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

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)

The Nokia Lumia 610 is reported to be receiving a software update soon. This unfortunately isn't the Windows Phone 7.8 update but is reported to bring improved system performance, camera performance and usability.

The update will roll out at different times in different regions and you should receive a notification on your handset when the update is available for your device. You can then receive the update by connecting your handset to your computer and running the Zune software.

Owners who purchased their Nokia Lumia 610 may already have the new features pre-installed. However if you do receive the update, please share your experience with the device and let us know if you feel the performance boost or come across the new features.


source – Nokia

Nokia has a strong lineup of existing Lumia handsets, which are expected to fade away once newer Windows Phone 8 devices like the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Nokia Lumia 820 hit the market. However Nokia has shared a post reassuring users that the existing Lumia lineup will be receiving new features, apps and upgrades in its future.


The current lineup which is made of of the Nokia Lumia 900, Nokia Lumia 800, Nokia Lumia 710 and the Nokia Lumia 610 have received updates like Internet Sharing, Flip-to-Silence and Camera Extras. The Nokia City Lens augmented reality app is available for all but the Lumia 610 and Nokia Counters helps you keep track of your phone data usage.

But it wont end there. Nokia will bring Cinemagraph and updates to Smart Group Shot to existing Lumias. Nokia also promises to bring additional new features to photo shooting and sharing to further improve your camera experience.

The following new features and improvements are also expected to arrive on Lumia devices in the near future.

• A new Start screen look and feel, familiar from Windows Phone 8, giving you a whole new look the moment you unlock your phone
• Ringtone maker app to selected markets to create a personal ringtone
• Contact share app updated to support sharing over Bluetooth in addition to SMS and email
• Bluetooth file transfer to send media files via Bluetooth from your Lumia device to any other phone

These and other new features will be rolled out gradually as updates to the Lumia 610, 710, 800 and 900 owners. Does this make up for the lack of receiving Windows Phone 8 on your devices? Share your thoughts below.


source – Nokia

A new Windows Phone update (8779) has been circulating navifirm and is set to arrive on your Lumia devices soon. While we didn’t know much about the features of this update, Nokia has detailed what we can expect for the Nokia Lumia 900, Nokia Lumia 710 and the Nokia Lumia 610.




A notable absentee was the Nokia Lumia 800 – The first Windows Phone from Nokia. While the update has already appeared for this device on Navifirm, Nokia has still to detail the changes it will bring for the Lumia 800. We assume the update is still a work in progress so stay tuned for more information on this.

• Lumia 900 version 2175.2101.8779.12201: Enhanced sensitivity for proximity sensor performance and improvement to your phone’s screen colors in low light conditions.
• Lumia 710 version 1600.3031.8779.12180: Internet sharing (Wi-Fi Hotspot) — Share your phone’s internet connection over Wi-Fi with up to five other devices or computers and Flip to silence — Silence incoming calls by turning your phone face down.
• Lumia 610 version 1066.0000.8779.12201: Enhanced sensitivity for proximity sensor performance and improved sound level for alarm tone during voice calls.

Users of the Nokia Lumia 900, Nokia Lumia 710 or Nokia Lumia 610, will receive an update notification when the update is available in your region. You can then obtain the update using the Zune client for PC or the Windows Phone connector for Mac.

The Nokia Lumia 610 has already been spotted running Windows Phone Tango.
Now it looks like it may be getting access to a newer version of the software (1066.0.8779.12221) which could be Windows Phone 7.8 Tango.

The current version of Windows Phone is ‘8773’ which identifies the core version. The new version ‘8779’ indicates that this could be a new version of Windows Phone.







At this point we are unaware of Microsoft’s plans on Windows Phone for older devices. Microsoft has promised Windows Phone 7.8 which some Windows Phone 8 functionality for older handsets, but we don’t know which devices will receive this update or when.



source – MyNokiaBlog

Smartphones are generally expensive, unless you get the carrier subsidized prices when you purchase your smartphone. But we came across a list of devices which show that not all smartphones need to be expensive, and we are not talking about cheap Chinese knock offs either.

