If you own a Windows Phone smartphone and have been looking forward to the Apollo update that is expected sometime this year, we have bad news. Some sources are claiming that none of the existing Windows Phone smartphones will be able to get the Apollo update. Most current devices run Mango.
The tip comes from a “trusted” source close to Microsoft. Yesterday, a developer evangelist from Microsoft was quoted claiming that all Windows Phone devices would get an update to the next major version of Microsoft’s mobile operating system.
Conflicting Reports and User Concerns
I think I would put more weight behind what one of Microsoft’s representatives said rather than some unnamed source. However, if the new operating system requires better hardware, I could see that not all smartphones might get the update. This situation has left many users in a state of confusion and concern. For instance, users who have recently purchased a Windows Phone device might feel shortchanged if their device becomes obsolete within a short period.
The Apollo update, also known as Windows Phone 8, is expected to bring a host of new features and improvements. These include enhanced multitasking, a more robust notification system, and better integration with Windows 8. However, these advancements might require more powerful hardware, which could be why older devices might not support the update.
Technical Limitations and Future Prospects
One of the primary reasons for this potential lack of support could be the hardware limitations of existing devices. Most current Windows Phone devices run on the Mango update, which is based on Windows Phone 7.5. These devices typically feature single-core processors and limited RAM, which might not be sufficient to run the more demanding Apollo update smoothly.
For example, the Nokia Lumia 800, one of the flagship Windows Phone devices, comes with a single-core 1.4 GHz processor and 512 MB of RAM. While these specifications were adequate for Mango, they might struggle with the more resource-intensive Apollo update. On the other hand, newer devices designed with Apollo in mind are expected to feature dual-core or even quad-core processors and at least 1 GB of RAM, ensuring a smoother and more responsive user experience.
Moreover, the Apollo update is anticipated to introduce support for higher screen resolutions and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which older devices might not be equipped to handle. This further complicates the possibility of a universal update for all existing Windows Phone devices.
Despite these challenges, Microsoft has a history of supporting its user base. It’s possible that the company might offer some form of compromise, such as a partial update that brings some of the new features to older devices without requiring the full hardware capabilities of Apollo. Alternatively, Microsoft might provide incentives for users to upgrade to newer devices, ensuring they can take full advantage of the latest features and improvements.
via TheVerge
In conclusion, while the news about the Apollo update might be disappointing for current Windows Phone users, it’s essential to consider the technical limitations and future prospects. As technology continues to evolve, newer devices will inevitably offer better performance and more features. For now, users will have to wait for an official announcement from Microsoft to get a clear picture of what to expect.
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