Earlier this week, the big news for Windows Phone users was the refresh for Update 3. More specifically, if you’re participating in the Preview for Developers program, you not only get the latest access to the Windows Phone 8 OS, but you also get updates.
That update was fascinating only because it was speculated that Update 3 preview was the final release. Technically, this is true as the Lumia 1520 shipped with OS 10517. But Microsoft had some OEM fixes and minor tweaks to add for other phones, so the latest version is 10521. No new features are present, so you can stop looking yesterday.
This news means Microsoft may on occasion push out patches for the OS, although we’re not expecting that to happen too often. Still, if you want to keep abreast of the latest info, you just head to Windows Phone Central, right? The one problem is, we tend to publish a lot of articles, and many of you may miss that post (by the amount of tips we received after our story, that’s more than obvious).
Luckily, there’s a free app called WP8 Preview Program Alerts that can help solve your problem. Developed by AdvancedREI and more specifically Robert McLaws (who’s well known in the Microsoft tech world), the app serves as a sort of filter for Preview Program news.
The app initially started as a tongue in cheek reminder to Microsoft about the promise of a Preview Program. That was way back in June 2012. Now that Microsoft has delivered (after just 480 days) the app has taken on a new role, which is to just bring news on that program.
In the app, McLaws gives a little headline and summary of the news, which inevitably links back to the top news site for Windows Phone news aka WPCentral. What’s also really great is you can even enable notifications for alerts on that news, which albeit rare, should keep you on top of the latest happenings. The app even has a doublewide Live Tile, which flips with the latest post.
The app is free, has no ads and like a nail, it has a very specific purpose: keeping you up to date on the Preview for Developers program. So all in all, it’s pretty awesome. Need info on that program? Read our article on getting the app.
Pick up WP8 Preview Program Alerts here in the Store or scan the QR code below!
Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft here since 2007, back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet.
