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."
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Windows Phone
On Monday, Windows Insiders with the Lumia 950 and 950 XL received Windows 10 Mobile build 10586.29. Originally pushed out last Friday for other phone models, the build includes bug fixes and performance improvements, and not much more. If you previously opted out of receiving preview builds, it's easy to start getting them again.
The next day, the same version went out to non-Insiders, including those with AT&T phones, which may have signaled the end of Microsoft's dependence on carriers to roll out updates.
This update is a huge piece of Microsoft's vision of "Windows as a service" (WaaS). Here is how they are able to pull it off now, as opposed to their past struggles with carrier interference.
We went hands-on with the Xiaomi Mi4, which recently got its own Windows 10 Mobile ROM.
And even though rumors have been strong about Microsoft's plans to design their own Surface Phone, Panos Panay was quick to dodge questions about it in a recent interview. It's OK Panos, we know.
Other notable items:
- Hey Cortana causing echoes for Lumia 950 during phone calls
- Microsoft launches the Windows 10-powered Lumia 550 in Europe
- Windows Device Recovery Tool updated to support Lumia 950, 950 XL and 550
- Get the Lumia 640 for just $20 from AT&T GoPhone
- Microsoft shows how to optimize Windows 10 Mobile apps for Continuum support
- 6 accessories you should get for Continuum on the Lumia 950 & 950 XL
- Lumia 950 and 950 XL used by National Geographic photographer at the Great Barrier Reef
- Hey Cortana updated for some Windows 10 Mobile phones with new training system
- Bing now helps you find restaurants' most popular dishes on mobile browsers -Microsoft Insiders being sent Lumia 950s and Display Docks for feedback on Continuum
Apps
The native Phone app for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile was updated with Call Duration, a handy addition.
The ever-popular Reddit client Baconit picked up the ability submit posts to any subreddit, as well as a host of improvements to its UI, markdown parsing, and comments, and more.
Aeries, the third-party Twitter app, went universal on Windows 10. Not only was it completely redesigned for the new OS, but Aeries added a ton of cool bells and whistles.
Hike Messenger has also been redesigned for Windows Phone. The devs are currently looking for guinea pigs to beta test the new version.
Uber's Windows 10 Mobile app got a makeover with its latest update, too.
Microsoft's Wallet app can now help you store all of your retail loyalty cards.
And Groove Music for Windows 10 Mobile got a huge tune-up. Some of the more noticeable tweaks help you sort, re-sort, and navigate your music with one hand. Other under the hood adjustments make the overall experience better.
Other notable items:
- Facebook Beta updated with contact sync improvements, bug fixes
- Outlook Mail and Calendar snags week view for mobile devices and more
- Windows Camera gets a small update for Windows 10 Mobile
- WhatsApp picks up a minor update with bug fixes
- Propellerhead's Figure lets you quickly create beats on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile
- Awesome Band Backgrounds updated with Band 2 support, still offers a boatload of Band wallpapers
- ESPN brings real-time notifications to its Windows Phone app
- Microsoft Photos app also picks up small update for Windows 10 Mobile and PC
- Xbox app and Outlook Mail and Calendar snag minor updates
- Facebook picks up an update to absorb some features from the beta channel
- Lumia Touch update for Windows 10 Mobile fixes some sensitivity issues
- Sygic GPS Navigation adds direct support for Parkopedia in latest update
- Fenice goes universal, lands on Windows 10 Mobile
- iHeartRadio app launched for Windows 10 Mobile with Windows Hello support
- TodoNotes scores as today's AdDuplex HERO App
- Waterlogue by Tinrocket – A fun, vibrant photo editor for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile
- Slack Windows Phone beta update adds in-app downloads and 'experimental' animated GIFs
- Device Hub on Windows 10 Mobile morphs into new Gadgets app with latest update
- Photos in Windows 10 Mobile may add instant album and auto-enhance in future update
- Outlook Mail and Calendar update brings linked inboxes back for everyone
- Cricket Australia Live will keep you updated on the latest matches
Games
Game Troopers released another new game called Elements: Epic Heroes for Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile. First announced in October, Elements is a fantasy-based hack-and-slash game, complete with Xbox Live achievements.
Game Troopers also teamed up with myAppFree for the weekend to bring you many of their older titles for free. Crossy Road got a bunch of new characters in its latest update.
Age of Empires: Castle Siege got an update that now lets you request troops from your alliance. And although the new Age of Empires: World Domination was released this week for iOS and Android, there's no sign of the promised Windows Phone version. We'll just keep our fingers crossed for that one.
Age of Empires wasn't the only one dissing Windows Phone users this week. Valve laid out their new Steam Guard trading policies, which rely heavily on smartphones. Sadly, that makes things difficult for Windows Phone owners, who still don't have a Steam app.
Other notable items:
- Memory Crush – Test your powers of recall with this tile matching Windows Phone game
- Lara Croft GO Windows 10 'Cave of Fire' impressions and contest winners
- Sniper 3D Assassin: Shoot to Kill - an action/adventure game for Windows 10 and Windows Phone
- Right Left Up – a fast paced arcade game is today's AdDuplex HERO App
- Doomsday Parade, a novelty game of mass destruction for our Windows Phone
- Baseball Riot hits a grand slam on Windows 10, Windows Phone and Xbox One
Be sure to weigh in on this week's news in the comments section. See you next week!