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
After debating internally about whether or not to release a buggy Windows 10 Mobile build 10136, Microsoft put it up to a "yes or no" vote. The answer was a resounding "yes" and build 10136 was rolled out.
Among the highlights of the update are the new one-handed split screen feature and a dark theme for the app store.
As usual, we gave you list rundown of what's new and improved in the Windows 10 Mobile preview build 10136, as well as the list of fixes and known issues.
Another big update that rolled out was a critical fix for random reboots on the Lumia 830, 1520 and 1020 on AT&T. A similar one was pushed out to devices in India, Europe, and Asia.
Verizon revealed pricing and color options for their Lumia 735 shortly before [it went up for sale. Not only is the Lumia 735 very affordable, but includes an offer for a free year of Office 365 Personal.
T-Mobile began selling their Microsoft Lumia 640 and announced a June 20 launch for the phone at Walmart, some Walmart stores jumped the gun, selling it before the official launch date.
MetroPCS is set to join the party offering their Lumia 640 on June 22 for ridiculously cheap $39 after instant rebate.
And AT&T will begin selling the Lumia 640 XL on June 26 for $249.99 without a contract.
Finally, we got a look, albeit blurry, at an alleged future Microsoft phone. The image shows the smartphones rear camera, which resembles that of the Lumia 1020.
Other notable items:
- How to roll back from Windows 10 Mobile preview to Windows Phone 8.1
- Kazam confirms it has plans to launch Windows 10 Mobile smartphones
- Nokia CEO says the company will return to the smartphone industry
Apps
LastPass, a company whose bread and butter is security, noticed some suspicious activity on their network, and, as a result, is warning customers to change master passwords as a security measure.. Though LastPass claims that no information was compromised, the password-keeping firm said:
"…We are taking additional measures to ensure that your data remains secure, and users will be notified via email. We are requiring that all users who are logging in from a new device or IP address first verify their account by email unless you have multifactor authentication enabled. As an added precaution, we will also be prompting users to update their master password."
Some popular apps got updates this week. Twitter app Tweetium got a long list improvements, including some to support upcoming changes with Twitter's functionality.
Facebook Messenger picked up additional conversation settings amongst other things with its latest patch.
And everybody's favorite Instagram client, 6tag, received two. The first one brought with it image quality improvements, while the second delivered better avatars, faster-loading comments, and clickable links.
The long-absent HTC Sense TV app made its way back to the Windows Phone Store as well, restoring its remote control TV functions.
Other notable items:
- SmartThings app update for Windows Phone adds custom image support
- Skype for Windows Phone grabs small update to 2.29.0.3
- Fhotoroom updated with new fonts, mask brush, and more
- BitTorrent Shoot is a quick way to privately share files between mobile devices
- n7player Music Player is this week's Windows Phone myAppFree Deal
- Readit gets updated with new mobilizer, increased speeds and bug fixes
- Whisper Notes for Windows Phone, note-taking with a dash of social networking -Zomato snags filters for bookmarked restaurants and more in latest update
- Flipboard update refreshes the user experience, adds some minor features
- Lumia Camera Beta update adds access to Office Lens for some Windows Phone devices
- Perfect Dictionary – A simple yet wordy Windows Phone app
Games
Lara Croft is getting a lot of work these days. She is the star of two new games, Lara Croft: Relic Run, which is out now, and the upcoming Lara Croft GO, a combination adventure puzzle game.
Game Troopers added yet another game to their oeuvre. Lines is a pattern-based puzzle game with five different game modes and over 250 levels, plus daily online challenges.
6Studios' trivia game 94% asks you simple questions and challenges you to find, you guessed it, 94% of the answers.
Another trivia game, the immensely popular QuizUp for Windows Phone, graduated out of beta. The community-based quiz contest was also joined by its new Windows 8.1 counterpart, so now you can play on any device.
Other notable items:
- Chasing Zombies, a Windows Phone game where you battle candy stealing Zombies
- Monster GO! for Windows Phone gets another bug fix update
- Traintiles for Windows Phone - solving puzzles to keep your train safe
- Inside Out Thought Bubbles game for Windows Phone ties into Pixar's latest movie [Update: Windows 8.1 version launched]
- Dragon Mania Legends update adds Xbox Live support and new content
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!