The developer of MetroSpec, a ZX Spectrum emulator for Windows Phone, has released an update for both the free and premium versions of the app. What's in version 1.5? It's a fairly important refresh since we're talking about large Live Tile support for Windows Phone 7.8 and 8, as well as a bunch of improvements.
If you're not familiar with MetroSpec, it's an emulator for those who still enjoy playing ZX Spectrum titles while on the move, with the ability to synchronise save states across multiple devices.
Version 1.5 of MetroSpec introduces support for wide tiles on both Windows Phone 7.8 and 8, as well poke (cheat support) integration in every game. The ability to search World of Spectrum (www.worldofspectrum.org), a popular destination for those interested in expanding their collection is now included. Unfortunately no download functionality is present due to third-party and copyright issues.
The cheats (or "pokes") can be enabled mid-game and remembered for each title they're connected to. Integration with TipShop is also present for help and tips on progressing through games. As well as a number of improvements detailed above, the developer has also bundled multiple bug fixes. Tilt and motion control have both been fixed (bugs that appeared in version 1.4).
A motion calibration screen is included when playing games using motion control. SkyDrive import has also been improved and the import of games will now attempt to extract year of release and publisher for each title. It's quite the update, one we're sure users will take advantage of.
So what's next on the horizon for MetroSpec? 128K Spectrum support, as well as versions launching for both Windows 8 (Windows RT) and Windows Phone 8. We've followed the development of the app since launch and have continued to be impressed with how the emulator is progressing.
You can download Metrospec for $0.99 (and the free version - left QR code) from the Windows Phone.
