Category: Windows 10 for Phone

As part of the release for the Preview of Windows 10 for Phone yesterday was the Windows Recovery Tool.  This separate download is the key for users who want to roll their devices back from Windows 10 for Phone to Windows Phone 8.1.  As I put in my initial thoughts on Windows 10 for Phone, there are a lot of bugs and some significant lag issues with the Preview and it may be to much for some users.  As a reminder, for those who are going to stick with it, be sure to use the Feedback app built into the Preview to give Microsoft the feedback they need to improve things.

One of the key elements for Windows Insiders who are testing the Preview of Windows 10 for Phones is providing feedback.  Feedback is the only way that the next generation of Windows on mobiles will improve both from a stability and performance perspective but also a general user experience view.  Therefore providing feedback is key.

Fortunately Microsoft has made it very easy for you to provide feedback on any app no matter which one it is or what you happen to be doing on your Windows Phone.  It’s a great way to collect instant information – including screenshots – and also eliminates any excuses not to give that feedback.

Peeps & Tweeps, it appears that today is the day.  Today, according to Microsoft’s Gabriel Aul, we will see Windows 10 Mobile Technical Preview released.  In a Tweet this morning he posted

Okay #WindowsInsiders, you’ve all been patient enough. TODAY is the day for Win10 Technical Preview for phones. Stay tuned for more info.

— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) February 12, 2015

That pretty much is as clear as day eh? What is better, and kind of funny, is in his very next Tweet he wrote

Okay, going dark for a bit. Need to go push a button… — Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) February 12, 2015

Now, let’s all take a breath folks because everyone needs to keep a few things in mind.  First, Windows 10 Mobile is going to be in beta which means it will have issues and bugs.  If you are not prepared for that, do not install it on your Windows Phone.  Remember, everything associated with Windows 10 is in beta at the moment.  If you are going to install it, read my Windows 10 Mobile tips post for some advice.

Second, not every device is going to see the Preview today.  If your device isn’t supported today, that doesn’t mean it won’t be later.  But Microsoft has been clear that in the beginning not every device will be supported.  Going to Twitter and complaining about it will not help – so don’t.

So for now, stay tuned and calm.  Windows 10 Mobile Preview will be here in a matter of hours.

The teasing and hinting of what is coming in Windows 10 Mobile continues.  Once again Microsoft’s Gabriel Aul has taken to Twitter to answer questions about the impending Windows Insider release of the preview, this time answering a question around compatible devices.  The question was asked if the dual-SIM Lumia 535 would be able to run the Windows 10 Mobile Preview.  Mr. Aul’s answer?

@JosueGimenez We’ll share the list of supported devices very very soon.

— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) February 11, 2015

Once again the question becomes, what does “very very soon” mean exactly?

The Personal Assistant Cortana that is built into Windows 10 and Windows Phone has a new Interests category that will allow you to track everything from workouts to concerts.  But this new feature isn’t available to everyone and there is no indication on when everyone will see it.  It’s another way that Microsoft continues to make the service more personalized for every individual user.

The quiet but consistent rollout of Windows 10 look and feel continues to march across Microsoft’s websites.  This morning you can now see the new look Devices page on the new Microsoft account pages that reflect the look and feel as well as the icons for Windows 10.  It is certainly more dramatic than the current device look you find on the Windows Phone pages today and is likely the look we can expect to see across all Microsoft digital properties in the coming months.