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
Insiders were asked this week to vote on whether or not they wanted Windows 10 Mobile build 10572 released to the Fast Ring. As if there was any doubt, the "Yes" votes won out and 10572 was rolled out.
The updated build integrates Skype into Messaging, improves storage settings, and brings missed call/text notifications to your PC, amongst other things.
As usual, there are several fixes and remaining known bugs. Check out our hands-on video for all of the ins and outs.
Some Insiders were having trouble installing build 10572. If you are one of them, here is a likely fix.
As far as new phones go, the Lumia 950 listing finally made it onto the Microsoft Store website.
And a leaked render that made the rounds online allegedly shows the Microsoft 'Saana', a mid-range device due out in 2016.
Microsoft has an uphill battle to climb in the smartphone sector. They sold a mere 5.8 million Lumia Windows Phones last quarter, leading many to ask what's next. If Windows Mobile is to not only survive, but thrive, Microsoft may be looking to reboot the concept of a phone.
Other notable items:
- Windows 10 Mobile may allow users to change the default search engine for Edge browser
- See what's inside the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL in new videos
- Microsoft says it will reveal its Windows 10 mobile payment system 'soon'
- Microsoft's Lumia 640 is on sale for $60 at Best Buy
- The Acer Jade Primo with Windows 10 Mobile may cost around $400
- How to resize text, apps, and other items in Windows 10 Mobile
- How to roll back from Windows 10 Mobile preview to Windows Phone 8.1
Apps
The renowned newspaper, The Guardian, made their app universal on Windows 10 desktop and mobile. The news app gives you access to print, audio and video news, as well as vivid photo galleries.
After a limited release last week, Facebook Beta version 10.0 widened its availability, rolling out to everyone running Windows 10 Mobile.
The official Dropbox app for Windows Phone got a makeover. It also added the ability to copy any file or folder and some personalization options.
Outlook Mail and Calendar for Windows 10 PC and Mobile picked up a Week View option.
One of our favorite Reddit apps, Readit, went universal for Windows 10 Mobile. Readit also gained a host of features and fixes.
And we say goodbye to Mint for Windows Phone. In a statement, the company said:
"We've promised to hold ourselves to the highest standard of quality in our products, and strongly believe that shifting our efforts to the Mint Web, iOS and Android applications will help us deliver above and beyond that promise. There's so much about the Windows Phone app that we love - and it's hard for us to say goodbye to it - but we are confident that this change will help you get even more out of Mint."
Other notable items:
- Microsoft Translator for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile ditches beta tag
- Deviant Art for Windows Phone comes in as today's AdDuplex HERO App
- Microsoft's Office apps get updated for Windows 10 Mobile, along with Mail and Calendar
- All HERE apps are currently not available from Windows Store due to technical issue
- 6tin for Windows Phone updated with better Super-Likes support
- (/video-360-todays-myappfree-deal)
- Microsoft Translator adds text support for Kiswahili African language
- Telegram Messenger update lets users select and send multiple photos and more
- Movie Tonight for Windows Phone is today's AdDuplex HERO App
- Slack (Beta) for Windows Phone snags a bug-fixing update
- Microsoft Movies & TV picks up a minor meta update for Windows 10 and Mobile
- Fitbit and Netflix Windows Phone apps get minor updates
- WhatsApp snags another minor update
- Microsoft rolls out updates to OneDrive, Photos and Windows Camera
- Windows 10 PC and Mobile version of MapFactor GPS Navigation launches
Games
Game Troopers is at it again. This time, they have released Runemals, a Pokémon-style RPG for Windows Phone.
Game Troopers also updated Imperia Online for Halloween. There are a bunch of spooky costumes, a new World Boss, and a special Halloween event.
Microsoft's own strategy game, Age of Empires: Castle Siege also received and update. Most notably, it adds a new feature called "Wonders," which are large constructs that Alliance members must work together to create.
Gameloft's Trivial Pursuit & Friends was released for Windows and Windows Phone. The new social quiz game is designed to play online with friends or help you make new ones.
Other notable items:
- Train Tunnel - a Universal Game full of brick walls, train tracks and a choo-choo train
- Slackline Infinite - a casual time waster for Windows 10 and Windows Phone
- Count Crunch's Candy Curse - a spooky platformer for Windows 10 and Windows Phone
- Gameloft's Sniper Fury will arrive on Windows and Windows Phone soon
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
