The roll out of the 8107 software update for Windows Phone has now begun for Nokia Lumia devices. SIM-free devices should be the first to get the update, with operator branded devices following in due course. This update fixes a number of bugs, including the one that occasionally caused the on screen keyboard to disappear when entering text.

If the update is made available for your device you will receive notification through an on-screen pop up message. You can also perform a manual check for updates in the Zune Desktop client (phone > settings > update).

The update is rolled out gradually, this means that devices are notified over a period of time, rather than all at once. As a consequence you may not be immediately notified about the update.

Here are the details of the update from Microsoft:

On-screen keyboard. Fixes an issue to prevent the keyboard from disappearing during typing.

Email. Fixes a Google mail syncing issue.

Location. Fixes a location access issue. With this fix, the Me feature in the People Hub sends anonymous information about nearby Wi-Fi access points and cell towers to Microsoft only if you agree to allow the Check In function to access and use location information.

Security. Revokes digital certificates from DigiCert Sdn Bhd to address an encryption issue.

Email threads. Fixes an email issue related to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003. With this fix, when you reply to or forward a message, the original message is now included in your response.

Voicemail. Fixes a voicemail notification display issue that occurs on some European and Asian networks under certain conditions.

Lumia 800 device update imminent

In addition to the 8107 platform update, Nokia is also about to start rolling out a device specific update. This will bring further battery improvements to the device. In a tweet, Nokia UK indicates this update will start rolling out over the next two weeks. This update will upgrade the firmware version number to 1600.2483.8106.11500 (you can see number by viewing the more information view under the about screen in the settings application).

The last Lumia 800 device update fixed a charging issue, the upcoming update is expected to have a more significant impact on battery life by improving the device's overall power efficiency.

In some cases, it is possible that Lumia 800 device owners will receive the platform and the device update at the same time. In this case a two stage update process will take place, with one update applied immediately after the other.