As many of you know by now, Microsoft won't be providing Windows Phone 8 for current users due to technical limitations with porting over the "shared core" and ironing out its accompanying headaches. Instead current users will be receiving a future 7.8 update, which officially brings the new Start screen to devices -- but according to knowledgeable people like Paul Thurrott, that could be the only feature given.

There have been many in the press expressing their own personal opinions on the decision, but now the community is getting more vocal too. Administrator of the WeLoveWP.hk fansite Simon Luk has kicked off a petition on the official Windows Phone Uservoice website that demands Microsoft spend the time to add more than just the Start screen for existing users. Included with the vote is a heartfelt letter that affectionately describes how most Windows Phone fans must feel right now -- here's an excerpt:

Although they are still not officially announced, many features of WP8, including IE10, Skydrive Integration, Xbox Music & Video, DataSmart, whole-new range of languages and IME supports, etc, have been revealed by different parties. Many existing WP users will love to have these new features on their WP7.8 devices. We believe that some of the above features do not require high grade hardware. Indeed, Microsoft, we can assure you that you will **** most if not all WP users off, if you deliberately leave these “upgradable” features off from our WP7.8 devices.

We are your loyal WP supporters. We were always happy to introduce our friends to buy WP7.5 devices. Provided that WP7.8 only brings the new Start Screen without other new features from WP8 which are supported by existing hardware, we just cannot help but tell our dear friends – Do not buy a WP. Word of mouth is of paramount importance in selling smartphones. Please do not embarrass us and yourself. Act quickly and give confidence to the existing WP users; and we will let the whole world know WP is always worth buying.

Since the voting began, there have been 10,000+ votes from fans supporting the cause and I'll personally admit to signing it as well. While I still think Microsoft made the right decision in pushing the reset button with minimal casualties, the least they could do is add more features for existing supporters who have helped the platform reach 100,000 apps faster than Android and given the company a legitimate shot at returning to relevancy again.

That little bit of personal opinion aside, this is a website that Microsoft's Windows Phone team is known for keeping a close eye on. So if you want to let your voice be heard, vote now at the source link below.

Via: WMPoweruser
Source: Windows Phone Uservoice