Microsoft has urged Windows Phone 7 users not to turn to third-party versions of the NoDo update in their frustration at waiting for the official update to roll out.
With Microsoft taking its time in getting the update out over the airwaves, intrepid software engineers have put together their own 'homebrew' versions of NoDo. But Microsoft isn't impressed, and has warned that users downloading the unofficial updates could risk voiding their warranties.
Writing on the Windows Phone 7 blog, new general manager of customer experience engineering for the platform, Eric Hautala, wrote: “I’ve noticed that some of you are turning to homebrew solutions to update your phone immediately.
“But my strong advice is: wait. If you attempt one of these workarounds you might not be getting the important device-specific software. Or your phone might get misconfigured and not receive future updates. It’s even possible your phone might stop working properly.”
Hautala is referring to the likes of software engineer Chris Walsh's homebrewed update – ChevronWP7.Updater.exe – which he claims will work on any handset, irrespective of manufacturer or network. Users installing Walsh's update, however, have reported mixed results.
“Bottom line: unsupported workarounds put you in uncharted territory that may void your phone warranty,” he added.
The NoDo update was originally expected to land around the end of February, but issues involving a pre-update that was rolled out early last month have set things back. And despite originally stating it would be sending out updates all at once to every phone and carrier, Microsoft has since backtracked and changed its approach to releasing it bit by bit to different territories and networks at different times.
