Microsoft rolls out Windows Phone 7 update

Microsoft's cut and paste update for Windows Phone 7 devices has begun to roll-out globally.

Although it will initially only be available to non-branded handsets, where providers haven't customised the phones, operators in the UK have gone past the testing stage and are now scheduling the release of the update for the coming weeks.

"When the update is available for your phone, you'll get a message on the device letting you know," said Eric Hautala, general manager of customer experience engineering for Windows Phone 7.

Along with the new cut and paste capability, Microsoft claims the update will bring faster access to apps, thanks to shorter open and shutdown times, a "streamlined" search function on Windows MarketPlace, stronger Facebook integration and enhanced Outlook photo attachment functionality.

Both Microsoft and its customers could be nervous about the update rollout, however, following the problems a minor upgrade brought about back in February.

The update, which was designed to prepare devices for these bigger software changes, led to reports of handsets crashing, data being wiped and some devices being rendered useless.

Microsoft pulled the update and delayed the release of today's rollout to ensure it could "learn all [it] can" about previous problems and make sure it didn't happen again.