Microsoft has confirmed ending the Windows Phone 7.8 update and Windows Phone 8 support for the Nokia Lumia smart phones in 2014. At the company's support page lists, it is indicated that the Windows Phone 7.8 update is scheduled to end on September 9, 2014 while the Windows Phone 8 support will end on July 8, 2014.

Currently, numerous manufacturers like HTC and Nokia are using the two Microsoft mobile operating systems. However, Microsoft Support Lifecycle announced that the mainstream support is scheduled to end next year.

The company declared in a released memo: "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."

The Windows Phone 8 update is the latest version of the Microsoft mobile operating system equipped with remarkable features. On the other hand, the Windows Phone 7.8 update was Microsoft's improved offer to the former Windows Phone 7 users who does not want to purchase a new smart phone.

The Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy controls the company's product support policies for business and developer products as well as consumer, hardware and multimedia products. Despite the announcement to end the Windows Phone updates, there is a possibility that Microsoft can still issue the updates or support after the 2014 end date.

Microsoft will still offer the "custom support relationships" after the Lifecycle phase depending on laws, market conditions and support requirements different from the industry sectors worldwide.

"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," Microsoft Support stated.

The news on the Windows Phone update and support end date draws closer as the software updates for the Windows Phone 8 smart phones such as Nokia Lumia 920, Lumia 820 and Lumia 620 are anticipated to rollout. The software updates will consist of performance and stability improvements, screen display stability enhancements during phone calls and enhancements to automatic adjustments on screen display brightness.

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