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Microsoft app logs you into Windows 10 using your phone
Windows 10 already does a lot to spare you from typing in your password, but Microsoft wants to take that text-free login one step further. The company has quietly posted a beta Phone Sign-in app for Windows 10 Mobile that, as the name suggests, signs you in to your nearby Windows 10 PC (you have to pair over Bluetooth) with a tap. There's no guarantee that you can run it -- you'll need the right credentials on top of living in an all-Microsoft ecosystem. If all the stars align, though, the Lumia in your pocket might be all you need to authenticate and start working.
Instagram beta arrives for Windows 10 mobile devices
Instagram first arrived on Windows mobile devices in beta form back in 2013. Today, the photographic social app is available for Windows 10 handsets, but it retains the beta designation. As with any early software release, the app arrives with a fair share of bugs. Those known issues include crashing while taking and editing a photo, using Facebook to log in and the "Share to" tool. However, all signs point to this being a full version of the app as previous beta release for Windows left out features like video support and the in-app camera. If you're looking to give it a go, you snag the app from the Windows Store. Oh yeah, you can send feedback to the folks at Instagram by physically shaking your phone.
Microsoft retreats back to the low-end with the Lumia 650
Since Microsoft took control of Nokia's Lumia smartphone brand, it hasn't exactly been cranking out the most compelling of hardware. The recent(ish) Lumia 950 and 950 XL are the closest it's come to new flagships, but today the company's retreated back into its comfort zone with the low-end Lumia 650. The new device's boxy frame is wrapped in an anodized aluminum border and measures only 6.9mm (0.27 inch) thick, but there's little to get excited about under the hood.
Windows 10's new preview program is for cautious types
As nice as the Windows Insider program is for getting a peek at upcoming features, it's not for everyone -- even the "slow" ring can be risky on a device you depend on. Microsoft has a compromise you might prefer, however. It's introducing a Release Preview ring that lets you stick to a polished Windows 10 release (desktop or mobile) while getting early access to updates for hardware drivers, Microsoft apps and the operating system itself. You'll still be ahead of the curve, but not so far ahead that you're likely to run into showstopping bugs. If that sounds like the right blend of caution and cutting edge adoption, you can choose the ring today.
Microsoft is reportedly buying SwiftKey (update: official)
Microsoft has made a habit out of acquiring significant mobile app makers, but its next deal may cut particularly close to the bone for smartphone fans. The Financial Times' sources understand that Microsoft is on the cusp of acquiring software keyboard maker SwiftKey for $250 million. The exact intent isn't clear -- Microsoft isn't commenting. However a more advanced input method may be only part of why it's interested.
Windows Phone's keyboard is coming to your iPhone
Ask Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile fans about their favorite interface features and they may point to the Word Flow keyboard -- that combination of swiping, word correction and overall feel is hard to replicate. Well, you might not have to pick up a Lumia to get those elusive qualities in the near future. Microsoft is now planning to bring Word Flow to "other platforms," beginning with iOS. Yes, you won't have to ditch that familiar typing experience just because you switched to (or need to use) an iPhone. It's not clear what if anything will change in the conversion, though we'd expect the keyboard to largely remain intact.
Microsofts preps Windows 10 updates for Lumia phones
After Microsoft delayed the release of Windows 10 for Windows Phone 8.1 handsets, there are signs that it's finally ready to roll. The software giant has launched an internal beta for the Mobile Upgrade Advisor for Windows 10, as spotted by a Neowin reader. That's similar to the tool it used last year to prep PC users for Windows 10. According to the description, the app "will tell if your Windows 8.1 phone is eligible to upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile. It can also help free up space on your phone so you're ready to upgrade." It's still not available for the public to download, but that situation should change soon.
T-Mobile's first Windows 10 Mobile phone is big and cheap
Say whatever you want about Windows 10 Mobile, but the folks over at T-Mobile reckon there's still a demand for this relatively niche player, which is why it's partnered with Alcatel OneTouch to deliver something "affordably priced" to begin with. In fact, if you recall the $139 Android-powered Fierce XL from a couple of months ago, it's basically that but running on Windows 10 with all the Office and Cortana goodies; and oddly enough, it's keeping the same name. Spec-wise, you still get a 5.5-inch 720p display, Qualcomm's quad-core 1.1GHz Snapdragon 210 chipset, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, microSD expansion of up to 32GB, a 2,500 mAh battery, Cat 4 LTE and VoLTE. As for cameras, it's 8 megapixels on the back and 2 megapixels on the front. There's no word on the actual pricing just yet, but this new Fierce XL will be hitting T-Mobile stores in the coming weeks. Update: A T-Mobile rep has confirmed that the phone will be available for $139.99 in one payment, or $0 downpayment and less than $6 per month.
