If you own a Windows Phone 7-powered handset and have been eagerly waiting for the Windows Phone 7.8 update to hit your device, then be prepared to be disappointed. Per reports, in an unprecedented move, the Redmond giant has stopped the roll-out of the Windows Phone 7.8 upgrade, leaving owners of WP7 handsets flummoxed.

According to Vodafone Germany, Microsoft has put the roll-out of the Windows Phone 7.8 software update on hold. A moderator on the site's forum posted the news recently, revealing that Microsoft had halted its plans for the pushing out of the upgrade until further notice. Initially, Vodafone intended on pushing out the update in four phases to its subscribers through February.

"Here is the info about the update. Microsoft has stopped until further notice, the rollout of the update. Currently there is a new date for it," wrote the Vodafone Germany moderator in the forum.

Even though the moderator did not disclose the reason for Microsoft's decision to halt the roll out, speculation is rife that issues with the functionality of the Live Tiles led the company to take this route. 

This news will come as a shocker to owners of the older WP7-powered handsets like the Lumia 610, Lumia 710, Lumia 800, and the Lumia 900 who were awaiting the upgrade.

It is not yet known when Microsoft would begin to push out the update again, but indications are that WP7 users will have to wait for a while before they can experience the joys of Windows Phone 7.8.