Microsoft Windows Phone 7 update crashes smartphones
The update problem affects Samsung phones running Windows Phone 7. Photo: Getty Images
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Microsoft has been forced to withdraw an update to its Windows Phone 7 operating system after it crashed users' phones.
The update, the firm's first for Windows Phone 7, was itself designed to improve the updating process, but instead caused crashes and made some devices completely unusable.
The problems began when the update was released on Tuesday and affect Samsung smartphones running Windows Phone 7, including the top-of-the-range Omnia 7. Users also reported that vital data such as contacts were deleted.
A Microsoft spokesman said it had withdrawn the update in response to complaints and would release a new version.
"We have identified a technical issue with the Windows Phone update process that impacts a small number of phones," a spokesman said.
"We have temporarily taken down the latest software update for Samsung phones in order to correct the issue and as soon as possible will redistribute the update."
Via Twitter, Microsoft also told those whose smartphone has been "bricked" to return it to their retailer.
The glitch is a blow to Microsoft's hopes that Windows Phone 7 will catch up with Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating systems.
The market leaders have each developed a smooth update cycle process that builds on their software's features and allow them to support more sophisticated apps.
Windows Phone 7 was received as a massive improvement on Microsoft's previous smartphone operating system when it was launched in October, but news its first update has caused major inconvenience for users will be seized on by the firm's critics.
Alex Roebuck, a British Omnia 7 user, said overnight on Twitter: "It's 1am here in the UK. Have to go to work tomorrow with no phone. Very unhappy."
- Christopher Williams
© Telegraph.co.uk
