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 Mobile Weekly Digest."
Windows Mobile
Last week, rumors circulated about the Alcatel Idol Pro 4's hardware. The latest word corroborates previous rumblings about a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and adds an alleged 64GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, a 22MP rear camera, and a 10MP front-facing camera. According to the report, the Idol Pro 4 will also have a 6-inch screen with possible 2K resolution and will ship with the Windows 10 first "Redstone" update pre-installed.
This week noted internet news leaker, Evan "evleaks" Blass posted and alleged render of Idol 4 Pro with. Of course, all of this needs to be taken with a grain of salt, but if true, the Idol 4 Pro could shape up to be a pretty stellar device.
AT&T Lumia 950 owners who are not enrolled in the Insider program began receiving Windows 10 Mobile build 10586.164. The same Lumia 950s also picked up a firmware update, bringing it to version 1078.00038.16025.39033.
Microsoft officially started rolling out the Windows 10 Mobile over-the-air update to many devices running Windows Phone 8.1. While this is exciting news for many Windows Phone users, phones with 512MB RAM will not be upgraded to Windows 10 Mobile. Nor will the Lumia 1020 and some other older Windows Phone 8.1 models.
You can see whether or not your phone is eligible for the upgrade and learn how to get it here.
If your Windows 8.1 device isn't going to get the over-the-air upgrade, you may still be able to get Insider builds of Windows 10 Mobile. And if you're an Insider already, you can see how the official update will affect you.
Other notable items:
- The UMi Touch now comes in a Windows 10 Mobile version
- New Moly W5 running Windows 10 Mobile set at $199 for April 13 launch
- Microsoft's Lumia 550 is now only £39.99 on PAYG
- Russian carrier MegaFon outs 8-inch Irbis TW81 Windows 10 tablet
- Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL on T-Mobile set to receive .164 Windows 10 Mobile update
- Windows 'phone' isn't dead, Part IV: A future of partnerships and a possible Surface Phone
- Verizon's Lumia Icon could still get the Windows 10 Mobile update
- Best smartphone cameras: Galaxy S7 vs. iPhone 6s vs. Nexus 6P vs. Lumia 950
Apps
There was big news in the app department when Instagram released their new Windows 10 Mobile app as an early beta last week. We went hands-on with beta app, which it turns out, was actually ported over from iOS. The newborn Instagram app even picked up its first small update.
A video and some screenshots of another social media app, the upcoming Facebook Messenger for Windows 10, leaked online. Shortly after, it even appeared in the Store, though it was not available for download.
LINE became truly universal, rolling out a mobile version of their app for Windows 10. Version 5.0 also added the ability to send any file to other users.
Twitter put out an update for their Windows 10 Mobile and it looks beautiful. We gave you a first-hand look at the new mobile app.
Bank of America announced the triumphant return to Windows. On March 28, the bank will launch a brand new universal app for Windows 10 PC and Mobile that will allow customers to pay bills, deposit checks, transfer money, and more.
Despite earlier reports that Spotify ended support for its Windows Phone app, the opposite is actually true. Not only did the company reiterate their commitment to the Windows ecosystem, but they also rolled out an update for Windows 10.
Sadly, the same cannot be said for the HERE suite of apps. As of March 29, the collection will no longer be available in the Store and the apps will cease to function entirely on June 30.
However, the news isn't all bad. Microsoft will continue to use HERE Maps data for their branded apps. They've already updated Maps for Windows 10 Mobile with a new drive mode and user interface.
Not a fan? You may want to give one of these excellent alternatives to HERE Maps a try.
Other notable items:
- Ring Video Doorbell app updated with volume control, Stick Up Cam support
- Tweeten beta adds spell check support for 25 more languages to its Twitter app
- Aeries picks up some performance improvements and bug fixes
- Old Look, an easy-to-use Black and White photography app for Windows 10
- Spotify for Windows Phone gets some bug fixes
- WhatsApp for Windows Phone gets a minor update
- Keep up with your daily meds with RxRemind for Windows PC and Phone
- AppRaisin updated with news filtering options and more
- Straw can now alert you when polls you voted on close
- For those of you who still use ICQ, there's a new client version out for Windows
- 6tag gets updated with new in-app purchases
- Bandsider is the new Microsoft Band social app for Windows 10 PC and Mobile
- Uber's newest feature lets whole families share one payment method
- LastPass outs its own two-factor authentication app for Windows Phone
- Small Acorns, a vegetarian recipe journal for Windows PC and Phone
- Outlook Groups adds native Windows 10 Mobile support with latest update
- Audible now lets you share short snippets from your favorite audiobooks
- Windows 10 Photos app will reportedly add intelligent search in future update
- Tweet It! adds Microsoft Band support and beefs up sharing process
- Slack beta for Windows Phone gets a bug-fixing update
Games
Last week, King updated their suite of Candy Crush games this week. Candy Crush Saga picked up 15 new levels in an episode called Divine Diner.
Candy Crush Jelly Saga added 20 levels and a boss named Liquorice Larry. And the Monkey King swung his way into Candy Crush Soda Saga topping off twenty new levels in the Gumdrop Gongfu! episode.
Age of Empires: Castle Siege brought 20 new missions to the kingdom as well. The game also got an updated tutorial, new objectives to earn honor items, Daily Combat Rewards, and more.
This week, the popular cross-platform strategy game Dawn of Steel launched on Windows Phone and Windows 10.
Game Troopers released yet another game. This time, it's the Tiki Taka Soccer, where you get to build a team, hire a manager, and play your way to the championship.
And Hipster Whale announced that Mickey Mouse and over 100 other Disney characters will be heading to their hit game Crossy Road.
Other notable items:
- Crush monsters and save the kingdom with Brave Knight Rush for Windows 10 Mobile
- Jet Ball busts bricks as today's AdDuplex HERO App
- Cquence, a fast-paced Windows Phone puzzle game, is today's AdDuplex HERO App
- Save the Queen Bee (and the day) with Apple Bob for Windows PC and Phone
- Instant Chess, an online board gaming experience, and today's AdDuplex HERO App
- Become a Dragon Lord with the updated version of Dragon Mania Legends
- Create your own special park in Disney Magic Kingdoms
- Throwy Circus, a blast of a time waster and a Windows Phone HERO App