Windows Mobile Weekly Digest: CES, a Fitbit makeover, and new candy to crush

News
By Seth Brodeur
last updated

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 Mobile

Windows Mobile

This week during CES, Acer's high-end Liquid Jade Primo became official. The company released the specs, which are pretty impressive. The 5.5-inch smartphone is powered by a hexacore Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor and packs 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, and a 21MP rear camera. The Continuum-capable Acer Liquid Jade Primo will launch in February 2016, but until then, you can check out our hands-on video.

Alcatel OneTouch announced a couple of mobile devices of their own. One was the Pixi 3, an 8-inch Windows 10 Mobile tablet. We got firsthand look at the mini monster.

The company also unveiled the mid-range Fierce XL smartphone, powered by Windows 10 Mobile. Check out our first impressions before the Fierce XL lands on T-Mobile in the coming months.

Despite the fact that Microsoft has yet to acknowledge its existence officially, the Lumia 650 went through the FCC certification process under the name RM-1152.

Microsoft began pushing out firmware updates for the unlocked Lumia 950 XL in the U.S. and Canada. Even more exciting is that they are considering including firmware updates for both phones in the Insider program.

Windows 10 Mobile Insider build 10586.63 is now available for some on Fast Ring members. The changelog for 10586.63 consists of mostly minor changes, but there are improvements for Band and Cortana interaction.

Other notable items:

  • Unlocked Lumia 550 hits the U.S. Microsoft Store for $139
  • Archos 50 Cesium with Windows 10 Mobile on sale in the UK and France
  • T-Mobile Germany says Windows 10 Mobile updates for older Lumias may start soon
  • Microsoft's Lumia 950 XL keeps a man connected on his 11,100-mile run
  • Hands-on with the extremely customizable NuAns Neo with Continuum support
  • You can now order knock-off Lumia 950 and XL battery covers in Blue or Orange

Apps

Apps

Fitbit for Windows 10 got a pretty sweet makeover this week, touting a new look for its dashboard and tiles. It also picked up a couple minor bells and whistles and some performance improvements.

After debuting in December for PC, the NPR One app is now on Windows 10 Mobile. NPR One brings a personalized listening experience, and all of your favorite public radio shows to your smartphone.

Tinder fans will be excited to hear that a universal version of 6tin for Windows 10 will be hitting the Store next week.

Funimation, the company, known for its massive lineup of anime shows, is also set to launch a Windows 10 app for soon-to-launch streaming service. FunimationNow is a subscription service that will offer popular titles like "Dragon Ball Z," "Attack on Titan," and more.

Other notable items:

Games

Games

This week we reviewed Smashy Road: Wanted for Windows Phone. Unlocked 90 different vehicles to outrun the cops on the highway, city streets, and back roads.

King has a new episode of its Candy Crush family of games. Candy Crush Jelly Saga showed its sweet self in the Windows 10 Store earlier in the week, but wasn't available for download. A day later, the game went live for PCs and phones.

And we gave you a closer look at Game Troopers' Looking for Laika. It's a timing-based side-scrolling arcade game that has you playing an astronaut in search of his pilfered pooch.

Other notable items:

Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!

Seth Brodeur
Seth Brodeur