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
One of the most exciting things to come out of Build 2015 was the announcement of Continuum for Windows 10 Phones. The feature that will allow you to connect your phone to an external display and use full desktop versions of your favorite apps.
Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, we found out this week that we are going to have to wait for the generation of Windows phones to come out. That's because Continuum will require new Qualcomm hardware in order to work.
That may be a ways off, but we could be closer to some new Windows 10 for phones features that got leaked this week. It looks like some folks in China got a hold of Build 10072, which apparently has a transparency slider for Start screen tiles. The build also includes the option to download preview versions of the Office 2016 universal apps.
Microsoft's new Windows 10 for phone help page not only confirmed the transparency slider, but also gave us a heads up that the next build will include Reading mode in its {Edge browser](/Microsoft-edge).
As for hardware, Verizon's Lumia 735, complete with Microsoft branding, [showed up at the FCC] http://www.windowscentral.com/verizons-lumia-735-microsoft-branding-spotted-fcc).
Windows Central gave you a look at Verizon's upcoming (and unannounced) LG Lancet Windows phone with Update 2. The Lancet's specs indicate it will likely be a Lumia 640 competitor.
And Indian import/export company Zauba listed an unannounced 4.7-inch entry-level Windows phone, dubbed the RM-1127, on their website.: This is the Verizon LG Lancet Windows Phone with Update 2
We also showed you the new BLU Win HD LTE (Yellow up close and took a quick video tour of Lumia Camera 5.0 and the Lumia 640 XL.
Other notable items:
- Cortana now showing weather info more frequently on the Live Tile
- T-Mobile started selling the budget-priced Lumia 435 for $70
- Use this '60-second productivity hack' with Cortana to set location-based reminders
- Highs and Lows Part II: Microsoft's smartphone strategy and the seeds of success
Apps
In app news, beer lovers got treated to a new version of Untappd, which received a major makeover.
MLB At Bat returned to the Windows Phone Store with everything you need for the 2015 season.
Microsoft released Lumia Camera Beta for some Lumia Windows Phones and we gave you a rundown of what's new in it.
Users were given an outlet for their feedback on the new version of the official UserVoice page.
You got a first look at the new Marriott Hotels app for Windows Phone
Another official app, Expedia, made its triumphant return to the Windows Phone Store as a native app.
A crowd favorite, WhatsApp picked up MP3 sending and read receipts in its latest private beta build.
And Snapchat challenger Cyber Dust showed some love for Windows Phone with new improvements.
Other notable items:
- Tweetium pushing out an update to fix Twitter image upload issues
- Windows 10 OneDrive universal app coming in Q4 2015, according to new roadmap
- Metrotube gets updated to squash some annoying bugs
- Facebook for Windows Phone scores a minor bug-fixing update
- Truecaller picks up an update, improves spam protection and search
- myTube! picks up an update with improved startup times for low-end hardware
- Microsoft kills App Social, updates the app with a redirect to the main app store
- Swarm for Windows Phone 2.0 adds messaging and tons of stickers in latest update
Games
Angry Birds Space picked up 30 new levels with its latest Windows Phone update.
After being pulled back in March, Tap Titans fought its way back into the Windows Store. Unfortunately for some fans of the game, the new version is no longer compatible with 512MB memory phones.
JoyBits put out another game in its family of "Doodle" titles. This latest game, Doodle Tanks,was released on Windows Phone and Windows 8 at the same time as its iOS counterpart.
The blockbuster game Threes! was updated on Windows Phone, bringing with it Live Tile support and bug fixes.
And lastly, we witnessed some real innovation with Bounce for Band, a new game that uses your Microsoft Band as the controller.
Other notable items:
- Battle Odyssey Review - A match-three RPG styled game for Windows 8 and Windows Phone
- Monster Castle for Windows Phone- defending against the hero invasion
- Luno - a sleep walking, dark adventure for your Windows Phone
- RYG, an endless space racer for your Windows Phone
- Dunky Dough Ball – a Windows Phone game with potential that could drive you batty
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
