Feedback to Nokia gets a new name, Atmosphere refreshed with new Live Tile designs, and more

It may be the 4th of July, the special public holiday for the US, but that hasn't halted publishers from releasing new versions of apps on the Windows Phone Store. The large story today is how Microsoft has updated its Feedback to Nokia system app to rename it to simply "rate us", which has been joined by Atmosphere Weather grabbing some new Live Tile styles, as well as some other apps. Pop past the break for the full read through and to see what's new in your favorite apps.
Feedback to Nokia
This shouldn't come as much of a surprise. In fact, it should be pretty darn obvious what has changed in this latest version (2.5.2.7). Microsoft has opted to rename this system app to "rate us", dropping the mention of Nokia. The app performs as one would expect, enabling consumers to leave some helpful comments about their experience on Windows Phone. The latest release simply makes it clear now all feedback is going through Microsoft and not to Nokia, which sold its hardware and devices division to Redmond.
Fear not with the data collection. We highly doubt Microsoft employees are laughing at your mug shots with their camera suite
Atmosphere
We only just covered this new weather app on Windows Phone, but the developer has already released a new version (1.1.1.3) of Atmosphere. This release focuses on adding some functionality sported by competitor apps and not Atmosphere, which is handy for those who are wanting to make the switch but simply cannot live without some flipping Live Tiles and forecast predictions.
Here is what's new:
- 5 day forecast on back of wide tile
- Better design on wide tile front
- Smaller timestamps on tile back as requested
- Settings management of tile transparency improved
- Fixed graphics inconsistencies
- Tap map for fullscreen radar
That's quite the update and one we're sure will bring some smiles to users. Let us know how you're getting on with Atmosphere, or if you've returned to another weather app.
Tapatalk
Tapatalk is the superb forum extension which enables community members to follow and engage in discussions across multiple bulletin boards, including our own Mobile Nations communities. The app was recently updated with dark theme support, but today we're looking at yet another neat feature – landscape orientation. As well as the new viewing angles, the team have also implemented some optimization improvements to further boost the app speed.
We strongly recommend this app with version 2.0.1.4 installed, especially if you frequently visit our communities across the Mobile Nations network.
BADLAND
The critically acclaimed game BADLAND recently launched on Windows Phone and today we're looking at a sizeable update, adding new levels, missions and achievements to unlock. If you're unfamiliar with the name, BADLAND is a very popular atmospheric side-scroller that came to Windows Phone from the world of iOS, Android and BlackBerry. Sporting not only single-player but multiplayer capabilities, it's a neat title to have installed for a highly immersive visual and audio experience.
Version 1.0.3.0 of BADLAND brings the following to players:
- Day II levels for the Co-Operative mode:
- 40 new levels
- 120 new missions
- 6 new achievements
If you're a fan of puzzle adventure games and haven't yet tried BADLAND out, we strongly urge you to do so, especially with the latest update patch.
Odds and ends
- Nokia Storyteller (2.1.0.4)
- Sleeve Music (3.2.8.0)
- Start Screen Clock (2014.703.1905.1772)
- Zello (1.3.0)
A massive thank you to everyone who tipped us!
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Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.
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WooT
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So those big updates to Skype, Facebook and Twitter never came? They were promised in June and we in July now.
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Skye was updated on 26 June, that was the so called big Skype update, Same goes for facebook BETA. If you don't believe me then you can go see Joe Belifore's tweets, He said 'New Skype for Windows Phone 8.1'
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Whoa!! Seriously? They just wanted to make news then. Soo sad.
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You're kidding, right? Do you have the link?
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The re-naming has happened. If you open the app and go to the participate tab, it says : Participate in the Nokia Improvement Program. They forgot to re-name Nokia to Microsoft there. :P
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Its MS, they give surprises like this ;)
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For the love of god MS . Release 8.1 OTA
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I am honestly not sure it is ready yet. I love the update and wouldn't go back, but my 1020 does not run near as smooth as my 8.0 920.
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Yeah I have to agree with you there :/ My 520 feels quite a bit slower with 8.1
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I always read in my mind "rate us" like "hate us" I can't help myself.
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Does Microsoft even ever read or reply to feedback?
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No, all the feedbacks you send to them become draft.
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Patience.. All in good time. You would be the first to complain if it wasn't up to scratch!!!!
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Release skype pleaseeeee
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Reckon there'll be another app called Atmosphere tomorrow to keep the run intact?
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Need a device hub update to scrub Nokia, and add any app I want to to my insta pairings, such as Xbox music!
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What is microsoft upto with Skype. File transfer is rubbish, only the video call dor which Skype is mainly meant for is good
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Nokia Name is totally gone in Microsoft hand
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there is no "feedback to nokia" update for me :(
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Weird the rate us update has happened but it doesn't appear in my store history under settings. This normal?
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Yeah because it is a system app
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Prefer weather HD tbh
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Atmosphere weather now has the word Atmosphere in black text on the wide tile, despite my light theme. It looks ugly. Could've done without that :(
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Going to be fixed
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Awesome, thank you!
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Nothing beats Prognoza in weather apps! Plus, its free! :)
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The new Sleeve version is the 3.2.9.0, not the 3.2.8.0 as you have written.