Nokia has started pushing to existing Windows Phone 7.X users the Windows Phone 7.8 update.

Microsoft officials said last November that the 7.8 update would be preloaded on new Windows Phone handsets aimed at specific markets, and then pushed to existing Windows Phone 7.x handset users in "early 2013."

Generally, the 7.8 update provides existing Windows Phone 7.X users with the resizable tile option on the Windows Phone start screen that makes their devices look more like Windows Phone 8 devices. The 7.8 update also includes accidental wipe protection; support for Bing image of the day; and new accent colors among some other minor features.

With Nokia' s update, Nokia Lumia smartphones will gain new personalisation features, such as the ability to resize their tiles, new lock screen options, and more theme colours.

Windows Phone 7.8 has already been shipping pre-loaded on the Nokia Lumia 510 and other phones in the Nokia Lumia family.

And now, update notifications will begin to appear for Nokia Lumia 510, 610, 710, 800 and 900 owners with an unlocked phone or operator approved software during February.

Starting today and rolling out over the coming weeks, a message will appear on the Nokia phones encouraging users to get the update. Users can simply connect their phone to their computer via Zune for PC, or the Windows Phone app for Mac ? and follow the onscreen instructions.