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
Due to a significant bug, the rollout of Windows 10 Mobile build 10536 was halted early this week, but a handful of Insiders were able to install it. The build managed to make its way to about 200 phones before it got pulled.
The bug was fixed and Fast Ring Windows Insiders got 10536 a couple of days later, with a catch. The update was actually two builds, 10514 and 10536, and would take a really long time to install on some phones. It even appeared to hang at 0% for a while before actually installing.
Not to mention that some non-supported phones will see Windows 10 Mobile build 10536 as an available update, but installing it will make those phones stop functioning unless they get reflashed.
We worked our way through it to find what's new, improved, and fixed in Windows 10 Mobile build 10536, as well as the known issues. You can check out our hands-on video here.
While we eagerly await Microsoft's October 6 press event, where we expect to see some of their new Windows 10 Mobile phones, Winfuture managed to obtain some information on the Microsoft Lumia 550 "Saimaa" Windows Phone.
The Lumia 550 is set to replace the Lumia 640, and amongst other things, appears to sport a front-facing flash. It is possible that it is an iris scanner, though that technology is supposedly reserved for flagship phones. Reports suggest that "Saimaa" is set for an early 2016 release, so we'll just have to wait and see.
Other notable items:
- Microsoft on Windows Phone 'We've massively retrenched' but still focusing on core flagships for fans
- How to manually add internet APN settings in Windows 10 Mobile
- Windows 10 Mobile build 10536 language packs and keyboards can now be downloaded
- How to change the email signature in Outlook for Windows 10 Mobile
- Groove updated for mobile with Radio and Explore, while Movies & TV gets default save to SD card
- Microsoft leaves out some Windows Phones from its 'Windows 10 Ready' store listing
- How to set an alarm in Windows 10 Mobile
- Windows 10 Mobile updates planned for Yezz phones, with new devices coming soon
- Windows 10 Mobile does support LED notifications, but OEMs need to make it happen
- AT&T Denim update for Lumia 830 now available through Windows Phone Recovery Tool (Update)
Apps
Apps
Microsoft went app crazy this week. They launched Microsoft Translator Beta for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile. We took a look and gave you our impressions.
The Windows Maps app was updated and will now relay traffic information to you.
Outlook Mail and Calendar on Windows 10 Mobile picked up a new dark theme and personalization options. You can check out our take on it here.
Outlook Groups was also released for Windows 10 Mobile and Windows Phone 8.1. The new app, which is sort of a return to the Rooms feature in Windows Phone was demoed by none other than Satya Nadella at the recent Salesforce conference.
Microsoft also made some strides when it comes to photography. Their Photos app for Windows 10 and Mobile gained the ability to create Albums.
They also released their new Photos Add-ins app, a revamped version of Lumia Moments. But what makes it important is its direct integration into the camera, rather than being a standalone app. This signals a shift in how Microsoft will approach Windows 10 Mobile, making it more modular and building optional plug-ins for it that can be added and removed by the user.
Other notable items:
- Total Commander file manager for Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile launched
- Calculator Toolbox updated with new UI and themes, now on sale for $1.49
- Calculator Power for Windows 10 and Windows Phone - A simple calculator alternative
- Car2Go launches its official Windows Phone app for its one-way car sharing service -Rudy Huyn confirms new Dropbox job, will continue to work on his Windows Phone apps
- Stay comfortable with Cozy- Nest Client, today's AdDuplex HERO App
- IRCTC Windows Phone app gets updated with dynamic pricing support and more
- Viggle ending support for its Windows and Windows Phone apps on September 17
- Examining how good Microsoft apps actually are on Android
- HDFC Bank app updated with many features you can use without logging in
- Windows Camera, Calculator snag minor updates on Windows 10 desktop and mobile
- VLC for Windows Phone 8.1 updated with support for m4a files and more
- Truecaller is now available for Windows 10 Mobile with a gorgeous new look
Games
In gaming news, Doodle God Blitz received its Xbox Live stamp. To celebrate, the developers cut the price of all in-app purchases by 50%.
Order & Chaos 2 was released for Windows Phone. The follow-up to the hit 2013 fantasy-themed massively multiplayer role-playing game brings with it a ton of new features and content but does not yet carry the Xbox Live badge, like its predecessor did.
Another less-serious sequel also came to Windows and Windows Phone. The hilariously addictive Dumb Ways to Die 2: The Games is a collection of 36 mini-games that puts your timing and touchscreen skills to the test.
And finally, we took a look at Spider-Man: Ultimate Power. After mysteriously disappearing from the Store, Spidey is back battling Green Goblin, Sandman, and Venom to save his beloved Mary Jane.
Other notable items:
- Township - a fun, time-consuming city builder for Windows Phone
- Fly or Die! - A simple arcade game for your Windows Phone
- Pocket Rally races in as today's myAppFree Deal
- Abyss from Game Troopers is on sale for $1.49 until September 23
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
