There's a lot going on in the world of Windows Phone. So much, in fact, that it is sometimes tough to catch every important story.
Device rumors come and go. New apps join the Windows Phone Store, and your favorite app can get a big update with a new look or new features.
Therefore, every week we will compile a list of the Windows Phone news that you just shouldn't miss. Welcome to the "Windows Mobile Weekly Digest."
Windows Mobile
There weren't any new Windows 10 Mobile preview builds released this week for Fast ring insiders, due to "a tricky crash." However, there were still some cool developments on the Windows Mobile front.
One report said that Microsoft is working on a Windows 10 Mobile setting that would let users choose between opening links in a browser or an app, such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.
We also learned that Verizon's Lumia Icon is going to be added to the Insider Preview program. We dusted off our Icon and loaded Windows 10 Mobile on it to amazing results.
But if you'd rather buy a new phone, we put together our list of the best Windows Phones of 2016.
Other notable items:
- Lumia 650 pre-orders go live in Australia for May 23 launch
- Office 365 business users will soon get new ways to share files on OneDrive and SharePoint
- Microsoft Store begins selling Mozo covers for Lumia 950 and 950 XL
- You can now buy the Lumia 950 for ₹29,999 on Flipkart, Lumia 950 XL down to ₹34,999
- Lumia 650 is now available at Cricket Wireless for $130
- Smartphones are dead Part V: How much farther Microsoft? Microsoft: Not far now
Apps
Some screenshots of alleged internal company documents suggested that WhatsApp may have a desktop app on the way.
Viber, on the other hand, began rolling out their Windows 10 Mobile beta app to those who signed up to be beta testers.
Dropbox released an update for their Windows 10 app for PC and Mobile, adding an in-app camera function, a new notifications view, and a bunch of other tweaks.
As of July 1, Microsoft will pull the plug on their PDF Reader on Windows 10 Mobile. An in-app notification began popping up warning users of the deadline and urging them to use Microsoft Edge for PDFs instead.
The company also has plans to release new SharePoint and OneDrive apps. SharePoint would roll out for iOS, Android, and Windows, while the OneDrive update would be in the form of a new UWP app for Windows 10.
Video-sharing service Vine went truly universal with a new app for Windows 10 PCs and tablets.
And the biggest name in file compression, WinZip, launched a universal app for Windows 10 PC and Mobile. The app integrates into some of the top cloud storage and social media services and works on an annual subscription model, rather than a flat price.
Other notable items:
- PIP Camera Effects, creative framing for your Windows photography
- WhatsApp hit with 72-hour ban in Brazil [Update: suspension lifted]
- Groove Insider Preview App update brings many new fixes for Fast ring
- Uber's Paytm integration will let you pay for your ride abroad in rupees
- Band Utility, an easy way to add a little color to your Microsoft Band
- Location tracking app Sensie updated to support Windows 10 PC and Mobile
- Get your Halo 5 stats right on your Microsoft Band 2 with these cool tiles
- GroupMe beta for Windows 10 Mobile nabs GIF and Image search to spice up your messages
- Tweetium update brings fix for broken conversation threads
- Fanband now lets you switch up your themes from the web
- inKin's fitness-social media app finally reaches Windows 10 Mobile
- Some users prompted to uninstall Facebook Beta for Windows 10 Mobile following update
- Office apps for Windows 10 Mobile get some minor updates
- Geocaching Live app for Windows Phone will shut down on June 6
- Official Universal giffgaff app for Windows 10 is now available
- Interop Tools for Windows 10 Mobile lets you edit your registry for some hacking fun
- Fhotoroom for Windows 10 PC and Mobile updated with new drawing tool and more
- Saavn for Windows 10 PC and Mobile updated with playlist creation and more
Games
Two of King's big titles Candy Crush titles, Jelly Saga and Soda Saga, were both updated with additional levels on Windows 10 PC and Mobile.
Jelly Saga picked up 20 levels in a new episode called Soft Serve Summit, while Soda Saga introduces Valentin Fluffybun in the new episode, Red Velvet Villa.
And Microsoft has created a game called FYCPT for Windows Phone that uses the Microsoft Band as a controller. The game features a drop of paint as its protagonist and the player rotates their Band to help it dodge drops of water, while other hand motions help out in different parts of the game.
FYCPT is still in beta, and may never even see the light of day, but it is proof of concept of what is possible with the Microsoft Band and Windows.
Other notable items:
- Top Bike: Real Racing Speed & Best Moto Drag Racer, two-wheel speed for Windows
- Hit the jackpot with Free Slots Fun Factory, today's myAppFree Deal
- Find the fraud with Word Imposter for Windows Phone
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
