Windows Phone 7 Update Cuts Functionality, Pastes Trouble

Monday's Windows 7 Phone update has been causing some phone models become nonfunctional, multiple reports say.

The update was meant to set the stage for the more significant update planned for March. A major component of that upgrade, in addition to improved CDMA network performance, is the addition of copy and paste functionality to the operating system. A later update, planned for the second half of 2011, promised multi-tasking functionality and Twitter integration.

For some Windows Phone 7 users, however, updating has been a major headache. Owners of certain configurations of Samsung's Omnia 7 and Focus phones have reported issues during the upgrade process, which caused their phones to become inoperable, otherwise known as bricking.

Noting that it is aware of the issue, Microsoft reportedly pulled the updates for the Omnia 7 and Focus earlier today, specifying that the issues only affected a small number of users. Company representatives are recommending users return their bricked phones to stores in exchange for functioning ones.

Microsoft plans on releasing a newer, functioning version of the update for the two affected phones within the next few days, though Windows Phone 7 users might be rightly wary of installing it immediately upon its arrival.

Upgrade-borne software problems aren't a new concern for operating system developers. But Microsoft's issues pose significant concerns for the company, especially because they affect one of Window's Phone 7's greatest strengths - Microsoft's ability to centrally upgrade it. As with Google's Android platform, software consistency is an important consideration for Windows Phone 7, which is available on multiple phone models across multiple careers.

Paul Thurrot of WinSupersite, said Microsoft's current situation is a part of a learning process for the company. There's an adage about the limits of testing: Once it gets out in the real world, you find out whether it really works, he said.

To contact the reporter responsible for this story call (646) 461 7294 or email r.bilton@ibtimes.com.