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
Fast Ring members got a treat this week with the release of Windows 10 Mobile Preview build 10149.
The new build brings with it a plethora of changes. The new features, including native printing, Microsoft Edge branding, a flashlight option in the quick action menu, automatic camera uploads to OneDrive, an updated camera app, and private notifications for the Lock Screen.
As always, we put together a list of what's broken in Windows 10 Mobile build 10149. We also gave you an in-depth look at the new build in our hands-on video.
There are a few things that you should know before upgrading to build 10149. Firstly, despite earlier problems upgrading from build 10080 to other builds, Insiders on 10080 can now directly update to 10149.
Secondly, be patient when upgrading to 10149. The post-upgrade migration status screen is still missing, so it may appear that your phone is frozen, even though it isn't.
And lastly, some Insiders have experienced a blue screen of death installing Windows 10 Mobile. If you are one of them, here's how to fix it.
An update also went out some low-end Lumias this week. This patch fixes various issues with Wi-Fi, cellular and camera](/some-low-end-lumias-receiving-update-fix-wi-fi-cellular-and-camera-issues).
In phone news, Verizon's Lumia 735 is on sale for next to nothing, at $29.99, with a two-year contract.
MetroPCS began selling their Lumia 640 for $39 after rebate. And AT&T has the Lumia 640 XL for $249.99 without a contract.
If you are thinking of picking up a Lumia 640 or Lumia 640 XL, we have all the information you need to make your decision easier.
Other notable items:
- Japan-based Freetel reveals two Katana Windows Phone devices
- New Lumia 640 and 640 XL TV ad gets a party started with Office 365
- Windows 10 Mobile 10136 gives you more control over your app backups
- Globe brings carrier billing to Windows Phone owners in the Philippines
- John Lewis starts selling mobile phones to take on Carphone Warehouse
- 'Cityman' Quad HD Microsoft Lumia exposed in AdDuplex report, static market share for Windows Phone
- A quick look at Amzer's Pudding TPU Case for Lumia 830
- Canalys reports Windows Phone's sales went up 32% in the UK during Q1 2015
- The French Cortana beta will launch alongside Windows 10 Mobile by the end of 2015
- Former Xbox head thinks Microsoft should have released an 'Xphone'
- Microsoft sets sights on high-end smartphone segment in India
- Call recording is one step closer in Windows 10 Mobile build 10149
- Artists now appear in circles for Music on Windows 10 Mobile
Apps
One of the world's most popular messengers, WhatsApp, finally nabbed voice calling (VOIP) in Tuesday's momentous update. The chat app now lets you call your friends and family over cellular or Wi-Fi data. The addition of this feature brings Windows Phone up to functional parity with iOS and Android, well, mostly.
Polling app Straw got bumped to version 2.0, which comes complete with a redesign, a new private polling feature, and more. Straw also received a minor update later in the week that fixed a bug with Windows Account authorization and voting, amongst other things.
Runtastic saw the addition of seven new story runs and Korean language support in its latest update.
Indian website CarDekho launched their official Windows Phone app to help users find the latest info and best prices on automobiles.
Bizview, a solid new Google Analytics client made its way to the Windows Phone Store](/bizview-new-google-analytics-client-windows-phone-youll-want-download). There's a Windows 8.1 version, too!
Nexgen Reader not only added WhatsApp sharing support, but also went on sale for 99 cents.
And Swarm went back to its Foursquare roots, rolling out Mayorships again.
Other notable items:
- Fat to Fit 7 Minute Workout – a Windows Phone app to help you burn calories and lose weight
- Toonia Colorbook - a simple and fun coloring book for Windows Phone and Windows 8
- Fhotoroom app gets another update with new edit mask and brush tools
- Telegram Messenger Beta picks up tabs for custom stickers, privacy enhancements
- Official National Trust app will take you on a tour of UK landmarks
- The Times of India app adds nifty features in the latest update
Games
On the games front, Disney added to their Windows and Windows Phone games library with Dodo Pop, a new puzzle game.
The infectious hit game Plague Inc. caught a new virus, the Neurax Worm in their latest update for Windows Phone and Windows 8.1.
Windows Central wrapped up our Hidden Gems by helping you unwind with QuizUp and Threes!.
And Russian social network VKontakte (VK) announced that its gaming platform will be coming to Windows Phone this summer. The VK gaming platform, which is currently in beta testing for iOS and Android, will let players connect with friends, challenge them to matches, and compare rankings.
Other notable items:
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
