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Microsoft Rolls Out Minor Update to Windows Phone 7, No Cut and Paste Just Yet

 & Chloe Albanesius Executive Editor, News

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Microsoft on Monday started rolling out an update to Windows Phone 7 devices, though it is not the larger update promised by Steve Ballmer during his CES keynote that will include features like cut and paste.

"This update is a relatively small one," Microsoft said in a blog post.

Monday's update - the first for the platform - "is designed to improve the software update process itself," Microsoft said. "So while it might not sound exciting, it's still important because it's paving the way for all future goodie-filled updates to your phone, such as copy and paste or improved Marketplace search."

Microsoft will send out the update in waves. When it hits your phone, the device will display a message that says a software update is available. Connect the phone to your PC or Mac and follow the on-screen instructions. Users that installed the Zune software or Windows Phone 7 Connector might have to update that program first and then use it to update the phone.

In January, Ballmer said the first major Windows Phone 7 update will add two components: cut and paste; and improved app performance when loading and switching apps. Customers can expect to see apps and games that load even faster, he said.

About Our Expert

Chloe Albanesius

Chloe Albanesius

Executive Editor, News

My Experience

I started out covering tech policy in DC for The National Journal, where my beat included state-level tech news and all the congressional hearings and FCC meetings I could handle. I later covered Wall Street trading tech before switching gears to consumer tech. I now lead PCMag's news coverage.

My Areas of Expertise

Getting my start in DC means I still have a soft spot for tech policy; Congressional hearings can sometimes be as entertaining as a Bravo reality show, for better or worse. But PCMag is all about the technology we use every day, as well as keeping an eye out for the trends that will shape the industry in the years ahead (or flop on arrival). I've covered the rise of social media, the iOS vs. Android wars, the cord-cutting revolution that's now left us with hefty streaming bills, and the effort to stuff artificial intelligence into every product you could imagine. This job has taken me to CES in Vegas (one too many times), IFA in Berlin, and MWC in Barcelona. I also drove a Tesla 1,000 miles out west as part of our Best Mobile Networks project. Of late, my focus is on our hard-working team of reporters at PCMag, guiding and editing their robust coverage.

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