There are indications in the US that mobile phone maker, Nokia has started rolling out Microsoft's 7.8 update of its operating system for several older generation Lumia phones.

It is believed that the new version will be available for Nokia Lumia 510, 610, 710, 800 and 900. The update will allow the customers of older phones access a similar interface and certain functions and themes that are now only available with the Windows Phone 8.

The update was first announced in November but it was delayed to 2013. A host of devices featuring Windows Phone 7.8 is also likely to be available at a lower price than Windows Phone 8 devices in the market. The Finnish handset maker is aiming to revive its market position with the Lumia range in the same way as Samsung rose to prominence with its Galaxy range.

Nokia earlier decided to switch to Microsoft Corp's Windows software and is aiming to win back customers in the telecom market from rivals including Apple and Google Inc's Android operating system. Nokia's Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 have been successful in some markets due to their ability to work on different networks.