We have provided our readers with a guide on how to install Windows Phone 7.8 on your Nokia Lumia device, through the Navifirm and Nokia Care Suite. Users who have had issues with updating using this guide can now rely on getting the update officially.



source – Nokia

The Nokia Lumia 510 is an affordable Windows Phone device which is expected to cost less than $200 without requiring a contract. The device will feature a 4 inch touch display, 4GB of internal storage, a 5 megapixel camera and is powered by an 800 MHz processor with 512MB of RAM.

The Lumia 510 will be available in a variety of colors in an aim to appeal to a younger audience while its affordable price tag is geared toward emerging economies. However its biggest downfall is that it runs Windows Phone 7.5 which means it wont be upgraded to Windows Phone 8.

Since Windows Phone 8 is not capable of running on lower end hardware manufacturers like Nokia are forced to release Windows Phones with the less than capable Windows Phone 7.5, which despite its fluidity and use friendliness is far from capable of competing with iOS or Android. However due to the appeal of the Nokia brand we assume the device will find a fan base


We would urge our readers interested in Windows Phones to consider a Windows Phone 8 device. If one isn't within your budget, you would probably be better off with an Android device until Microsoft ports Windows Phone 8 to more affordable hardware. You can read a detailed review of the Nokia Lumia 510 by heading over to PhoneArena.

Today the Windows Phone 7.8 software update for Windows Phone 7.5 devices was spotted on Navifirm for Nokia Lumia Windows Phones. This is a great indication that it won't be long before the update is publicly made available for these devices. Microsoft previously confirmed that the Windows Phone 7.8 update will be released in early 2013, and since we are less than a month away from the new year it makes sense that the Windows Phone 7.8 is ready for release.

Windows Phone 7.8 attempts to make up for this by bringing the WP8 start screen experience along with 10 new theme and accent colors, Bing Picture of the Day on the lock screen, security updates and new apps. However it doesn’t offer some basic necessities like the ability to connect and sync with the Windows Phone syncing tool or access to Xbox Music.

If you are impatient to wait for the public release and want to try installing the update from Navifirm, you can follow our step-by-step guide on how to install Windows Phone 7.8 for your Nokia Lumia device.

[UPDATE] Nokia is now rolling out the Windows Phone 7.8 software update through Zune. This guide was meant for early adopters and is not meant to be used by general users. This isnt an official update method so PLEASE use Zune to update your Lumia device.

[UPDATE] Please download the original firmware for your device before you update to Windows Phone 7.8. Nokia is planning to close free access to their software repository and you may not be able to download your firmware files using the Navifirm tool in future.

[NOTE] The WP 7.8 update is available for the Nokia Lumia 900, Nokia Lumia 800, Nokia Lumia 710, Nokia Lumia 610 and the Nokia Lumia 510

[NOTE] Please make sure you backup your information on the Zune Desktop client before you continue.

[NOTE] Please do not proceed with this guide unless you have advanced knowledge of Navifirm and have had previous experience with updating your device using unofficial methods.

[NOTE] Issues that can occur on your from following this guide will not be covered by your Nokia Warranty. Please know that you may void your device warranty if you proceed.

[NOTE] This may not be the final build of Windows Phone 7.8. While it may work without any issues during your day to day use, we advise it is best to wait for the final release.

[DISCLAIMER] DJ’s Mobiles will not be responsible for any loss of data or device malfunction which can occur from following this guide. Please proceed at your own risk.
 

• Download Nokia Care Suite [MIRROR]
• Download Navifirm Plus

Downloading the firmware file

1. Download and install Nokia Care Suite (NCS). Once you have completed the installation go to Drivers folder where you installed NCS (eg:C:\Program Files (x86)\Nokia\Nokia Care Suite\Drivers) and install the WinUSB drivers for your system.
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2. Download Navifirm Plus and extract its contents to a directory of your choice (no installation needed here)
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3. Open Navifirm, Select your device from the list and choose to download the last firmware file which has been made available for your device. (eg: Lumia 800 – 1750.823.8858.12460)
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4. Select the appropriate firmware file for your device from the third window and click the download button.
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5. Once the download is complete, you can install the firmware file using Nokia Care Suite.

