WMPoweruser reports citing unnamed sources that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is set to launch the next iteration of its WP7 mobile platform, Windows Phone 7.8, on Wednesday or Nov. 28. The report doesn’t provide any details as yet on whether the Windows Phone 7.8 update will be for China only or whether it will be released in the US and Europe, simultaneously.

A few tidbits already disclosed include the update will bring WP7 devices a new start screen, Bing-based lock screen and the ability to keep Wi-Fi alive on Nokia devices in suspend mode. Windows Phone 7.8 was declared in June 2012 and is reportedly the update which should soothe the hearts and minds of WP7 device owners. Those devices would not be provided a new version of the next major iteration of the platform, WP8, but WP7.8 brings some of its features to older devices.

See latest price movement of this stock

Microsoft (MSFT) shares traded up 2.78% during last trading session, finishing at $27.70 a piece. The share price of MSFT floated Friday in a range of $27.20 to $27.77. The boost gave the company a market-cap of over $233.14 billion.

How to determine strength or weakness after that shift in price?

The stock, after recent close, is -4.62% down their SMA 50 and 14.12% off the 52-week high. The worst hit in its 52 week range is $24.30 per share, with $32.95 as its 52 week best price that compares with a latest closing price of $27.70. Its latest closing price has a distance of -0.80% from SMA20 and is -7.25% down than SMA200.

What are the effects on the stock performance?

With recent gain, the year-to-date (YTD) performance reflected a 9.70% gain above last year. During the past month the stock dropped -0.25%, bringing three-month performance to -8.55% and six-month performance to -3.42%.

How it participates in the overall market?

Historically, the volatility of this stock is about 1.57% a week and 1.73% a month, but keep in mind volatility keeps on changing. For this company, beta value at 0.98 represents it is less volatile to the shift in the market.

Do you still seek better idea? Look at analyst opinion

The average analysts that follow this company have a ‘Strong Buy’ rating on this stock, according to Zacks Investment Research. Of 29 analysts, 16 maintain that rating, 4 set the stock as buy and 9 give to hold rating.