Skip to main content

Microsoft addresses ‘phantom data’ glitch on Windows Phone 7

Windows Phone 7Microsoft says that it’s likely a third-party is to blame for the mysterious high data usage experienced by some Windows Phone 7 users.

The “phantom data” issue has been blamed for maxing out Windows Phone 7 customers’ monthly cellular data limits much faster than usual, and seemingly unprompted.

Related Videos

Last week, Microsoft announced that it was investigating the matter. And yesterday the company acknowledged that a problem exists, but said it has only affected “a small (low single-digit) percentage” of Windows Phone 7 users.

“We have determined that a third-party solution commonly accessed from Windows Phones is configured in a manner that potentially causes larger than expected data downloads,” Microsoft said in a statement issued to The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. “We are in contact with the third-party to assist them in making the necessary fixes, and are also pursuing potential workarounds to address the configuration issue in case those are needed.”

Microsoft went on to say that it believes the unnamed third-party solution is responsible for “most” of the problems. Whether or not the Windows operating system might have contributed to the glitch was not addressed in the statement.

The “phantom data” issue first surfaced in early January when some users began noticing unidentified data encroaching on their monthly limits. Users reported data usage climbing even when devices were connected to a Wi-Fi network. One user reported racking up 50GB of “phantom data” in a single day.

If Microsoft’s investigation determines that a third-party program is solely responsible for the glitch, then we may see a fix coming well before Microsoft issues an update for the Windows Phone 7 operating system. The company is expected to begin testing an update later this month.

No word yet on if customers affected by “phantom data” will be able to appeal to receive compensation, but it will likely depend on the results of Microsoft’s investigation.

Editors' Recommendations

Google Pixel 7 Pro vs. Apple iPhone 14 Pro: Which pro phone is best?
google pixel 7 pro vs apple iphone 14 feat image

The Google Pixel 7 Pro is Google's smartphone analog to the Apple iPhone 14 Pro for those who prefer the Android operating system to Apple's iOS. Like Apple's iterative design approach to upgrading its smartphones, Google's new flagship smartphone range stays consistent with its own previous models in overall appearance and features but provides under-the-hood improvements to entice customers to purchase, upgrade, or switch. Both companies are vying for your hard-earned dollars and promise the best smartphone experience, so let's see what they have to offer.
Specs

Google Pixel 7 Pro
Apple iPhone 14 Pro

Read more
iPhone 14 Pro vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro camera battle is unbelievably close
iPhone 14 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro.

The iPhone 14 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro are — without a doubt — two of 2022's most capable smartphones. Each one has a striking design, an excellent display, snappy performance, and robust software features. But it's the cameras that make these phones really interesting.

Comparing iPhone and Pixel cameras is always fascinating, and this year, that's more true than ever. The iPhone 14 Pro ushers in major hardware upgrades, the Pixel 7 Pro focuses on subtle refinements, and the end result is a camera comparison that's brutal to the very end.
iPhone 14 Pro vs. Pixel 7 Pro: camera specs

Read more
This Google Pixel 7 price leak is bad news for the iPhone 14
A Man holds a white Google Pixel 7 Pro in his hands.

As we've gotten closer to the launch window for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, we've had something of a drip-feed of information both from official announcements from Google as well as unofficial information in the form of leaks. A new leak now provides some unconfirmed information about the pricing of the Pixel 7 and the Pixel 7 Pro.

According to Android Police founder Artem Russakovskii, the Pixel 7 will retail starting at $599, while the Pixel 7 Pro will start at $899. These prices are exactly in line with what the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro cost when they launched last year, so it's nice to see that Google is likely staying the course as other flagship devices are starting to see price hikes.

Read more