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
The week came and went with no new Windows 10 Insider builds, and with Microsoft's big press event just two days away, it is highly unlikely that we will see one this week either.
That being the case, all of the attention is focused on the phones we expect to see on Tuesday, namely the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL.
Someone over at Microsoft jumped the gun and posted listings of both phones on the store website ahead of release. They were pulled down, but not before we were able to snag some images of both flagship phones. The renders didn't show us anything that we didn't already know, but boy did it help build up excitement for October 6.
We got a look at a third new Microsoft phone that may or may not make an appearance on Tuesday. Well-known technology leaker Evan Blass (aka @evleaks), posted a render of the Lumia 550, budget-friendly phone. The Lumia 550 looks very similar to the Lumia 640, which it will succeed.
Microsoft isn't the only one with new phones. Google just released their Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. We pitted them against Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL Windows Phones to see how they measure up.
Other notable items:
- Windows Phone Recovery Tool is now called Windows Device Recovery Tool
- @LumiaHelp is the new Twitter handle for official Lumia and Nokia device support
- How to sell your old Windows Phone
Apps
With the exception of Microsoft, it felt like every phone developer was on vacation this week. And even they were pretty lax. Their Groove Music app was updated for Windows 10 Mobile, bringing with it a few new features.
Firstly, you can now filter your music by genre. Music searches now contain Store links, so if you don't find what you're looking for in your music, you can easily continue to purchase it. There's also a new Explore hub, where you can find new and featured music
Microsoft and ASUS announced a patent licensing deal that will bring some of Microsoft's software to ASUS smartphones and tablets.
"The deal includes a broad cross-license covering, for example, ASUS Android-based phones and tablets and Microsoft software, devices, and services. It paves the way for closer integration between the two companies, including pre-installation by ASUS of Microsoft Office productivity services on ASUS Android smartphones and tablets."
It appears to be similar to a deal made with Samsung earlier this year.
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
