Windows Phone 8 is hogging all the spotlight right now, but no one should forget Windows Phone 7.8 is still around the corner and hasn't been talked about much by Microsoft or anyone for that matter. However, things appear to be changing, as features of Windows Phone 7.8 have now been revealed.

The features in Windows Phone 7.8 are nothing special. Probably the only meaningful one is the new Start screen that is found on Windows Phone 8. Expecting much of Windows Phone 8 features to find their way to Windows Phone 7.8 would be quite unreasonable, since Windows Phone 8 now shares the same Windows NT Kernel as Windows 8.

The information was posted on the Windows Phone Italy Facebook page. Here is the quote:

"The upgrade to 7.8 will be available for versions 7.0 and 7.5 shortly after the marketing of the devices Windows Phone 8.Among the features there is the new Start screen, the sharing of the calendar using the function Club and 'access to key services and content Microsoft, including Xbox Music Store library that can be enjoyed by Zune and Xbox SmartGlass."

It is quite commendable that Rooms will have limited support on Windows Phone 7.8, including support for Xbox Music but still under the Zune moniker. While Windows Phone 7 users would prefer a little bit more incentive for upgrading to Windows Phone 7.8, there is probably not much Microsoft is able to do here.

The best option in this situation for users, is to upgrade to Windows Phone 8 and enjoy all the cool features it brings to the consumer. There is no more upgrade path after Windows Phone 7.8. The OS is basically a dead duck from here on in and might only get support from manufacturers, but definitely not Microsoft.