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
There was lots of Windows Phone news this week, not the least of which was the Lumia 950 going on sale at AT&T. It was available online mid-week and in stores on Friday.
Microsoft Stores also have the off-contract AT&T Lumia 950s for $598, though their unlocked won't ship until November 25.
If you are thinking about picking one up, be sure to check out the Windows Central Microsoft Lumia 950 review.
As for the Lumia 950's big brother, the Lumia 950 XL, it went on sale at the Microsoft Store online for $649 with a free Display Dock. New orders for Lumia the 950 XL in the US and Canada are scheduled to start shipping on Dec. 11.
Fast Ring Windows Insiders were able to download Windows 10 Mobile preview build 10586 early this week, with Slow Ring members getting it a couple of days later.
Here's what's been fixed in Windows 10 Mobile build 10586 and what known issues remain.
And what about the future of Windows smartphones? Will Microsoft's rumored "Surface Phone" be a re-imagined Surface Mini? We'll just have to wait and see.
One thing we do know is that Microsoft is investigating incorporating Win32 app support into Continuum. That would be something we haven't seen in a smartphone before.
Other notable items:
- New Continuum for Windows 10 Mobile video shows how a smartphone can be used like a PC
- The Lumia 950 gets two new official support videos
- Gartner: Windows Phone's share of the smartphone market is just 1.7%
- Prep for Lumia 950 & 950 XL: Getting the best microSD card
- Lumia 950, 950 XL available with Education and Military discounts
- Prep for Lumia 950 & 950 XL: Wireless charging & what charger to get
- Prep for Lumia 950 & Lumia 950 XL: USB Type C – What is it and what to buy
- Save some cash on Lumia 950 and 950 XL accessories with new Essentials Bundle promotion
- Windows 10 Mobile ROM for the Xiaomi Mi 4 could be released to the public soon
Apps
Windows Phone users lost another official app this week. In the wake of layoffs, HotelTonight is ending support for Windows Phone.
Facebook's app for Windows 10 Mobile graduated from beta status, only to disappear from the Store and be replaced by the old version shortly after.
Microsoft's Mail and Calendar app on Windows 10 Mobile was updated, but started crashing for some users. Thankfully, the stability issues were resolved with another update though linked inboxes were also removed.
Jawbone released its UP Windows Phone app. But strangely, the Up app doesn't yet support Jawbone's UP fitness trackers.
At least Fitbit got it right. Their app for Windows 10 was updated, bringing with it secondary Live Tiles, support for the Lumia 950 and 950 XL, and more.
And finally, a word of warning to Windows 10 Mobile users looking for a Twitter client. It appears someone has created a fake "Tweetium Beta (free)" app that can steal passwords. Steer clear of that one.
Other notable items:
- AppRaisin for Windows 10 PC and Mobile aims to make finding new apps easier
- Truecaller for Windows Phone 8.1 adds a new way to save data
- Lumia Camera updated for Windows Phone 8.1 users with video bug fixes
- Windows Camera and Windows Maps score updates on Windows 10 Mobile
- Toolkit Pro – a Swiss Army Knife of sorts for your Windows Phone
- Microsoft's Windows Phone Dev Center app shuts down, new version due in early 2016
- Pandora updated with fresh design for Windows 10 Mobile
- Microsoft updates Movies & TV with new dark mode option
- Groove Music makes it easier to share tunes in latest update for Windows 10 Mobile
- Volvo updates its official On Call app to become Universal
- Photos for Windows 10 Mobile updated with new trimming feature
- The Ring Video Doorbell now supports Windows 10 with new app
- The latest 6tin update for Windows Phone adds new Tinder features
- Lose It! weight reduction app is coming to Windows Phone by end of 2015
- TeamViewer is now a universal app for Windows 10 desktop and mobile
- Skype receives a minor update on Windows Phone
- HERE Maps for Windows Phone update ask users to download new version that can't be seen
- MeeDJ offers up discounted IAP's for today's myAppFree Deal
Games
Disney released their deliciously-titled Dream Treats, a match three Windows Phone game.
The unstoppable Game Troopers' latest game, Equalicious went live. They also cut the price on several Windows Phone games to 99 cents. The sale runs until November 30.
And Microsoft's Minecraft Pocket and Windows 10 Editions were updated with Redstone, bunnies and more.
Other notable items:
- Fusion Dots, a 2048 styled puzzle game from Game Troopers
- City Racing 3D drifts in as today's AdDuplex HERO App
- FoxOne Advanced Edition is today's myAppFree Deal
- Red is Death taps in as today's AdDuplex HERO App
- FlyMaze, a buggy platformer for Windows Phone and Windows 10
- Momonga, a squirrely pinball game (that's a good thing) for Windows Phone and Windows 10
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
