Now that Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 will be called “Windows 10 Mobile” on smartphones, we know exactly how to refer to this release for the first time. Windows 10 Mobile build 10080 is now available for download in the fast ring of the Windows Insiders program.
Office
The standout feature of this build is the inclusion of Microsoft’s new universal Office apps. Available on PCs and tablets for a couple of weeks, the new apps for Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote are a major step up from the Office suite installed with Windows Phone 8 and are sure to please Windows Phone owners who use their devices primarily for productivity.
Universal Word running on Windows 10 for phones
Microsoft
A full ribbon of controls is available that allows for complex text formatting, the direct insertion of images, media and tables and the ability to review other documents, all from the phone. When combined with Continuum, available on future phones with new hardware, the apps will automatically resize themselves to their desktop variants when the phone is connected to an external display.
Camera
Build 10080 includes a new camera app with a refined interface based on the existing Lumia Camera. This will ultimately replace Lumia Camera in the finalized version of the operating system but currently sits alongside it. This is partially because the Windows 10 camera does not yet support all of the features of Lumia Camera so the older app is still required to get the most out of the flagship devices like the Lumia 930, 1020 and 1520.
Xbox
Launched a few weeks ago on the desktop, the all-new Xbox app is now available on Windows 10 Mobile.
The new Xbox app in Windows 10 Mobile build 10080
Xbox
A huge step up from the Xbox gaming experience on Windows Phone 8, you can view your activity feed, achievements, friends and messages directly from your phone. More features will be coming soon including Game Hubs and Live TV streaming but the app can already connect directly to Xbox One consoles.
Store
The Store has seen a complete refresh in this build like in Windows 10 on tablets and computers. The new beta version of the store has an all-new interface design and will eventually let you buy every type of media from one centralised place.
Currently you can only buy movies, TV and apps from the beta version of the Store but music will be added soon. Users should note that apps downloaded through the new Store will not automatically update. If this will be a problem, you should download apps from the traditional Windows Phone Store which still remains in this build.
Music & Video
The music and video apps have been updated in preview form. There is a new now playing view for music and enhanced filtering options for video. You can start playing a video on your PC or Xbox and continue where you left off on your phone.
Known issues
As always, there is a very long list of known issues accompanying this build. If you intend to install this onto your device then you should check the full details on the Windows blog. Notable issues include duplicate tiles for Search and Phone, loss of data and settings for apps installed to SD and failing playback of music and videos.
Conclusion
Windows 10 for phones
Microsoft
The new build shows how Windows 10 Mobile is becoming more cohesive as its development progresses. The inclusion of several key new apps show the direction that the platform is going in with the new Office apps in particular emphasising Microsoft’s message of “Windows is for people who do.”
Windows 10 Mobile build 10080 is available for download now if you are a Windows Insider. It is now available on the Lumia 930, Lumia Icon, Lumia 640XL and HTC One M8 alongside all other previously-supported phones.
