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
You may have caught wind that Windows 10 Insider Preview build 10080 rolled out this week. Among other things, it includes universal Office and Xbox apps and a new Store.
We gave you a rundown of some of the fixes in the new build and told you about the known issues that Microsoft has reported. Windows Central also went hands-on with Windows 10 Insider Preview build 10080 for phone to show you around.
While you may be excited to try it for yourself, just keep in mind that some Lumia 640 phones are not compatible with this latest update.
And although it isn't included in build 10080, we got a look at Windows 10 for phone support for mouse and keyboard, thanks to an emulator video that popped up online.
A couple of Lumias got some big updates from their carriers. AT&T finally pushed out the Denim update to their Lumia 1020, while Verizon rolled out Windows Phone 8.1 GDR 2 to the HTC One M8 for Windows.
Microsoft says that they hope to prevent delays with update rollouts in the future by taking them out of the hands of carriers and controlling Windows 10 Mobile update releases themselves.
As for hardware, Microsoft launched the Lumia 540 Dual SIM in India for INR 10,199.
Cricket Wireless started selling the Lumia 640 and [T-Mobile will reportedly start carrying it in July] http://www.windowscentral.com/lumia-640-may-be-coming-t-mobile-us-july-16).
Should you be one of the many to have gotten your hands on one, or you plan on doing so, we've got the perfect place for you to start.
Rather unexpectedly, [Verizon started selling their LG Lancet http://www.windowscentral.com/lg-lancet-now-available-verizon-6999-contract-120-outright) on Thursday. An official render of their upcoming Lumia 735 leaked online as well.
Other notable items:
- How to power on and off the Xbox One with Windows Phone
- How to enable week numbers in Windows Phone 8.1 calendar
- Windows Phone Recovery Tool now supports HTC devices
- App developers won't be able to unlock Windows Phone 8.0 devices after today
- Windows 10 SKUs are revealed, Microsoft confirms Windows 10 Mobile for smartphones
- Microsoft to drop support for Rooms feature on Windows Phone in June
Apps
After being teased in leaked screenshots and a video earlier in the week, the new Xbox app on Windows 10 for phone was officially pushed out with preview build 10080. We put together a gallery of pics to show you around.
The Microsoft Band got lots of love from app developers. Band Sports Tile keeps you informed of all the sports scores you can handle.
Fanband and Awesome Band Backgrounds keep your Band looking fresh with new wallpapers.
And Walk Reminder for Microsoft Band keeps you moving with reminders about your step count.
In the meantime, Shazam for Windows Phone kept the party going by adding a karaoke feature, complete with real-time lyrics.
Another official app made its way into the Windows Store. The dapper Marriott International Windows Phone app launched for the traveler in all of us.
Microsoft joined in the fun with their Hyperlapse app for desktop and mobile. Windows Central went hands on with the time-lapse photography app.
Other notable items:
- Pocket Casts picks up 'refresh artwork' settings option and more in latest update Skype for Business on Windows Phone reportedly delayed until June 1
- Lumia Camera beta app has more features for a few Windows 10 for phone testers
- Telegram Messenger Beta gets updated with new typing statuses, smart notifications and more
- Untappd for Windows Phone update lets you know if your favorite beers are close
- Carphone Warehouse releases official iD Mobile Windows Phone app
- Revenue for DevCenter helps Windows Phone developers keep track of their money
- Hike messenger update exterminates 'The Grouper Bug'
- Xbox One Smartglass update brings live TV streaming to 19 countries, more
Games
There was a lot going on in the games department as well. The newly-released Crack Attack tried to get us addicted to smashing and matching.
The developers of the popular game QuizUp put out a Windows Phone version for private beta testers. We hope to see that go widespread soon!
Speaking of spreading, Plague Inc. infected the Windows Store.
We got a little nostalgic with Snake Rewind, a reboot of the Nokia classic.
And we go from the simple to the complex with New Star Soccer, a soccer-themed RPG, that puts you in charge of a franchise, managing just about every aspect of the game…not to mention some extracurricular activities.
Other notable items:
- Merchants of Kaidan is this week's Windows Phone myAppFree Deal
- Jellyflug Micro Adventures - Windows Phone gaming on the microscopic level
- DuckTales Remastered review: Disney's best platformer pogos onto Windows Phone and Windows 8
- Smash Bandits Racing – Road Rage from the safety of your Windows Phone
- Hadron Wars: Commander, post-apocalyptic warfare from your Windows Phone
- Game Troopers return with the announcement of Lines - a unique puzzler for Windows Phone
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