Installing the firmware file

1. Go to C:\ProgramData\Nokia\Packages and create a new folder and name it Products.
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2. Make a new folder inside it and give it your device model name (e.g.: RM-801 for Lumia 800, RM-808 or RM-823 for Lumia 900, RM-803 or RM-809 for Lumia 710, etc).
   [NOTE] The files placed in this folder will be detected by NCS when it searches for updates
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3. Place the firmware file(s) you previously downloaded from Navifirm in this folder.
   [NOTE] The files should be in “\ NaviFirm + 1.7 \ Fw \<product code>”.
   [NOTE] You should copy the files inside your product code folder
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4. Open Nokia Care Suite, go to Product Support Tool and select Programming > Refurbish.
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5. Connect your Lumia device to your computer
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6. NCS will detect the device and the new update from the folder you previously created in ‘C:\ProgramData\Nokia\Packages\Products‘ and will prompt you to install it.
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7. Once completed you should be running Windows Phone 7.8 on your Nokia Lumia device
   [NOTE] Please note that the device will be completely wiped at this point. Please make sure your data is backed up before you continue.
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8. Once the update is complete be sure to restart the device for good measure. Some users have experienced the device not being detected by Zune after the software update. Restarting should fix the issue.

We have tested and found the process to work without any issues. If you have any further questions on installing the update, please free to discuss them in the comments section below.




F.A.Q

We have put together a guide based on the frequently asked questions based on the feedback from our readers in the comments section.

Q) What do I do when I get installation errors when I flash the ROM to the device? 

If you receive any errors when flashing WP7.8 to your device use the following steps.

1.  Download the firmware files for your device from Navifirm.
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2. Once you have found a suitable variant for your device download it on Navifirm.
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3. Once the download is complete, go to your Navifirm folder (eg:'..\ NaviFirm + 1.7 \ Fw \059L975') and copy all the files you just downloaded. [NOTE] Here '059L975' refers to the different variant firmware which I downloaded.
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4. Go to C:\ProgramData\Nokia\Packages\Products\RM-801 and paste the files inside the folder.
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5. Now make sure your device is not connected to the computer and open Nokia Care Suite.
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6. Open Product Support Tool for Store by double clicking on it.
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7. Make sure that'automatic product selection is disabled, and you see the 'No connection' message.
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8. Then click  File > Open Product and type in the name of your device under Filter. When you find it, select it and click Open.
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    --
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9. Next Select Programming > Recovery, and you will see the firmware files you previously downloaded from Navifirm and pasted to the folder in step 4. -
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10. Select the W7.8 update file (eg: 8858) and click Start.
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11. When you see the following screen, perform the instructions it shows;
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     --
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12. When you are ready, connect your device to your computer with the Volume Up button pressed.
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13. Now wait for NCS to finish flashing the ROM to your device and you should receive the Recovery Complete message when it is done.

Q) How to install the WP7.8 update from a different variant to your device ?
Nokia hasn't made the WP7.8 update available for all variants of the device on Navifirm, and it is likely that you may not find your variant available for your device. The following guide will tell you how to install a variant from a different device to your unit. The guide is based on the Nokia Lumia 800 (RM-801) but should work for other Lumia devices as long as you change the variant and model numbers accordingly.
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[NOTE] We wouldn't recommend this as it may void your device warranty and you may loose files that your carrier deems necessary.
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[NOTE] Please pay attention to all the warning on the top of Page 1 before you continue

