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
After declaring last week that they would have control over the Windows 10 mobile update process, Microsoft clarified on Monday that they will still get "input" from carriers on software rollouts.
A Microsoft spokesperson said:
"Microsoft will continue to work closely with mobile operators on testing to meet and exceed quality bars. The input of mobile operators is invaluable to the testing process. Microsoft will use their input, as well as input from the millions of Windows Insiders, to decide when to send out mobile updates to Windows 10 devices."
It remains to be seen just how much effect that "input" will have on the timing of updates, but here's hoping that the process is much more streamlined and carrier-neutral than the current one.
One update that will not be making its way to everyone is Windows 10 Insider Preview build 10080. According to a tweet from Windows Insider member Gabriel Aul, "10080 isn't likely to go to Slow ring because of a few issues being reported."
Although Slow ring members will miss out on the new features in build 10080, they will also be spared the many known issues. They will either have to wait for a more stable build to be released or change over to a faster ring.
If you are one of the many who have made the leap to Windows 10 Mobile preview, and for one reason or another want to move back to Windows Phone 8.1, be sure to check out our handy guide to rolling back your phone.
Other notable items:
- Yezz Billy 4.7 smartphones reportedly receiving Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2
- Snag an unlocked AT&T HTC One M8 for Windows from Ebay for $270
- Mouse Computer unveils MADOSMA Windows Phone for Japanese market
- T-Mobile Lumia 640 still expected for spring release
- The chairman of ASUS is not convinced Windows is good for smartphones
- Lumia 640 and HTC One M8 should now be able to update to Windows 10 Mobile build 10080
Apps
The newly redesigned version of Microsoft's MSN suite of apps have started making their way onto phones. MSN Weather, News, Sports and Money all got makeovers, that replace the old pivots for split-view menus. Windows Central got our hands on the them and gave you a video tour of the new look
A new version of Outlook also began rolling out with preview build 10080 of Windows 10 Mobile. The redesigned mail and calendar app received a different button layout, trading its buttons on the top of the screen in for a quick-action ribbon at the bottom. In addition to the new layout, there are also many new settings and tweaks. Not to mention that the program itself just seems faster over all.
There was a brief blip of excitement across the Windows Phone user base when a vague tweet from Snapchat Support claimed that the notoriously anti-Windows Phone company has "plans to make [a Snapchat app] available in the future."
While this would surely make the masses collectively jump for joy, we urge you all to temper your expectations, given the long and tumultuous Snapchat vs. Windows saga
As for apps that actually do exist on Windows Phone, the beloved MixRadio went cross-platform, making its way to iOS and Android. All the while, MixRadio reiterated their continued commitment to Windows Phone, saying:
"We'd be foolish to abandon our millions of loyal customers who helped us get where we are today."
Speaking of loyal customers, VLC on Windows Phone has reportedly exceeded 1 million downloads since its launch. This is a huge achievement for any app.
But they aren't just sitting on their laurels celebrating. They were still hard at work on an update, which tweaked the navigation within the app.
The makers of Tubecast updated their app with support for new casting services, amongst other things.
OneDrive competitor Dropbox was relaunched as a universal Windows app, bringing a host of new features to Windows Phone.
One of our favorite Reddit clients, Readit for Windows Phone went free with their new version 2.1, which is loaded with a ton of new tweaks and features.
And after many Windows Phone app developers reported seeing revenue drops from Google's AdMob network, Google, who is traditionally less than cooperative when it comes to Windows Phone, stepped up to the plate. The technology superpower was quick to provide a fix.
Other notable items:
- Real Madrid CF gets its own official app for Windows Phone
- Photo filter app Gloomlogue makes its way to Windows Phone for free
- Deezer prepares to battle competitors by adding podcasts and radio shows
- Disqus for Windows Phone snags new channels and home feed filters in latest update
- Pimp My Band app adds a battery Live Tile for Microsoft Band users
- Revolve is Microsoft's upcoming 'conversation starter' app for Windows Phone
- Spotify Now will build custom playlists around your day
- Microsoft's facial recognition service How-Old is now available as a Windows Phone app
- Discovery News releases a dazzling universal Windows Phone app
- 6tag 5.0 for Windows Phone released with video uploads, new filters and more
Games
It's hard to believe that Microsoft Solitaire is 25 years old. It's even harder to believe how much of those 25 years that I have speant playing it. At any rate, Microsoft is celebrating with a big tournament starting June 5.
If you are more into high-adrenaline games, SBK15 Superbike World Championship raced onto Windows Phone this week.
Sid, Manny and Diego returned to Windows and Windows Phone in Ice Age Avalanche, a match-three puzzle game with a twist.
And one more popular iOS game made the leap. Leo's Fortune made its way to Windows and Windows Phone as a universal app.
Other notable items:
- Catapult King – a blast of a game for Windows Phone and Windows 8
- Cupky Jump is this week's myAppFree Deal of the Week
- Alien Hive – an evolutionary match three game for Windows Phone and Windows 8
- 10tons' Sparkle Epic brings Zuma-style fun to Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1
- Cublast - it takes a steady hand to master this Windows Phone game
- Fun Run 2 is a fast four-player online multiplayer game on Windows Phone
- Platform shooter Roboto hovers to Windows and Windows Phone Store
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
