Windows Phone 7.8 Update Landing On January 31

Those of you who have been waiting for the long-rumored Windows Phone 7.8 update to arrive have been given a reason to smile, as its roll out has seemingly confirmed for later this month. Windows Phone Colombia spilled the beans in a post to its Facebook page, saying that phones running Windows Phone 7.5 should be getting the update to 7.8 starting on January 31. That's a little more than a week away, so hopefully what we're hearing from Windows Phone Colombia is accurate.

However, the roll out may be set to begin on January 31, but that doesn't necessarily mean you'll be getting it then. The Facebook post says the roll out will continue throughout Q1 2013, so it could be days or possibly even weeks before it arrives on your handset. Keep in mind too that Microsoft hasn't made a formal announcement yet, so the date we're hearing from Windows Phone Colombia may be off.

Still, as WPCentral points out, a number of carriers around the world have suggest an end-of-January release for the Windows Phone 7.8 update. We've seen devices running the new version of the OS as well, so if it isn't finished just yet, it's at least very close. Microsoft previously gave the update a release window of Q1 2013, and considering all of the other evidence, January 31 could possibly be the date the Windows Phone 7.5 users of the world get updated to Windows Phone 7.8.

Windows Phone 7.8 is said to come with a number of new features, including Bluetooth file transfer, a new lock screen, and resizable live titles. It obviously won't be as big as Windows Phone 8 – Microsoft's latest mobile operating system – but it should do something to please Windows Phone users who are stuck on 7.5. Stay tuned, as we'll have more information for you once it's available.

[via GSMArena]