1.  Open Navifirm, identify the RM model of your product and search for the correct software variant. -
2. If the correct variant is not available identify the closest available variant from the list.
   [NOTE] Different variants may not have the language you are looking for.
   [NOTE] Carrier variants may not have all the new features from the update, you may also loose access to the Windows Phone Store.
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3. Once you have found a suitable variant for your device download it on Navifirm.
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4. Once the download is complete, go to your Navifirm folder (eg:'..\ NaviFirm + 1.7 \ Fw \059L975') and copy all the files you just downloaded. [NOTE] Here '059L975' refers to the different variant firmware which I downloaded.
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5. Go to C:\ProgramData\Nokia\Packages\Products\RM-801 and paste the files inside the folder.
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6. Identify your unit's variant number (eg:  059J3G0) [NOTE] Check the SIM tray or by connecting your device to the NCS.
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7. Now change any reference to 059L975 in the RM-801 folder to 059J3G0 by renaming the files.
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8. Once you make sure that all files have the name of your device, make sure your unit is disconnected from your computer and open the Nokia Care Suite.
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9. Now connect your device to your computer and wait for NCS to detect it.
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10. Once NCS detects your device it will also detect the update file from the C:\ProgramData\Nokia\Packages\Products\RM-801 folder.
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11. Click Start to install the WP7.8 update on your device.

  Q) What if Nokia Care Suite doesn't detect my connected device ?

• This generally happens when you open NCS after connecting your device, so we recommend that you always Open NCS first.
• In the case that you opened NCS first, then connected your device and still don't see your device connected, use the following steps.
• Make sure your device is disconnected from your computer before you proceed. -

1. Start NCS and double click on Product Support Tool For Store.
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2. In the new window which opens click File on the top left and select Open Product.
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3. Type RM-801 to filter your Nokia Lumia 800 or select it from the list.
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4. Now click Programming and then Recovery.
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5. In the new window which opens you will be able to see the firmware you previously downloaded using Navifirm
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6. Connect your device to your computer.
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7. Hold the Volume Down + Power buttons, and click Retry on the Product Support Tools window on your computer.
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8. When the device vibrates, immediately release the Volume Down button and the Power button and hold the Volume Up button instead.
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9. Continue holding the Volume Up button until you see the NOKIA logo. At this point the firmware will be flashed to your device.
   [NOTE] If you are installing a different variant, NCS will complain at this point. You can just confirm that message and continue with flashing the firmware file.

Q) Can I install a different product firmware on my device ?

• The easiest solution for users is to install a different variant, but there are occasions where the WP7.8 update inst available for an entire product. 
• The best example for this is the Nokia Lumia 900, where the International RM-823 variant has the WP7.8 update, while the U.S. based RM-820 doesn't.

We DO NOT recommend installing different product firmware on your device. Different products can have different hardware configurations which can result in your unit becoming bricked and unusable after the update. This will likely void your warranty too.

In the case of the Lumia 900, the main issue is the lack of LTE support on the International variant.    


Q) What do I do if I device gets bricked ? If your device happens to get bricked check out our guide on how to unbrick your Nokia Lumia device


Q) What do I do if Zune doesn't detect my Windows Phone after installing Windows Phone 7.8 ?

Some users have experienced their Windows Phones not being detected by Zune after installing the Windows Phone 7.8 software update. The solution simply requires you to remove your device from your computer and restart it after the update. Now Zune should correctly detect your handset and install the necessary drivers.


Q) How do I Backup and Restore my Windows Phone ?
(Coming Soon)

We know that Microsoft is planning to release the Windows Phone 7.8 update for older Windows Phones by early next year. While Windows Phone 7.8 has not been officially released for Windows Phone 7.5 devices, several builds for the Nokia Lumia 800 and the Nokia Lumia 510 have started appearing on the software flashing tool Navifirm.

The WP 7.8 update attempts to make up for depriving WP 7.5 users of Windows Phone 8 by bringing the WP8 start screen experience along with 10 new theme and accent colors, Bing Picture of the Day on the lock screen, security updates and new apps. However it doesn’t offer some basic necessities like the ability to connect and sync with the Windows Phone syncing tool or access to Xbox Music.

We are surprised that Windows Phone 7.8 seems to lack many features which make it usable in the modern Windows era. Especially when it seems that manufacturer’s will continue to release affordable Windows Phones running version 7.8 instead of 8.0. We think that Microsoft may be planning to bring more Windows Phone 8 features over to Windows Phone 7.5 devices, but plan to hold out in the hopes that more users will jump over to the newer platform.

There is no indication that the available builds are the final versions nor is there any assurance that they are stable enough for daily use. So unless you feel daring, we advise users to stay away from these builds until Microsoft and Nokia are ready to release the updates through official channels.

