Windows Phone 7.5 now required for Marketplace access
updated 10:07 am EDT, Wed May 23, 2012
Windows Phone 7.5 update now required in order to buy, download apps
Microsoft this week announced it now requires Windows Phone 7.5 software to be preloaded in order to access the official Marketplace app store. The move shouldn't come as a surprise, as it was communicated at the end of April. Both the web and mobile storefronts will require WP 7.5 to be on the handsets, and users won't be able to download, buy, update, or review Marketplace apps without it.
Those with older builds of Windows Phone software will begin to get error messages today or later this week when they try to access the Marketplace. The fix is easy enough, Microsoft said, offering the free update to Windows Phone 7.5 online. All current phones have the ability to run the required software.
Microsoft said it made the change in order to improve device security and bring more features. Some of these include the ability to multitask, deeper live tile support, and enhanced security, including against jail-breaking. Windows Phone 7.5 was released in the fall.
