Microsoft copies and pastes update rollout timeline for angry Windows Phone 7 users

Microsoft started rolling out the first full Windows Phone 7 operating system update on March 22 but handset users around the globe became frustrated when technology blogs reported that the update could take as long as four weeks to become available for their device.

The March Windows Phone 7 update, codenamed "NoDo," adds features such as copy & paste, better Marketplace search, wifi and Outlook improvements, better Facebook integration and faster start-up times for apps and games.

With customers' complaints ringing in its ears and bloggers' scathing write-ups fresh in its mind, Microsoft attempted to quell the anger and put customers at ease by creating a website to help users track the Windows Phone 7 update schedule.

In a March 23 post on the company's Windows Phone Blog, Microsoft's Eric Hautala, general manager, Customer Experience Engineering explained, "we intentionally deliver updates in batches, ramping up gradually to help ensure the process is as problem-free as possible," adding "[b]ut it was clear from your comments that many of you want a better idea of when to expect your update."

The website is called "Where's my phone update?" and helps users track exactly when they can expect a software update on their device.

"Much like when you buy a PC online, you'll be able to see when the update is being tested and packaged, when it's about to ship, and when it's 'left the warehouse,'" said Hautala. "We'll update the site once a week with the latest status changes."

After visiting the new tracking website customers posted comments such as "Finally some communication & openness! Good page on carriers & countries!", "Yes, this is a step in the right direction" and "awesome - this is great news the status update is exactly what we all wanted" on the Windows Phone Blog.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/features/update-schedules.aspx