Nokia pushes Windows Phone update for Lumia handsets

Lumia 710 and 800 both able to receive Tango upgrade

Nokia has announced that owners of its Lumia 710 and 800 smartphone devices are now able to receive the Tango update for Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system.

The upgrade will bring a number of key features the devices, including the ability to create a tethered Wi-Fi hot spot (turning mobile data connections into a wireless signal that other devices can access), and a flip-to-silence feature.

These features are already in-built in the firm's 610 and 900 Lumia models but the rollout of Tango means all owners of the firm's smartphone range can access the tools.

The update should start arriving from June and July across the globe, and can be installed via Microsoft's Zune client on PC or Mac devices, according to a post on a Nokia blog.

Nokia will be hoping the features keep its user base happy, particularly after Microsoft confirmed last week that its Windows Phone 8 platform would not be compatible with existing Windows Phone devices, cutting Lumia owners off from the platform in the future.

The Lumia range has failed to generate strong sales for Nokia, despite favourable reviews of both the devices and the Windows Phone operating system, leaving the firm facing an uncertain future as its cash reserves dwindle.

Nokia recently announced plans to cut some 10,000 jobs from the firm and a reshuffle of its upper management team in another effort to streamline the company and fight back against Apple and Android device manufacturers.