Here's some bad news for all those who own a Windows Phone 7-based smartphone and are waiting for the latest update to it from Microsoft.

Per reports, Microsoft has just halted the distribution of the latest Windows Phone 7.8 update for all the users wanting to upgrade their device from the previous Windows Phone 7.

Although a lot of users have already upgraded their Windows Phone 7-based devices to the recent Windows Phone 7.8, either by means of the update officially coming down via the carrier, or doing it manually, there are still a lot of users out there who have been waiting patiently for their updates to arrive. However, now it seems like that wait will be extended for a bit.

The information was revealed when a moderator on Vodafone's German forums recently posted the news that Microsoft had halted its plans for the update's distribution until further notice. Although she didn't go into further details as to why Microsoft came up with this decision, speculation is rife that Microsoft was forced to such a decision due to problems with the functionality of the new live tile system.

"Here is the info about the update. Microsoft has stopped until further notice, the rollout of the update. Currently there is a new date for it," the forum member wrote.

"There were supposed to be four stages (or waves), but unfortunately the mobile operator has been unable to push out Windows Phone 7.8 to the majority of subscribers, leading to numerous requests for information on the matter," WPCentral states.

This is definitely a bad news for some users who currently own Lumia 610, Lumia 710, Lumia 800 or Lumia 900 Windows Phones. WPCentral adds that those who were expecting to see these phones upgraded to the latest refresh this month may have a slightly longer wait to endure.

"That said, is Windows Phone 7.8 worth all the trouble? Sure, there's the new Live Tiles and other improvements, but is it not the case that Windows Phones work rather well without the update? We're sure the wait won't be too long."

The latest Windows Phone 7.8 refresh has some fresh new features to offer like Zune Desktop sync, which still works with 7.8 and allows for flawless media syncing, Xbox Video support, older apps and OEM customizations, enhanced Bing lock screen images, and more.