Insiders Reaction to WP 7.8 – PART II

In a glorious revisiting of one of my recent posts, I will expand on the reactions given for the 7.8 update. I managed to get a few more of my old colleagues and some new ones, including a response from our own Andrew, to weigh in on the 7.8 update for current and previous generations of Windows phone handsets.

If you haven’t yet read part one of this two part series, I encourage you to go ahead and read it right here.

Now that you’re all caught up with the topic at hand, continue on!

I asked them the same three questions. The only difference this time around is that some of the names of the mobile carrier reps have been shortened to protect their identities. I used the first letter of their first name as a few of them wished to be kept anonymous.

Question: What do you think about the 7.8 upgrade for the current generation Windows Phones?

W – Its awesome! I like the look and feel! I just wish they would add some more features to it.

M – I’m honestly a little bit disappointed that my Lumia won’t get much this fall. I was hoping for an update like the Mango update. But at the same time, that’s the way it goes in the mobile industry these days. They shouldn’t keep giving away all the cool new stuff to customers with phones that are a year or two old! Even though that statement is a bit backwards considering I have a 4 or 5 month old phone.

T – I’m cool with it. Let the customers and the Windows fans get the newer and cooler stuff this fall with Windows [Phone] 8. I’m not upset or anything!

B – It’s typical, especially coming from Microsoft. Just when you thought they had a little something going on here, they had to go and do something idiotic like this. Something that will benefit them and not the customer. I wonder though, if they have an outstanding product in Windows Phone 8 and this is all a clever calculated move on their part.

M.H. – It’s nice. I’m still not big enough of a fan to really care what they do yet. They have to do some pretty impressive [stuff] and catch up to Android 4.0/4.1 or the mighty Apple.

Andrew – When the 7.8 update was announced, and all we were led to believe it consisted of was the new Start screen, I was a bit disappointed. While I absolutely understood the technical hurdles in bringing the entire Windows Phone 8 OS over to first generation devices, I was sad that more consumer facing details weren’t confirmed. However, with the recent video of Joe Belfiore basically stating that Microsoft is trying to make the 7.8 update more than just the Start experience, I’m much more optimistic. The WP8 Developer Kit recently leaked, and we’re starting to see some of the very cool software enhancements it brings. Many of which it would seem could easily be brought over to WP7.x devices. While I’m pretty sure I’ll be moving to Windows Phone 8 on day 1, I’m happy to know that Microsoft is working to bring further enhancements to customers who stick with their current phone.

More than anything, I hope to see a commitment from Microsoft on ensuring a steady app flow to the WP7 market. I believe this is even more crucial than software enhancements. If Microsoft makes sure that over the course of the next year or so the app market for first generation devices continues to see big name apps, such as Pandora, Instagram, etc., then I believe the vast majority of current users will be happy. Nokia has already made a public declaration to doing this with their Lumia phones. Hopefully Microsoft is just as committed.

Question (2 part): What reaction would you expect to see from customers? And what would you tell them to overcome any negative reactions?

W – The customers will be fine with it. As long as they get an upgrade they’ll be fine.

M – I don’t really know, I’m sure they will enjoy the new features. I don’t think there will be any negativity towards it.

T – I don’t think the average customer really stays savvy on the whole realm of OS updates. I don’t think it’ll be a problem.

B – If the customer knows what’s up with the Windows Phone system, they’ll see the advantages and disadvantages of the update. Nobody focuses on the good, they only focus on the negative. I can foresee some friction. I’ll just handle it as it comes. I can’t really plan for overcoming objections.

M.H. – Well, we only have one damn Windows Phone out and its over a year, year and a half old now. Those who still have it will most likely welcome it with open arms!

Question: Do you think this news will hinder any current generation Windows Phone sales?

W – No. People will still buy the phones. Some people just don’t care about that stuff.

M – Yeah, it might. If they are educated on what’s to come they might just hold off or get a different phone altogether.

T – We don’t carry our Windows Phone anymore. So technically, yea. No one will buy it! I just hope we get a few different [Windows Phone] devices this year when the new line of phones come out. People want that Lumia!

B – Yes. The customer might just wanna wait for WP8 instead. Which I completely agree with.

M.H. – No. I sell Windows Phones to plain people who want a smartphone but not complicated stuff. They don’t know and don’t really care about future updates, to be honest. I just hope Microsoft will throw 3-4 handsets our way this time, instead of giving all of them to AT&T and T-Mobile! You hear that Microsoft?! Sprint needs some, too!

—

Again, some interesting perspectives on this matter. A big thanks to Andrew for his input!

I’m open to your thoughts and reactions on WP7.8. I’m considering publishing an article just like this, but with the everyday user’s take. If you would like your answers featured in my next article please send me an email, schweetzeke@outlook.com, and I’ll send you questions to answer!

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