A closer look at NuAns' Neo, the prettiest Windows 10 phone
Windows 10 Mobile is still a work in progress, but a Japanese phone maker just might have made me a Microsoft convert. Maybe. NuAns' NEO is perhaps the first seriously pretty Windows 10 thanks to its unique split-back design, which couldn't be any further from the subdued style of this year's new Lumias. As it stands, there are 64 possible top-and-bottom combinations, a number that leaps when you factor in some of the secret, special edition covers NuAns is making. I don't think I could ever pull off an ostrich-leather-and-snakeskin phone, but I appreciate having the option.
Alcatel OneTouch unveils its first Windows 10 tablet
Alcatel OneTouch is primarily focusing on Android phones these days, but it's not averse to showing Microsoft some affection. The company is coming to CES with the Pixi 3 tablet, its first slate running Windows 10 Mobile (or any mobile version of Windows, for that matter). There's not much to say about the 8-inch device's specs just yet, but Alcatel is promising GPS, TV remote control and voice call support in an "entry level" design. In short, you won't pay much to get a fairly complete Windows experience -- the only unknowns for the Pixi 3 are its exact price and when it ships.Update 1/5: The tablet will sell for the equivalent of $199 in Europe and Latin America. There's no mention of a US release, but Alcatel OneTouch is open to the possibility if there's enough demand.
Microsoft delays Windows 10 Mobile upgrade for older Lumias
If you've been itching to try Windows 10 Mobile on your Windows Phone 8.1 device, we've got some bad news. Microsoft says older Lumias won't be upgraded until "early 2016," which is a slight delay from the "December" timeline it had offered before. For the time being, that means the only way to try the new OS is to buy the Lumia 950 or the 950 XL, the former of which received a lukewarm review from our own Chris Velazco. (Well, unless you want to dive in with the Insider Preview, that is.)Microsoft hasn't explained the reasons behind the postponement, although we suspect it's to give its new software some much-needed polish. While testing the Lumia 950, we noticed a number of bugs and performance hiccups that could and should be ironed out. Windows 10 is an important play for Microsoft -- it's now or never if the company wants to gain some mobile market share -- and the first step is to get longtime Windows Phone users on side. That first impression is going to count.In a statement to ZDNet, a Microsoft spokesperson said:"This November we introduced Windows 10 to phones including brand new features such as Continuum and Universal Windows Apps with the introduction of the Lumia 950 and 950 XL. The Windows 10 Mobile upgrade will begin rolling out early next year to select existing Windows 8 and 8.1 phones."It's also unclear exactly which devices will be eligible for the upgrade next year. Microsoft has confirmed that handsets will need at least 8GB of internal storage, but that's about it. The launch and support for older hardware has been a far cry from the desktop version of Windows 10, which is an indication perhaps of where Microsoft's priorities lie.
Microsoft Lumia 950 review: Not a flagship, but a first step
After years of misguided attempts at mobile, Microsoft is ready for a fresh start. While Windows Phone 8 and 8.1 mostly just looked like their desktop counterparts, Windows 10 Mobile aspires to something even more substantial. This time, Microsoft tried to build a mobile platform -- and a phone -- that can seriously replicate some of those big-screen experiences. Rather than just peck out emails and rough drafts on the new Lumia 950, Windows 10 makes it possible to connect a keyboard, mouse and display and let Universal apps like Word and Outlook to get more done. Microsoft doesn't think the Lumia 950 is a new phone as much as it a symbol of something new -- a standard-bearer for a kind of mobile computing that won't be contained by a single box in your pocket. Their vision is ambitious, and who knows! They might be right about all of this. For now though, it's clear Microsoft still has plenty of work to do.
Microsoft app tries to lure you from Android to a Windows phone
It's true that Windows Phone (and now Windows 10 Mobile) doesn't have as many apps as Android or iOS. However, the perception of that app deficit may be just as problematic -- why would you switch to a Lumia 950 if you assumed that none of your favorite apps had Windows equivalents? Microsoft clearly isn't happy with this state of affairs, as it just released AppComparison for Android to help set the record straight. The app (a spiritual sequel to the old Switch to Windows Phone) tries to match the Android apps on your phone with their mobile Windows counterparts, either giving you an exact parallel or the next best thing.