Check out the following list of smartphones from reputed manufactures which will surely fit most tight budgets.

		PLATFORM
	Nokia Lumia 610 The Lumia 610 is one of the cheapest Windows Phones in the market. It may have relatively modest hardware but will definetly not let you down.	Windows Phone
BUY NOW
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	Samsung Galaxy Mini 2 With Android on board, this affordable handset from Samsung will appeal to fans looking for a good deal.	Android
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	HTC Desire C With Android Ice Cream Sandwich on board this device will certainly appeal to users looking for HTC's sturdy build.	Android
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	BlackBerry Curve 9220 The Curve 9220 is probably the most affordable handset from the manufacturer to date. BBM fans who don't have the extra dollars to spend should check this deal out.	BlackBerry OS
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	Sony Ericsson Live With Walkman Sony Ericsson fans would surely want to check out the Live with Walkman. It has the best features of Android and Sony Ericsson bundled in one affordable package.	Android
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	Nokia 500 Symbian may be a dying platform, but it still offers the best value for money with a 1GHz processor powering this handset.	Symbian
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	LG Optimus L3 If Android and LG is a combination you are looking for, the price tag on the Optimus L3 should get your attention	Android
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	Samsung Galaxy Y The Galaxy Y brings another flavor from Samsung with Android on board. It may not have high end specs, but has an attractive price-tag nonetheless.	Android
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	Samsung Wave Y If you aren't looking for all the latest apps, you may consider the Wave Y with BADA OS onboard. Its affordable and has better specs than the Galaxy Y at a similar price.	BADA OS
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	Samsung Galaxy Pocket The Galaxy Pocket is the cheapest Android handset released by the manufacturer. It may not have high end hardware, but is a capable handset at a very reasonable price	Android
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source - Phonearena

The Nokia Lumia 610 features a 3.7 inch touch display, 8GB of internal storage, 5 megapixel camera and is powered by an 800 MHz processor with 256MB of RAM.
The Lumia 610 is a budget friendly Windows Phone Tango device which was first introduced to the world during the MWC 2012.

Take a closer look at the Nokia Lumia 610 in the following video review to see how it in action.







You can check out the detailed review of the Nokia Lumia 610 on PhoneArena.

Nokia had a nice lineup of devices for this years Mobile World Congress. The lineup included the Nokia 808 PureView, the company's first Windows Phone Tango device - the Nokia Lumia 610, The international variant of the Nokia Lumia 900,  and three new feature phones in the Asha series.

The Nokia 808 Pureview stole the show with it's 41 megapixel camera.  The device can capture photos at 3MP, 5MP and 8MP. Because of the huge sensor the photos are saved in a special format which has nearly no deterioration. You can even capture photos as high as 38MP which is still unmatched by any DSLR camera in the market.

The Nokia Lumia 610 is an affordable Windows Phone handset and the first from the company to feature Windows Phone Tango. The device is expected to be priced at $255 when it is released making it the cheapest Windows Phone to date. The Lumia 610 features a 3.7 inch display, 5 megapixel camera and is powered by an 800 MHz processor with 256MB of RAM.

The International variant of the Nokia Lumia 900 was also unveiled by Nokia. It shares the same 4.3 inch touchscreen display, 8MP rear camera, front video call camera, 16GB of internal storage and 1.4 GHz processor.

Three Asha handsets were also introduced. The Asha 302 features a QWERTY keyboard with Microsoft Exchange email support. The Asha 202 and Asha 203 are nearly physically identical featuring a 2.4 inch touchscreen display, numeric keypad, microSD storageand a 2 megapixel camera but the latter features dual-sim capability.

Nokia also demonstrated a collection of upcoming application for the Windows Phone platform. The company shows continuous dedication to winning back it's number one smartphone manufacturer position

The Nokia Lumia 610 is an entry level smartphone which features a 3.7 inch display, 5 megapixel camera and is powered by an 800MHz processor with 256MB of RAM.