Windows Mobile Weekly Digest: Insider build 14295, a Starbucks mobile app en route, and MouseCraft comes to Windows

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By Seth Brodeur
last updated

A lot is 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 Mobile Weekly Digest."

Windows Mobile

Games

Last week's Windows 10 Mobile over-the-air update raised both the excitement and ire of many Windows Phone users. This week, BLU Win Jr LTE owners got a rude awakening when the Microsoft Store removed the Windows 10 Mobile upgrade from the phone's listing. Sure enough, BLU later released a list of phones that would not receive the upgrade, and the BLU Win Jr LTE X130q was on it.

Though disappointing to some, it isn't surprising, since most 512MB phones have been bypassed due to complaints about performance with Windows 10.

That being said, a new report from AdDuplex found that more than half of all active Windows Phones could update to Windows 10 Mobile.

Microsoft rolled out firmware updates for the Lumia 650 and 550, as well as the Lumia 950 and 950 XL.

They also released Windows 10 PC and Mobile Insider preview build 14295 to Fast ring members.

One thing that those on 14295 will be able to do is to install the "Redstone" People app, which lets you link your Xbox contacts. Check out what else is new and what known issues there are in build 14295.

Lastly, a survey by Stack Overflow recently suggested that developer interest in Windows Phone waning. While that may be unsettling on its face, we discuss just what it means for Windows 10?.

Other notable items:

Apps

Apps

Starbucks

Finance management app Prism Bill Pay received a makeover with its newly-designed Windows 10 Mobile app. The highly-rated app lets you check balances, pay bills, and access many different vendor and credit card accounts.

Coffee lovers, rejoice! Starbucks announced that they are finally planning to launch a Windows Phone in the U.S. At Starbucks' shareholder meeting this week, president and chief operating officer Kevin Johnson said:

"[Our] team has been working in partnership with Microsoft, and we are within 30 to 45 days of releasing a Windows Phone app."

Whether the decision has to do with the rising popularity of the Windows 10 UWP or Johnson's former role as an executive at Microsoft, it is a significant addition to the Windows platform.

Microsoft updated the Outlook Mail app for Windows 10, bringing a much nicer layout to email and some performance enhancements.

They also changed their mind about Skype, announcing that they will be launching Skype UWP app for Windows 10 PC and Mobile. Microsoft also said that they will be doing away with Skype's integration with the Messaging app in Windows 10 for PC, though it's unclear what will happen with the mobile version.

Other notable items:

Games

Games

Game Troopers released their online strategy game Imperia Online for Windows 10 PC, making it a truly universal app.

The game developer also brought two of their other mobile games, Monster Go! and Ridiculous Marathon, to Windows 10 PCs.

The popular puzzle game MouseCraft just arrived on Windows this week as well. MouseCraft, which is sort of a cross between Tetris and Lemmings, can be downloaded for Windows 8.1, Windows Phone 8.1, and Windows 10 for PC and Mobile. It is also heading to Xbox One, and when it does, it and the Windows versions will all have Xbox Live support.

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