Windows Phone 7 gets cut and paste update

NoDo upgrade now available, but branded handsets may have to wait.

Microsoft has begun the long-awaited first major update for Windows Phone 7 that should finally bring cut and paste functions to handsets.

The update, dubbed NoDo, has been cleared for release, according to Microsoft. It should be rolled out to certain handsets over the coming days, although owners of branded handsets may have to wait longer.

Microsoft said the cut and paste function would enable users to copy text from emails, text messages, web pages, and documents, and paste it anywhere you can type, including search fields.

Microsoft also claimed the update would bring faster app start up and increased stability, while an upgrade to Windows Phone 7’s Wi-Fi options means the MAC address is now displayed in settings, enabling connections to routers that use MAC Address filtering.

Unbranded handset customers will be able to upgrade as soon as Microsoft sends a signal to their phones - a process that started yesterday - but anyone using a phone sold through carriers might have to wait longer.

"We're working with Microsoft to bring the Windows Phone 7 NoDo update to our HTC HD7 customers as soon as possible," the company told PC Pro in a statement. "We currently expect it to launch in early April."

This article originally appeared at pcpro.co.uk