ICYMI: December 20, 2014

A lot can happen in a week. New apps join the Windows Phone Store or Windows Store. Your favorite apps can get a big update with a new look or new features. Device rumors come and go. Seven days might not seem like much, but it can be an eternity in the tech news cycle. Every week we're going to compile the biggest stories into one post, so you never fall behind – In Case You Missed It.

Windows Phone

Lumia Denim

  • Lumia Denim update starts rolling out to Lumia 520, 720, 1320 and more in China [Read]
  • Microsoft launches Lumia 638 in India; to be available exclusively on Amazon [Read]
  • Sprint to once again support Microsoft and Windows Phone with the Lumia 635 [Read]
  • See how the Lumia 735 allows you to capture more of Victoria Falls [Read]
  • Here's the current list of smartphones with the Lumia Denim update (so far) in Europe [Read]
  • Verizon announces Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 to Lumia 928, Lumia 822 [Read]
  • Here's the current list of smartphones with the Lumia Denim update (so far) in Asia [Read]
  • Here's the current list of smartphones with the Lumia Denim update in Africa and the Middle East [Read]
  • Here's the what and where (so far) on the Lumia Denim update in Latin America [Read]
  • Microsoft makes the Lumia Denim update official with wider rollout in early January [Read]

Microsoft + Windows

Windows 10

  • Microsoft's 'Arcadia' team is reportedly working on game and app streaming technology [Read]
  • Windows 10 build 9901 leaks out with Cortana, new Xbox app [Read]
  • The Skype Translator preview program has begun [Read]
  • Apple, Amazon and more tech companies support Microsoft's email privacy stance in court [Read]
  • Windows App Studio adds support for importing TouchDevelop games and apps [Read]
  • Microsoft says there are 450,000 'highly active' Windows 10 preview users [Read]
  • LINE buys MixRadio from Microsoft, vows to continue streaming music service [Read]

Apps

Netflix

  • Netflix 4.0 for Windows Phone gets Cortana integration, new user experience and more! [Read / Download]
  • Lumia Storyteller 4.0 gets massive UI overhaul, spinning globe and online sharing [Read / Download]
  • Shazam for Windows Phone gets a big update with a new design and more [Read / Download]
  • Gestures Beta allows you to interact with your Windows Phone in an entirely new way [Read / Download]
  • Lyric app musiXmatch gains Cortana integration in new update for Windows Phone [Read / Download]
  • Flipboard for Windows Phone grabs 512 MB support, native controls and notifications [Read / Download]
  • Top 5 Christmas Apps for Windows 8.1 [Read]
  • Xim from Microsoft Research now shares photos with Xbox One [Read / Download]

Games

Angry Birds Stella

  • Angry Birds Stella slingshots on to Windows Phone with Xbox support [Read / Download]
  • Brothers in Arms 3: Sons of War for Windows Phone now available for free from Gameloft [Read / Download]
  • Order & Chaos Online gets new features and goes free on Windows Phone [Read / Download]
  • Order & Chaos Online jumps from Phone to Windows 8.1 with Xbox LIVE [Read / Download]
  • Hit the slopes with Snowboard Party for Windows Phone and Windows 8 [Read / Download]
  • Soccer Runner is an endless running game for football fans [Read / Download]
  • Here's your first look at the future of SongArc and details on joining the beta [Read]

Xbox

Halo 5

  • Exclusive: Onigiri, the Xbox One's first MMO coming to North America and Europe in 2015 [Read]
  • Classic world domination game Risk makes its Xbox One debut for $14.99 [Read / Download]
  • Xbox One owners can check out the open beta for Evolve starting Jan. 15 [Read]
  • Minecraft: Story Mode coming out in 2015 from Telltale Games and Mojang [Read]
  • Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer beta six-part documentary series starts tonight [Read]
  • Halo: The Master Chief Collection offers freebies to make up for mistakes [DAMN RIGHT]
  • Pandora, Vevo, Bravo and Telemundo Xbox One apps launched [Read]

Misc.

Holidays

  • Weekly photo contest: Holidays [Enter]
  • Check out our brand new best phones guides! [Read]
  • T-Mobile Un-carrier 8 gives you rollover data with Data Stash [Read]

12 Days of Hidden Gems

Hidden Gems

  • How to participate in the 12 Days of Hidden Gems sweepstakes [Read]
  • Misfit Shine [Enter Day One]
  • Wellograph Wellness Watch [Enter Day Two]
  • Fitbit Charge [Enter Day Three]
  • SmartThings [Enter Day Four]
  • NOAA Hi-Def Radar and Hilton HHonors [Enter Day Five]

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Sam Sabri