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
This week, Windows Insiders in the Slow ring got to enjoy Windows 10 Mobile build 10149
Internet goers got a peak at leaked screenshots of Windows 10 Mobile build 10162.
However, that wasn't much of a big deal, considering build 10166 was pushed out to Fast ring members. The most interesting of the changes came to the Store. Of course, we gave you a firsthand look.
Firstly, the 'old' Store is gone in favor of the new. Secondly, once you download and install an app, you can now open it up right from the within the Store. And best of all, you can now see a list of in-app purchases on an app's Store listing.
The Microsoft Phone Companion app for Windows 10 was updated as well. It now works with more Windows phones.
And a Bloomberg report revealed that Microsoft 'expects to make its own phones for at least the next two years'. However, in light of recent restructuring and job cuts within the company, Bloomberg also said that Microsoft may release as few as six smartphones per year going forward.
Other notable items:
- Why did you switch from iPhone to Lumia?
- Snag the wallpapers included in Windows 10 Mobile build 10162
- Windows 7 hacked to run on the ASUS ZenFone 2
Apps
In App news, some well-known names got updates this week. Flipkart introduced image searches in their latest release.
Cyber Dust for Windows Phone got updated with many improvements and fixes.
And Fitbit released v1.8 for Windows Phone. In this version, you'll find newly-added sleep goals, Badge sharing, and improved Challenges.
Some new apps hit the Store as well. Receipt Tracker helps you keep track of your expenses.
Cityglance, the popular social networking app for commuters, finally arrived in the US.
Video 360 is a new universal Windows app that gives you a whole new perspective on YouTube videos.
Lastly, we say goodbye to some Microsoft apps. It appears that they will be retiring their Photosynth panoramic app on both iOS and Windows Phone. Microsoft also sent out an email to inform users that they plan to discontinue their MSN Food & Drink, Health & Fitness, and Travel apps. MSN Food & Drink and MSN Travel will be first, on September 28, 2015. Shortly after, on November 1, 2015, will be MSN Health & Fitness.
Other notable items:
- Windows Central Roundup: Apps with an educational flair
- GoPro app for Windows Phone updated with support for the new GoPro Hero4 Session camera
- Uber for Windows Phone updated to improve 'app stability'
- Core Music Player, this week's Windows Phone myAppFree Deal (Updated)
- Fhotoroom picks up an update to add new filter, HDR mask tool and more
- Grids is a beautiful, but limited, Instagram app for Windows
- 6tag now supports 1080x1080 image uploads
- Microsoft's Stop Restart App may help devices that have yet to receive the critical update
- Use this handy tool to sideload apps to your Windows 10 phone
- Xbox app on Windows 10 Mobile updated with new improvements [Update]
Games
On the gaming front, as Minecon 2015 wound down, game maker Mojang excited players with news that Minecraft: Pocket Edition will be getting some big changes to bring it on par with the new Windows 10 edition.
The ever-popular QuizUp was updated to support Google+ logins support, along with some other improvements. Cricket fans rejoiced, as Stick Cricket finally made its way to Windows Phone.
Candy Crush Saga got 15 more levels added on with the Tasty Treasure Trove update.
Android and iOS users got to revel in all things Halo, as the Halo Channel app dropped for them. Much to Windows Phone lovers' chagrin, they will have to wait for the Windows 10 Mobile launch.
At least Game Troopers showed Windows Phone some love. Not only did their new game Tiny Troopers 2 launch on Windows Phone as an Xbox title, but they also air-dropped some exclusive content that won't be seen on iOS and Android.
Other notable items:
- Dino the Beast: Dinosaur Game - a Windows Phone game of Jurassic proportions
- Dodo Pop Review - the latest, addictive Windows Phone and Windows 8 game from Disney
- CSR Racing Review, possibly the best drag racing game available for Windows Phone and Windows 8
- Pencil Obstacle for Windows Phone - a simple, aggravating time waster of a game
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
