As a mobile platform, Windows 10 Mobile is dead. Nobody is making new phones any more, and Microsoft is no longer adding new features to the OS. However, the company continues to provide security updates. Two days ago, my Lumia 950 got a prompt for a 2018-05 Windows 10 Version 1709 Update for arm-based phone devices.
Running the update proved to be without issues and in a few minutes, it was installed on the phone. Again, this update is mostly security patches. But while Microsoft has said there will be no new feature developments for the Windows Phones, it does look like there is one here.
Using The 2018-05 Windows 10 Version 1709 Update
When using the Microsoft Store after I installed the 2018-05 Update for Windows 10 Version 1709 for arm-based phone devices, I was not required to login to download and install apps. When I tap “Get” to download an app, I get a pop-up that asks me to sign in with Microsoft and use the app on any compatible device. Below that are options to decline or sign in.
When I decline by clicking on, “No, thanks”, the app still downloads. I am guessing that I just won’t be able to use the app on another compatible device. Who cares? I am able to install apps once again on my beloved Lumia.
Great News For Me
This is great, especially as I have been locked out of my Microsoft account for months now, with no working solution from Microsoft support. I detailed this in a forum post, Why I dumped and deleted Skype everywhere.
Being unable to login to my Microsoft account has meant that I haven’t been able to use my Lumia as I want, because of no access to download apps. But this new development means that problem is gone. I still won’t be able to use Skype, but my beloved Lumia 950 can function as a smartphone again.
This new open nature of Microsoft Store has me asking though, “Does this mean that Microsoft is aware that there are issues with some Microsoft accounts and has “opened” up the store for this reason?
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Way back from the days of EPOC, Symbian, Palm, PocketPC/Windows Mobile, BlackBerry/BB10, webOS, Windows Phone, Firefox, Ubuntu Touch, to Android, iOS, and KaiOS operating systems, founder of MobilityArena, Mister Mobility, has owned a few hundred smartphones and tablets, and counting.