Following reports that Microsoft would push back the first major Windows Phone 7 update to make sure it gets it right this time, the company has come forward with an official update on the current state of affairs. Writing on the Windows Phone Blog, Eric Hautala explains the complex process of getting updates from Redmond computers to 9 handsets on 60 mobile operators in 30 countries around the world. He also mentions that the "overwhelming majority" was able to install the February update and confirms that the so-called NoDo update has indeed been delayed.
"We have the next update waiting in the wings. It delivers copy and paste, better Marketplace search, and other key improvements," said Hautala. "But I believe it's important that we learn all we can from the February update. So I've decided to take some extra time to ensure the update process meets our standards, your standards, and the standards of our partners. As a result, our plan is to start delivering the copy-and-paste update in the latter half of March."
Hautala also emphasized that the NoDo push-back should in no way impact the timing of future updates, including the "Mango" update announced recently at Mobile World Congress featuring multitasking support for third-party applications, a Twitter feature, and a new HTML 5-friendly version of IE Mobile. Microsoft hasn't shared an official release date for Mango, but rumors suggest it will come preloaded on new WP7 devices by holiday 2011.