Does Microsoft Plan to Limit Windows Phone 8 Upgrades?

With the advent of Microsoft Windows 8 comes Windows Phone 8, the mobile successor to the Windows Phone 7 platform. Recently, we looked at Windows Phone 7 Mango, the subsequent update dubbed Tango, and the future ahead with Apollo. Turns out, Apollo is the code-name for Windows Phone 8. But a guaranteed upgrade path may not be possible, since Microsoft may be pushing new hardware specifically designed for Windows Phone 8. Let’s take a look …

First, a hearty tip of the hat goes to InformationWeek for reporting on Microsoft VP Terry Myerson’s comments to financial analysts. When asked if Windows Phone 7 users could get an upgrade to Apollo, Myerson said it just wouldn’t be good business, logistically and technologically.

“Even if we were to say all phones can be updated, then you get into the — you know, our business model implies layers of supply chain to get it out to them, and there are certain incentives to get it out to them that have to be talked through, so there’s nothing to announce there,” said Myerson.

Myerson also had some harsh words for Microsoft’s mobile opponents, Apple and Google. According to InformationWeek, he linked the question of an upgrade cycle to the comparison of Google and Apple’s update models and professed that “such upgrades generally work so poorly that users are forced to buy the latest-generation iPhone.” Of Google, Myerson said “no Android phones get upgraded, none, ever,” which isn’t accurate, but also isn’t entirely untrue. Both iPhone and Android devices have had their share of unfriendly upgrade processes. For Apple, iCloud and iOS 5 have finally addressed the issue with over-the-air updates, but in the world of Android, non-techie users are frequently at the mercy of their carriers in receiving updates.

Myerson’s convictions also promised a world where Windows Phone 8 runs Windows Phone 7 applications natively, with little to no changes, which was part of how Microsoft would help drum up support for the fledgling operating system. Indeed, a line of new shiny phones — the only phones capable of running Windows Phone 8 — is a quick and easy way to gain attention and amass both old and new buyers alike. As Windows 8 tablets roll out, Windows Phone 8 phones may find themselves in a market that is ready to welcome them, especially if the synergies between the operating systems continues to grow.

I have a feeling Microsoft may “wow” us with Windows Phone 8 phones, especially since the purported feature list includes cool new things such as multiresolution and multicore CPU support, NFC payments and even fun features such as built-in camera effects. Native bitlocker encryption and Skype with “deep OS hooks” will also make Windows Phone 8 attractive.

As Microsoft deepens its mobile strategy, we’ll be sure to keep a close watch on the latest and greatest coming out of Redmond. There’s a very real chance 2012 could mark a new wave of public adoration for Microsoft.