Keep in mind that flashing the software from Navifirm has risks, but if you feel adventurous, you can check out our guide on how to install Windows Phone 7.8 on your Nokia Lumia device from Navifirm.


[source] winp.cn | WMPowerUser

The video does show some lag in the UI and hope that this is because we are looking at an early version of the update.


source – WPCentral

Nokia India just teased the upcoming Nokia Lumia 510 and the device has now been made official after weeks of rumors and leaks. The Lumia 510 is an affordable budget smartphone which falls between the Nokia Asha series and the Nokia Lumia 610. It features features a generous 4 inch touch display, 4GB of internal storage, a 5 megapixel camera and is powered by an 800 MHz processor with 512MB of RAM.

The Lumia 510 will be available in an array of colors, which has become a trademark of Windows Phones. Users can choose a color to suite their personality and match it with the live tiles on their device.

At launch the Lumia 510 will run Windows Phone 7.5 and will be updated to Windows Phone 7.8 sometime in the future. Windows Phone 7.8 will offer a new start screen similar to the one found on Windows Phone 8.


We are curious to why Nokia continues to offer Windows Phone 7.5 devices when the focus should be focused on Windows Phone 8. Nokia’s choice for Windows Phone was based on Microsoft’s promise to allow their operating system to perform on lower end hardware. One of Android’s biggest flaws is its fragmentation, and we will disappointed if Microsoft chooses the same path with Windows Phones.

Earlier this month, we reported the existence of an affordable Lumia 510 handset which will arrive in the market soon. Nokia India has now confirmed the existence of this handset on their Facebook page with the message "610 - 100 = ? Stay tuned. Coming soon."

While the post has since been removed, it is clear that Nokia will continue to offer affordable Windows Phones to their users, with the device expected to be priced at just $150 without a contract.

In terms of design the Lumia 510 would greatly resemble the Nokia Lumia 610, but features a larger display which is always an added bonus. We are curious why this device is expected to run Windows Phone 7.8 which will loose developer support as most Windows Phone developers will now focus their attention on Windows Phone 8 instead.

The device is reportedly headed to China first and we expect that it will also make its way to several immerging markets around the world. Currently there is no indication if Nokia plans to offer the Lumia 510 in the US or Europe.


source - Nokia India

Several rumors have been circulating about a follow up device to the Nokia Lumia 610 which will be aimed at entry level markets. Now more information has been revealed about this handset which will be known as the Nokia Lumia 510

The Lumia 510 which is said to run Windows Phone 7.8 will feature a 4 inch LCD touch display, 4GB of internal storage, a 5 megapixel camera with no LED flash and be powered by 800 MHZ MSM7227A processor with 256MB of RAM.The unit is said to be relatively thick at 12 millimeters and would weigh 129 grams.

The Lumia 510 is said to be heading to the China market in 2013 and is said to be priced at $150 off contract. There is no news on if this device will find its way to the U.S or Europe, but we expect it to be available in up and coming markets.

We are a little disappointed that Microsoft is choosing to continue with Windows Phone 7.8 instead of making Windows Phone 8 compatible with low end hardware. WP has stayed clear of fragmentation unlike Android, and releasing WP 7.8 devices is not the way to go.


source – GSMArena

A recent leak revealed that Nokia was working on an affordable entry level Windows Phone with 4GB of internal storage, named the Nokia Lumia 510. The device reportedly will feature a 4 inch touch display, 4GB of internal storage, a 5 megapixel camera and will be powered by an 800MHz processor with 256MB of RAM. The Lumia 510 will reportedly run Windows Phone 7.8 instead of Windows Phone 8.

Despite its lesser specifications and its lack of an LED flash for its camera the device doesn't look like it will be very slim. However it promises to offer a $150 off-contract price in select markets, which is quite affordable for a smartphone.

You can watch the leaked video demonstration of the Lumia 510 below



The Lumia 510 is reported to launch in early 2013 and China will be the first to get their hands on the device. Currently there is no indication on which countries will get access to it.


source – PhoneArena