Once that's complete, it moves to scheduling, at which point the software giant is deciding which day to launch the update. According to Microsoft, scheduling takes up to 10 days. After that period, the company launches the update to customers "in batches." According to Microsoft, it could take Windows Phone 7 users "several weeks before you receive notice that an update is available to you."
Microsoft's new resource, which launched yesterday, comes just a day after the company started to roll out its latest Windows Phone 7 update, which includes the ability for users to copy and paste text. It also boasts better searching for the Apps Marketplace and speed improvements.
But as the phone update page shows, the chances of many users getting their hands on the update anytime soon seem slim. The Dell Venue Pro, HTC HD7, HTC Surround, LG Quantum, and Samsung Focus are still awaiting the February update, which featured minor improvements. With the March update, only the Dell Venue Pro and the HTC HD7 have made it out of the testing phase.
Of course, there might be good reason for Microsoft to want to take its time with these rollouts. Last month, the company started updating Windows Phone 7 devices, only to find that the update caused what Microsoft called a "technical issue" with a "small number of Samsung phones." That "issue" rendered some of those phones inoperable.
After nixing the update and releasing it days later when issues had been addressed, reports surfaced claiming the updates were once again causing problems with Windows Phone 7 devices.


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