Top Windows Mobile news of the week: Pushing default apps, major app dropped, new phone spotted
This week in Windows Mobile we saw a major app exit the WM space, saw images leak of an upcoming phone, and Microsoft is getting aggressive to use its native apps as defaults.
Images appeared online of the upcoming Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL for Windows. The phone is expected to be a middle level handset and carried by T-Mobile. There is also an Android variant expected alongside the Windows Mobile version.
Preview build pushes users to stick to Microsoft apps
Preview build 10568 is nagging users to stick with preinstalled Windows 10 Mobile apps when changing the default to a third-party app. When trying to make Chrome the default browser in this build a window pops up urging to "give Microsoft Edge a shot". It gives several reasons why Edge is the better option over Chrome.
The same urging is given when trying to change defaults for music and photo apps.
The Microsoft exec who's been a driving force behind Windows Mobile for years announced this week he's taking a year leave of absence. Joe Belfiore's leave will begin in November, which is odd given the timing of the release of Windows 10 Mobile.
Belfiore made it clear he'll be back after the leave is up, which he's taking to spend time with family.
Windows Mobile apps are going away at a rapid pace
Windows Mobile enthusiasts have long lamented the lack of apps for the platform, and now they have more to worry about. The folks behind the Mint app recently announced they are dropping Windows Mobile, and that is becoming a trend.
This year major apps have been dropped from the Windows Mobile world, including American Airlines, Chase Bank, Bank of America, NBC, Pinterest, and Kabam.
