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
A 4K video sample allegedly shot with a Lumia 950 appeared on a well-known YouTube channel. There is no way to confirm whether or not the video is what it claims to be, but if it is, then we have a lot to look forward to.
A less ambiguous video from another site showed Windows Hello in action on the Lumia 950 XL. The shooter not only gave us a look at the new feature but also seemed pretty impressed:
"It worked better than I expected! It was fast, I didn't need to hold it straight in front of my face, and it felt like something I could use daily with no problem at all. Felt a bit futuristic to be honest....it impressed me, and it's been a long time since I have felt really impressed by something on a phone."
Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to prepare for the rollout of Windows 10 for Mobile to older Lumia smartphones. They have added a "Lumia with Windows 10" page to their Software Update site, which shows what version of Windows is available on different Lumia phones in each country. Though rumors claim that the first updates could start making their way out on November 12, Microsoft is still officially sticking to their December timeline.
And Windows Camera picked up a significant update this week, adding slow-motion video capture to certain Lumia phones. For the time being, the new feature, which will record video at 120 fps in 720p resolution, is limited to the Lumia 930, 1520, and Icon.
Other notable items:
- Norwegian hospital goes smart with the help of 1,500 Lumia smartphones
- Windows Device Recovery Tool adds support for Verizon's LG Lancet
- Vodafone Australia has pre-tested Windows 10 Mobile for Lumia 630 and 640
- Mozo to release leather flip covers for the Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL
- Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL coming to India next month
Apps
The official Vine app for Windows Phone got a rare update this week. But don't get too excited because the update seems only to change the star icon for liking posts to a heart, bringing it in line with Twitter's recent change.
The makers of 1Password released a new universal alpha app for Windows 10. The new version adds support for Teams and officially marks the end of support for Windows 8.1.
Top-notch Twitter client Tweetium got patched as well. With the update Tweetium incorporates Twitter's new UI changes and adds Giphy integration.
The Store app for Windows 10 PC and Mobile picked up some menu changes with its latest update.
And one more company has decided to stop supporting Windows Phone. This time, it's fitness tracker Endomondo. They have decided " to put the development of the Windows Phone app on hold for now" and "don't have immediate plans for a new version of the [Windows Phone] app."
Other notable items:
- Windows Insider app for Windows 10 Mobile gets a minor update
- Acer releases Windows Phone companion app for Liquid Leap fitness trackers
- GeoPhoto is now a Windows 10 universal app
- Microsoft rolls out minor update for Messaging + Skype
- Plex for Windows 10 and Windows Phone updated with some bug fixes
- Skype for Windows Phone 8.1 gets another minor update
- Feed Viewer RSS reader updated for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile
- Jabong.com goes universal for Windows 10, adds Cortana integration and more
- Band Store is the one app you need for the Microsoft Band
- Mega Privacy testing update with automatic camera uploads
- Movies & TV update brings support for SRT subtitle files and more
- Messaging + Skype scores minor update on Windows 10 Mobile, desktop
- MSN News, Money, Weather and Sports receive small updates
Games
It wouldn't be a normal week if Game Troopers weren't introducing something new. FusionDot is their latest offering. It's a minimalistic puzzle game with 120 levels on just about every version of Windows for PC and phone.
Game Troopers also updated their game Monster GO! with some new goodies. They've added a new Magician character and introduced pets that you can purchase to help you fight. The update also adds ten new achievements that you can earn.
Bethesda released their official Fallout Pip-Boy companion app for Windows Phone. The app helps you track in-game stats, inventory, map, and radio and lets you play Fallout mini-games.
Other notable items:
- Honor Quest: Steam and Magic, an RPG adventure for Windows Phone
- My Very Hungry Caterpillar, an interactive children's game for Windows 10 and Windows Phone
- The Orcs Crusade for Windows Phone is today's myAppFree Deal
- Prune is a lovely game about shaping trees that's out for Windows and Windows Phone
- Runemals, an addictive fantasy Xbox gaming title for Windows Phone
- Nitro Nation Online – Street racing fun for Windows Phone
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!