Windows 10 Mobile begins its roll out this December
What, you thought the Microsoft news would end once the keynote from the Windows 10 Devices showcase did? Guess again because Redmond's latest operating system hits existing mobile phones starting in December -- the outfit said as much on its Lumia Facebook page. However, as Winbeta notes, it's going to be up to carriers to actually push the updates out to your handset. A way to sidestep that, of course, is by signing up for the Windows Insider preview program. Is your device going to get the update? That's a little iffy. First off, it needs at least 8GB of internal storage, and then it needs to be running Lumia Denim (system version 8.10.14219.341) to be eligible. So if you have a low-end Lumia you might be left wanting.
Microsoft's Display Dock turns your Windows phone into a mini PC
When Microsoft talked about Windows 10's universal apps enabling experiences you couldn't get on other platforms, it wasn't joking around. The company has revealed a Display Dock that turns Windows 10 phones into makeshift computers -- shades of Motorola Atrix, anyone? The add-on lets you plug in a conventional 1080p monitor (DisplayPort or HDMI) and up to three USB peripherals to run universal apps at desktop sizes, alongside a desktop-like taskbar and task switching. There's no mention of pricing just yet, but it's bound to cost a lot less than the Lumia 950 and other compatible phones. Get all the news from today's Microsoft event right here.
What to expect from Microsoft's Windows 10 device event
Microsoft may be tight-lipped about what will be revealed at its October 6th device event, but that doesn't mean that everything is a mystery. In some cases, a slew of leaks have telegraphed Redmond's plans in advance. More Lumia phones, anyone? However, there are still a few questions left. What about the fabled Surface Pro 4? When does Windows 10 reach your existing phone? And will there be any wearable tech? We'll answer as many of those questions as we can so that you have a good idea of what to expect when Microsoft's execs take the stage.
Microsoft store slip reveals the Lumia 950 a week early
Microsoft has already done a not-so-stellar job of keeping its upcoming Lumia 950 and 950 XL smartphones a secret, and it just erased whatever doubt was left. The company's UK online store briefly listed both of the unannounced Windows 10 flagships, confirming some of the devices' juiciest specs. As suspected, both Lumias will have Quad HD displays, 20-megapixel cameras and 32GB of expandable storage. The biggest difference is, as you might have gathered, the display sizes: the standard 950 will have a mid-sized 5.2-inch screen, while the XL bumps that up to 5.7 inches. The pricing was conspicuously absent (not surprising given the accidental listings), but there's a real chance that you'll get the full scoop on both handsets at Microsoft's event next week.
Lumia 550 leak hints at the future of low-cost Windows phones
Sure, you may have an idea of what high-end Windows 10 phones will be like, but what about the cheap-and-cheerful models that people are more likely to buy? You might not have to wonder any longer. Both OneTile and WMPoweruser claim to have images and details of the Lumia 550, Microsoft's first entry-level Windows 10 handset. The looks are nothing special (surprise, it's a basic phone!), but it reportedly packs a little more punch than many starter devices between its 4.7-inch 720p screen and speedy LTE data. The rumored Snapdragon 210 processor, 8GB of expandable storage, 5-megapixel rear camera and 2-megapixel front cam are par for the course, but you'd also shell out just $120 -- a bargain when Motorola's Moto E has a less impressive 960 x 540 screen and a mediocre 0.3-megapixel front shooter. As such, you may have something to look forward to at Microsoft's October 6th event if you're more interested in value for money than raw performance.
Microsoft working on fix for phones borked by Windows 10 update
When Microsoft released Windows 10 Mobile build 10536 to Insider users earlier this week, it probably didn't expect it to break user's phones. It did. Turns out,the update was only meant for certain devices, but a device check glitch allowed non-support devices to see, download and apply the new build. That's bad -- but Microsoft is trying to fix it.
Windows 10's latest phone test gives you more control over photos
Microsoft is likely on the cusp of unveiling its first Windows 10 phones, which has left more than a few fans wondering why it hasn't posted a fresh preview version of Windows 10 Mobile in a while. Well, wonder no longer -- the company has released an updated preview build that not only fixes a number of key bugs, but introduces a big upgrade to the photo experience. Fire up the Photos app and you'll get a folder view that makes it easier to see what's in OneDrive or your phone's SD card. You can also mark photos as favorites, and navigating your gallery should be faster overall.
