Nokia begins Windows Phone 7.8 updates

Tile resizing options now available on first-gen Lumia devices

Nokia has confirmed that owners of its first-generation Lumia devices running Windows Phone 7.5 can now begin upgrading to the long-awaited 7.8 update.

Windows Phone 7.8 brings in some of the features seen on Windows Phone 8, such as the ability to resize tiles, access to new apps and updated lock screen information and security features.

"You can transform your Nokia Lumia with a host of exciting new personalisation features, such as the ability to resize your tiles, new lock screen options, and more theme colours," Nokia wrote on its blog.

The update is the last that will be available to users of devices such as the Nokia Lumia 510, 610, 710, 800 and 900 which cannot upgrade to the full Windows Phone 8 system due to a change in the system requirements Microsoft has introduced.

Nevertheless, for those with the phone it marks a notable upgrade and should start to be made available by operators in the coming weeks, as detailed on the Nokia blog.

"Delivery of the update is operator dependent, meaning you will receive a notification in the coming weeks if you have an unlocked phone or if your operator has approved the update," it said.

"If you don't receive the update notification within the next three weeks, please contact your operator for more information."

Nokia will be hoping the update keeps early adopter customers satisfied with their handsets before their contracts expire and that it can lure them to its newer devices, such as the Lumia 820 and 920, to help it continue its fight against Apple and Android devices.