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 Phone Weekly Digest."
Windows Phone
This week, we found out that Microsoft cancelled the cancellation of their upcoming Lumia phone, codenamed "Saana". The Lumia 830 successor was originally terminated, but has since risen from the grave.
An image surfaced of a supposed new Lumia smartphone, but it turned out to be a photo of a Lumia 830 prototype.
Another post that actually appeared to be legit also made the rounds. That was a short video of the cancelled "McLaren" Windows Phone with 3D Touch. While the video does not include the "exploding tiles" feature that surely would have been McLaren's calling card, it does demonstrate the 3D Touch's ability to scroll by hovering a finger over the screen.
Looking ahead, Microsoft's Joe Belfiore said in an interview with The Verge that Windows 10 Mobile 'is significantly feature complete', but that features would be added right up until the release.
In another interview, Windows and Devices head Terry Myerson appeared to hint at the possibility of a Surface-branded smartphone. As exciting as that would be, we'll just have to wait and see what Microsoft has in store.
Other notable items:
- Microsoft's latest Lumia 640 XL promotion is in black and white (UK only)
- Cortana can now play movie trivia games with Windows Phone users
- Windows 10 Mobile Insider program coming to Xiaomi handsets in China in a 'few weeks'
- Acer rumored to be taking some new Windows Phones to IFA
- Developer enhancements update rolling out to Windows 10 Mobile preview users
- AT&T responds to BBB complaint, Lumia 830 likely to never get Lumia Denim update
- Windows 10 Mobile upgrades will be released first for these 10 Microsoft Lumia smartphones
- Microsoft wants to keep Android app binaries unchanged when ported to Windows 10 Mobile
Apps
Big news for Redditors on Windows 10. The developer of the popular Reddit client Baconit revealed a new universal version of the app. The Windows 10-inspired app was completely redesigned from the ground up and will theoretically run on Windows PCs, tablets and smartphones, as well as Xbox and HoloLens.
What's more is that Baconit will also be open source, so in the true spirit of Reddit, the community can help shape it and play a part in making it better. The redesign is still in the works, but for the time being, we have some screenshots provided by the developer.
The best Instagram app on Windows Phone got a significant update too. Rudy Huyn's 6tag got a new Windows 10 inspired design in version 5.5. 6tag also picked up some new features, like an improved search function and the ability to directly select a file by holding down the camera button in the application bar.
Hike messenger added Sticker Shop in its latest version. It includes over 4000 stickers in 150 different packs that can be used to add some panache your messages.
We took a look at B612, a camera app designed specifically for taking selfies. Created by the makers of LINE, B612 has been on iOS and Android for a while and has made its way to Windows Phone.
And it looks like Microsoft's Groove music may be getting a new logo. The new icon still incorporates a record, but jazzes it up a bit. The design has appeared in Groove's store listing, but hasn't yet made its way to the app itself. Perhaps in a future update.
Other notable items:
- Tweetium update for Windows 10 and Windows Phone 8.1 brings several bug fixes
- Ganiza – Social planning from your Windows Phone
Games
It seems like a week doesn't go by without us mentioning Game Troopers. Their new deep sea exploration game Abyss was released for Windows Phone. In Abyss, you pilot the Nep2no submarine in search of the precious new resource Gaia.
The Xbox Live supported game brings with it 20 challenging levels and plenty of achievements. You can also compete with friends and vie for the top of the Leaderboard.
We also checked out Top Speed: Drag & Fast Racing, a new addition to the increasingly crowded field of drag racing games for Windows Phone.
Lastly, Microsoft found themselves going on the defense about the latest iteration of Solitaire. After catching some flak for incorporating ad support into The Microsoft Solitaire Collection, the company responded to critics:
"Microsoft Solitaire has been free to play for the past 25 years on Windows, and continues to be free to play on Windows 10. Users can access and play everything within the game for free, including new premium features like Daily Challenges and Star Club. The Microsoft Solitaire Collection game experience and Premium Upgrade features such as Double Coins for Daily Challenges, and removal of advertisements, is identical to the Windows 8 version that has been available for purchase for years."
Other notable items:
- Earth Force Defenders for Windows Phone - Defending the planet from alien invaders
- Pinball League: The World of Dr. Pickaxe, this week's myAppFree Deal
- Roboto - a challenging platformer game for Windows and Windows Phone
- Word Drop Deluxe – a collection of word puzzles for Windows Phone and Windows
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
