After many false starts, Microsoft has now officially released the Windows 10 Mobile Anniversary Update. It has been a long wait for users to the mobile platform. There have been a number of reports suggesting the Anniversary Update would launch, but Microsoft shot them down. Now Windows 10 Mobile is finally getting the update.
Microsoft started rolling out the Anniversary Update to Windows 10 PC, HoloLens, and Xbox on August 2. Originally the Windows 10 Mobile release was expected to arrive simultaneously. However, Microsoft decided to hold off the release, without saying why. Windows Insider chief Dona Sarkar said that the build would arrive in the coming weeks.
Sarkar was true to her word. The build sent out by Microsoft today is version 14393.67. It is a cumulative release that has already been tested by Insiders for the last few weeks. Some of the new features coming through the Anniversary Update are specific to Windows 10 Mobile. For example, NFC payment support is added for some banks through Microsoft Wallet.
Features and Release
Microsoft has also worked on improving its camera software. A panorama feature has been included and on some devices the lock screen now displays a camera button. Wider changes such as Cortana improvements and an updated Action Center are also present. Of course, they come directly from the Universal Windows Anniversary Update across devices.
Also included is the new Skype Preview app. This is the much asked for Universal Windows Platform version of Skype. It unifies the various features of the service into one app, reversing Microsoft's bizarre decision to separate them.
If you are interested in the Windows 10 Mobile Anniversary Update then you will need a device. That means a smartphone currently running the platform and among Microsoft's compatible handsets. If you do have such a device, you can head to Settings -> Update & security -> Phone update -> Check for updates.
At the moment is seems that the Anniversary Update is only rolling out to unlocked smartphones. This is common as carrier releases are usually later as companies work in their own software changes and enhancements.
