Microsoft will block the the ChevronWP7 unlock exploit when it delivers its first update for Windows Phone 7 devices which is due to be released in a number of weeks. Winrumorsnotified us to a blog posted on theChevronWP7 blogwhich notes that the “coding error” used in the ChevronWP7 unlocker will no longer work after the next Windows Phone 7 update which was confirmed at CES 2011. The ChevronWP7 unlocker was released in late November, providing handset owners with a way to side load homebrew applications – the first allowing the use ofcustom ringtones....

Microsoft,according to BusinessWeek, will be paying the Finnish company Nokia more than $1 billion in their industry-shaping smartphone deal. The deal, under which Nokia will use the Windows Phone 7 OS, was seen as a coup for Microsoft, and a potential blunder by Nokia. Nokia has long used its own proprietary software, meaning the partnership was a sea change for the company. The $1 billion plus dollars will go to “promote and develop Windows-based handsets” by Nokia, according to the report....

The persistent rumor that Microsoft is finished producing new Zune hardware received a boost today as Microsoft reported that it is working on porting existent Zune HD applications to its WP7 mobile line. The news came out in the Zune Insider podcast. The following relevant clip wastranscribed by Paul Thurrott: The apps that we have built internally for Zune [HD], we’re actually looking at porting those over to Windows Phone. Right now, our focus for the app team is, more apps for Zune [HD]....

At the end of alengthy blog poston the future of Silverlight and its relationship with HTML5, the Silverlight team let loose a piece information that wenearly already knew: that the beta version Silverlight 5 will be released at this year’s MIX event. From the Silverlight post: “As part of the continued support for scenarios that require plug-in based capabilities, we will ship a beta of Silverlight 5 at MIX, with some great demos for compelling scenarios....

TNW Quick Hit: Microsoft has something big planned, and it should shake up the world of Windows Phone 7. Sitting in TNWmicrosoft’s hot little inbox is a fresh invite from Microsoft to an event later this month, on May 24th. Called a “VIP Preview,” the event promises to “lift the curtain on the next major release of Windows Phone.” Check out the invite: We are searching for comment from Microsoft on the matter and will update this post when it is received....