Microsoft introduces Windows Phone 7.8 SDK

Microsoft will release its final update for Windows Phone 7 at the end of January.

The 7.8 update brings WP7 handsets closer to the tech maker’s newest mobile operating system. Because of this, the company is now recommending that developers update their WP7 apps to bring them in line with the WP8 OS.

“As you evaluate the new 7.8 update for the Windows Phone SDK, consider refreshing your existing 7.x apps,” read a Microsoft email sent to developers.

“We recently outlined on the Windows Phone Developer blog some simple tips to make it easy for you to add Windows Phone 8 Live Tile functionality to your 7.1 app so that when it is run on a Windows Phone 7.8 or 8 device, it ‘lights up’ the new templates.

“While you’re in the process of updating your apps, make sure to take advantage of the widest audience possible for your app. We now reach consumers in 95 markets; if you haven’t already, visit Dev Center and submit your current Windows Phone 7 apps for worldwide distribution to ensure you are ready for new phones running Windows Phone 7.8 and 8.”

Despite the updating bringing the Windows Phone 8 look to series 7 devices, WP8 apps will not run on WP7.