2014 Spells End of Windows Phone 7.8 and 8 Support
Windows Phone 8 and 7.8 received support expiry dates, but it's not all bad news.
The recently released Windows Phone 8 has an expiration date stamped on it, as well as the Windows Phone 7.8. A support page has been added to Microsoft's website that states that the Windows 8 Phone will no longer be receiving any support from Microsoft after July 8, 2014, while the Windows Phone 7.8 will survive a bit longer to September 9, 2014.

Windows Phone 7.8 was released to enable the older Windows Phone 7 hardware to acquire some of the features of the new Windows Phone 8. As Microsoft was so eager to allow its older phone model to remain in circulation, one has to wonder what Microsoft is doing by releasing end of support dates so soon, especially as it could have a negative impact on the support and dedication from developers.
On the bright side, Microsoft had already confirmed in February that large updates are on their way for Windows Phone 8, while a leaked Nokia document suggested that there might still be updates coming for the Phone 7 as well. The end of support dates can therefore assure users that, while their products may outlive their expiration dates, there could be a stream of regular updates to come in the meantime.
WP8 will expire before 7.8, but by then, a newer updates will come. Which might be WP8.1 or 8.5, then will get another 2 years of support.
7.8 in turn will get another last update which is 7.9, this will add another 2 years of support and after that 2 years it will be the end support for wp7
And this seems pretty bad overall. Contracts are still usually 2 years and those that got win 8 won't get 2 years of support. Hopefully they won't need it, but still.
As far as I know WP will update alongside the desktop OS so it does make understandable sense although I think the release info could be clearer.
Let's not forget we are talking about phones which tend to be upgraded by a new device rather than updated with a new OS. I was a little shocked not by the 2014 date but by the July part of the date. Let's hope MS releases some good information about what is coming our way...
WP8 will expire before 7.8, but by then, a newer updates will come. Which might be WP8.1 or 8.5, then will get another 2 years of support.
7.8 in turn will get another last update which is 7.9, this will add another 2 years of support and after that 2 years it will be the end support for wp7
Or at least an Android which can do more. LOL
Though to be honest, I've never needed support for a phone beyond a physical repair.
On the other hand, all my previous phones cost less than $70, while the 620 costs around $260.
This is all without contract, so don't freak out
Like Windows ever was a safe platform...
Thank you! This story has gotten way overblown. I believe what they're talking about is that the current versions will not be supported past then, but there will be updates before then, and those will be supported past then. And since we on Windows Phone actually get the updates, unlike most on Android, this whole story is pretty much non-news. Move along, now.
Because 8 was released before 7.8, strange as it sounds.
Honestly, this is a non-issue. Vanilla WP8 support expires next year, but there will be an update in the meantime (8.1, 8.5, whatever) that extends it another 2 years.
I don't think Samsung has maintained SG2 more than 2 years (let alone crappier models because android is so fragmented) so I don't see any difference here in this case. 2-3 years is what you'll get per phone.
This is about the Windows Phone OS, not Windows the desktop/laptop OS.
Windows Phone 7.8 MAY get another update, which also may start the 18 month support cycle.
This article here, is a bit clearer.
http://www.wpcentral.com/microsoft-support-windows-phone-7-8-until-2014