Earlier today Microsoft released a new build of Windows 10 Mobile, and with this release comes several updates. While we know not everyone will install this release, especially as some of the builds have been unstable, for those of you who do, there are quite a few updates.
Here'swhat's new in this release:
- Microsoft Edge: The first thing you’ll notice in this build is that the Microsoft Edge branding is now included. This build also has the address bar at the bottom – this is a change that Microsoft made based on feedback from Windows Insiders. The option to view websites in mobile view or desktop view is also included in this build as well.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: The result of the naming switch from “Project Spartan” to Microsoft Edge means that the Microsoft Edge app has a new app ID. This will cause any favorites, cookies, history and reading list items that you had saved in the Project Spartan app to be lost after upgrading from a previous Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview build.
- General UX improvements and refinement: You’ll see a lot of UX improvements and refinement in this build. Microsoft has fixed an issue where many Live tiles pinned to Start would appear blurry – so your Start screen looks much more clear and crisp. You’ll also see a lot more refinement of controls with updated icons and visuals (such as the volume controls). Overall, you’ll find the OS more responsive to use.
- Improvements to Cortana: Cortana’s Notebook is in its final stage with a combined Profile and Settings experience now. You also now set up Quiet Hours in Cortana’s Notebook as well.
- Flashlight quick action: One of the top pieces of feedback Microsoft heard from Windows Insiders for Action Center in Window 10 Mobile was to add a Flashlight quick action so you can quickly turn your phone’s flash into a flashlight; this feature is now included. Just open Action Center, and expand quick actions to check it out for yourself. You can customize which quick actions are always shown in Action Center without having to expand.
- Check out the updated Photos app for Windows 10: Microsoft has published an update to the Photos app via the Windows Store Beta. This update includes general performance and reliability improvements, as well as new capabilities such as support for animated GIFs (works on phones with 1GB of RAM or higher). This was a top request from Windows Insiders! And now links to your saved photos, screenshots, and camera roll are available on the Albums page.
- Automatic camera upload via OneDrive: Automatic camera roll upload is now managed directly with the OneDrive app on your phone. Make sure you open the OneDrive app and go to settings to set camera upload to be turned on or off depending on which you prefer.
- Update your apps: Make sure you check the Store Beta and download the latest updates for apps. Many of our first party apps such as Outlook Mail and Calendar, Music, Movies & TV, and the MSN apps (News, Weather, Sports, and Money) are updating independently of builds so Microsoft can get changes to you faster. Make sure you have the updated versions of these apps to get the best experience on your phone.
Per usual, we will dig deep into this release to see if there are any other features included that Microsoft has not provided in the change log. Typically, they only cover the large updates while smaller tweaks are left out of the list.
If you do install this release, let us know in the comments below how it is working for you.
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