Windows Phone Weekly Digest: September 19, 2015

Apps

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

Windows Phone

Due to a significant bug, the rollout of Windows 10 Mobile build 10536 was halted early this week, but a handful of Insiders were able to install it. The build managed to make its way to about 200 phones before it got pulled.

The bug was fixed and Fast Ring Windows Insiders got 10536 a couple of days later, with a catch. The update was actually two builds, 10514 and 10536, and would take a really long time to install on some phones. It even appeared to hang at 0% for a while before actually installing.

Not to mention that some non-supported phones will see Windows 10 Mobile build 10536 as an available update, but installing it will make those phones stop functioning unless they get reflashed.

We worked our way through it to find what's new, improved, and fixed in Windows 10 Mobile build 10536, as well as the known issues. You can check out our hands-on video here.

While we eagerly await Microsoft's October 6 press event, where we expect to see some of their new Windows 10 Mobile phones, Winfuture managed to obtain some information on the Microsoft Lumia 550 "Saimaa" Windows Phone.

The Lumia 550 is set to replace the Lumia 640, and amongst other things, appears to sport a front-facing flash. It is possible that it is an iris scanner, though that technology is supposedly reserved for flagship phones. Reports suggest that "Saimaa" is set for an early 2016 release, so we'll just have to wait and see.

Other notable items:

Apps

Apps

Apps

Microsoft went app crazy this week. They launched Microsoft Translator Beta for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile. We took a look and gave you our impressions.

The Windows Maps app was updated and will now relay traffic information to you.

Outlook Mail and Calendar on Windows 10 Mobile picked up a new dark theme and personalization options. You can check out our take on it here.

Outlook Groups was also released for Windows 10 Mobile and Windows Phone 8.1. The new app, which is sort of a return to the Rooms feature in Windows Phone was demoed by none other than Satya Nadella at the recent Salesforce conference.

Microsoft also made some strides when it comes to photography. Their Photos app for Windows 10 and Mobile gained the ability to create Albums.

They also released their new Photos Add-ins app, a revamped version of Lumia Moments. But what makes it important is its direct integration into the camera, rather than being a standalone app. This signals a shift in how Microsoft will approach Windows 10 Mobile, making it more modular and building optional plug-ins for it that can be added and removed by the user.

Other notable items:

Games

Games

In gaming news, Doodle God Blitz received its Xbox Live stamp. To celebrate, the developers cut the price of all in-app purchases by 50%.

Order & Chaos 2 was released for Windows Phone. The follow-up to the hit 2013 fantasy-themed massively multiplayer role-playing game brings with it a ton of new features and content but does not yet carry the Xbox Live badge, like its predecessor did.

Another less-serious sequel also came to Windows and Windows Phone. The hilariously addictive Dumb Ways to Die 2: The Games is a collection of 36 mini-games that puts your timing and touchscreen skills to the test.

And finally, we took a look at Spider-Man: Ultimate Power. After mysteriously disappearing from the Store, Spidey is back battling Green Goblin, Sandman, and Venom to save his beloved Mary Jane.

Other notable items:

Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!

Seth Brodeur