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
It's been while since Insiders have seen a new release for their phones. And, although we were assuming that build 10166 would be jumping all the way up to 10240, it appears that the release of that build is being held up by a 'blocking bug', a serious glitch that prevents its release. Gabe Aul has said that a newer build that resolves the issue is on the way and should be available in the next few days.
In the meantime, build 10240 leaked out for the Lumia 640, 640 XL, and 930 from a source in China. However, given the severity of build's issues, it would be ill-advised for anyone to attempt loading it.
Perhaps these images of the upcoming Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL that surfaced this week will hold you over as you wait for a stable new release of Windows 10 Mobile. The images show the USB-C port, 20-megapixel rear camera and triple-LED flash, all wrapped in the black polycarbonate chassis.
An even newer photo one of the 950 series phones leaked later the same day showing the main display and a smaller bezel that makes the phone seem pretty slim, despite its large screen.
Just a day after documentation detailing Microsoft's plans to convert Android apps to Windows 10 Mobile (aka, "Project Astoria") were leaked, the software itself was too. Project Astoria made its way onto internet, allowing Windows 10 Mobile users to sideload Android APKs directly onto their devices.
The cat's out of the bag and we took a look at the possible ramifications that Project Astoria will have on Windows 10 PC and Mobile, as well as developers of Windows and Android apps.
Other notable items:
- Highs and Lows Part VI - Noteworthy: Windows phones, the phones that can replace your tablet and become your PC
- Windows Phone hardware sales missed Microsoft's own internal goals ahead of division's write-down
- Yes, you should do a master reset for the best Windows 10 Mobile experience
- Here's how wireless charging can be hacked back inside the Lumia 640 XLWindows 10 Mobile will be better at handling network activity for suspended apps
Apps
This week, we took a look at Brilli Gallery Locker, an app that makes your photos private by securing them with a PIN. Brilli Gallery Locker offers a strong file management interface and you can use it for photos on your device or SD card.
Another impressive app that we checked out was Perfect Tube, a YouTube app with a clean interface, convenient controls, and lots of options.
There were also some big official apps that landed on Windows Phone. Audiobooks for Audible hit the Store as a universal app, bringing its huge library of titles to Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile.
The messaging app Talkray, made popular by iOS and Android users, quietly made its Windows Phone debut a few weeks ago, but we thought it deserved a shout out.
And though Microsoft only launched its Sway app for Windows 10, they did say that a Windows Phone version is in the works.
Other notable items:
- HERE app updates offline maps for Brazil, Barcelona and more locations
- Telegram for Windows Phone updated with more sharing options, offline message sync
- Flipkart is looking for beta testers as they evolve their Windows Phone app
- myTube! can now upload videos and more with latest update
- Nimbus for SoundCloud is an enticing app to discover new music right on your phone
Games
It was a pretty slow week on the mobile gaming front. Weekly mention Game Troopers launched another title, their new Twins for Xbox. The minimalist mini-game lets the player navigate their "soul" to try to find its twin in a stark black and white world.
Chicken Story 2 VIP for Windows Phone is this week's myAppFree Deal. In this crazy cartoon of a physics game, you must save your eggs from maniacal monkeys by making it back to your nest before they do. The 125-level game is usually $.99, but is free this week.
Lastly, Graffiti Grinder became the latest endless runner on Windows 10 and Windows phone. The side-scrolling platformer has you eluding the Anti-Graffiti Squad and collecting coins to boost your skater dude.
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!