Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview(Build 10149) - The best version to date

Almost two weeks ago, Microsoft released build 10136 for phones and because of the limitation available on the build, we opt not to update our Lumia 925 and wait for the next update. One thing for sure, the latest build 10149 is the best Microsoft has to offer for the insiders. This updates can be installed directly from Windows 8.1 or from the earlier preview builds (10080 / 10136).

Build 10149 seems more like a near completion where it is more polished and introduces few design changes. The biggest change was the browser is now available as Microsoft Edge that replaces Microsoft Internet Explorer as the default browser. Below is the changes listed by Microsoft (Gabe Aul) on the insider blog. We are impressed with this build, having tested all previous build, this is the best build available to date and for anyone wanted to try on their daily phone this could be the version that you are waiting for.

Here is what is new

Microsoft Edge: The first thing that you’ll notice in this build is that the Microsoft Edge branding is now included in this build. This build also has the address bar at the bottom – this is a change that we made based on feedback we heard 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. We’ve 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. We’ve got more work to do here but we’re happy about great progress made in this build.

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. You should also try sending an e-mail with Cortana – we enabled this in this build! Just say everything at once such as who you want to email (you can send to multiple people), the subject of the e-mail, and what you want your email to say and that’s it. You can even make corrections with your voice. Note – this feature requires an Internet connection and works for U.S. (English) right now.

Flashlight quick action: One of the top pieces of feedback we 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. And we’ve delivered this little feature in this build. 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: We’ve 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 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 we can get changes to you faster. Make sure you have the updated versions of these apps to get the best experience on your phone.