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 months of hoping and speculating, we finally got to see Microsoft Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL when they were unveiled this week in New York.
Both will be equipped with a 20MP camera sensor, with a triple-LED RGB natural flash, a 5th-gen OIS, as well as 32GB, microSD card slot, and a USB Type-C port with Qualcomm's Quick Charge technology.
The 5.2-inch Lumia 950 be powered by a Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor, while the Lumia 950 XL will run a Snapdragon 810 octa-core CPU.
Windows Central was at the October 6 event and got our hands on the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL.
They will be priced at $549 and $649, respectively.
Though it sounded more like an afterthought than an announcement, Microsoft also introduced the more affordable Lumia 550. The 4.7-inch, quad-core phone will fetch a wallet-friendly $139 and will be available in December.
Along with the two new flagship Lumias came the Display Dock, which is a tiny, yet powerful device that turns your phone into a PC using Microsoft's Continuum for Windows 10.
The Display Dock will cost $99 And to top off all of the exciting hardware news, we found out that Windows 10 Mobile will officially start rolling out in December
Other notable items:
- Microsoft has a simulated Lumia 640 Windows 10 Mobile 'experience' on the web
- Windows 10 Mobile leaked preview screenshots reveal some small upcoming changes
- What happened to the Lumia 950 XL's rumored pen?
- Lumia 950 is not an AT&T exclusive in the US, but will other carriers sell it?
- Why your old Windows Phone won't support Continuum
- The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL LTE is finally available in India for Rs 17,399
- Microsoft retail stores now carrying demo units of the Lumia 950, 950 XL, Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book
- How the iris scanner on the Lumia 950 and 950 XL works
- A closer look at the Lumia 950 XL camera
- /designed-for-microsoft-lumia-program-cases
Apps
Prior to the fantastic lineup of devices, Microsoft announced that they had partnered with several companies to bring more universal apps to Windows 10. Facebook will be creating a new app, along with ones for Facebook Messenger and Instagram. CBS, The Weather Channel, Uber, and Audible are just some of the other names.
Microsoft Health became a universal app and got updated for the Microsoft Band 2 launch. The update adds UV monitoring, elevation tracking, and additional functionality.
Fitbit made its way to Windows 10 Mobile with promises of an Xbox app still to come. The company also addressed the lack of notifications on Windows Phone and assured users that they are working with Microsoft to give consumers a better experience.
Tweetium hit version 4.0, introducing interactive notifications and column mode.
The Weather Channel app arrived for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile.
And the hugely popular video player VLC for Windows Phone 8.1 got a new translator system.
Other notable items:
- Microsoft updates the Office suite on Windows 10 Mobile
- LeadStory, a minimal Windows Phone newsreader is today's AdDuplex HERO App
- 6tag 5.8 brings faster video uploads and support for 16:9 photos
- Store app updated on Windows 10 desktop and mobile [Update: Groove Music, Mail and Calendar, too]
- Idea Cellular in India launches its official My Idea Windows Phone app
- BECU Money Manager app now available for Windows Phone
- MSN News update brings breaking alerts to Windows 10 desktop and mobile
Games
In gaming news, King released Candy Crush Soda Saga for Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10 Mobile.
We also got word that the Fallout 4 Pip-Boy companion app will be heading Windows Phone as well.
CSI: Slots hit Windows and Windows Phone, combining all the fun of Vegas games with bringing down the bad guys.
And the developers behind Lines launched Briquid Mini for Windows Phone as an Xbox Live title. Published by Game Troopers, Briquid Mini is a retro-style puzzle game.
Other notable items:
- The Last Door: Collector's Edition, a retro-style mystery game for Windows Phone
- The Windows Phone game Apex is today's myAppFree Deal
- Hopit for Windows Phone – a fun gaming option for passing time and today's HERO App
- 6 Little Letters, one tough cookie of a Windows Phone word game
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
