Here is what Cortana's new Showtimes + Trailers feature looks like (Update)

At the end of February, we reported that Cortana had picked up a few more Interests for users to select optionally. One of those was Showtimes + Trailers, which as the name implies has to do with movies playing nearby.

When we wrote that article, the feature itself was not live, but today we noticed that information had finally started to percolate into our Cortana feed.

The feature is self-evident, giving you movie recommendations and even some showtimes plus locations. The movies suggested change when Cortana refreshes its feed, so they are not always the same.

VLC for Windows Phone sheds the beta tag in latest update

VLC picked up an update that sees the media player shedding the beta tag. The app is now just called VLC for Windows Phone. The update also brings minor UI changes.

The app has seen significant improvements since it launched as a beta on the platform late last year. VLC is now a universal app, with developer Thomas Nigro stating that most of the code is shared between the Windows Phone and Windows versions.

HD video playback issues were cited by several users after the last update, and that seems to have been fixed. We at least did not encounter any issues when playing back HD videos through VLC.

Download VLC for Windows Phone

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Start menu transparency revealed in latest Windows 10 build leak

Screenshots of Windows 10 build 10031 have leaked online today, revealing a transparency effect that has been applied to the Start Menu. Microsoft previously said that transparency would not only be hitting Windows 10, but Windows 10 for the phone too.

Looking at the screenshot, it's clear to see a rather subtle effect on the menu itself, though no other part of the OS appears to be altered as-of-yet. Microsoft is expected to release a new build of the Windows Phone technical preview soon, which should contain Project Spartan.

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Microsoft's Spartan browser set to arrive in the next Windows 10 preview

The next version of Microsoft's web browser, Project Spartan is expected to hit the next Windows 10preview release. Microsoft's Kevin Gallo, the technical lead for Windows universal apps, confirmed the news today at Mobile World Congress, though an accurate date of release has yet to be provided.

Microsoft has made some major changes in Project Spartan, creating a brand new render engine called Edge. Gallo demonstrated numerous universal apps today using an unreleased version of the Windows 10 preview.

We'll likely have more details on the next release for testers, and if Spartan is indeed included in the next update, soon enough. What are you most looking forward to in Microsoft's new web browser?

Image & News Courtesy Windows Central

Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 will add support for Bluetooth keyboards

Microsoft has confirmed, via a product page on its newly revealed Universal Foldable Keyboard, thatWindows Phone 8.1 Update 2 will add support for Bluetooth keyboards.

This has been a long awaited, and much requested, feature for Windows Phone owners. Today's reveal of Microsoft's Universal Foldable Keyboard seems to confirm that those Windows Phone users will finally be able to use that accessory and other Bluetooth-enabled keyboards in the near future.

Microsoft has yet to announce much in the way of details for Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2, including when it will be made available for download. Bluetooth keyboard support is also planned for theupcoming phone version of Windows 10.

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Intel's upcoming Atom x3 processor could be used inside Windows 10-based phones

Intel has announced a new mobile processor family, the Atom x3, that could be used inside smartphones running on Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system.

Intel says:

"Combining 64-bit multi-core Intel Atom processors together with 3G or 4G LTE connectivity, the integrated communications SoC combines the applications processor, image sensor processor, graphics, audio, connectivity and power management components in a single system chipset. This integration allows device manufacturers to deliver full-featured tablets, phablets and smartphones at affordable price points for the rapidly growing entry and value market segments."

Intel says 20 OEMs, including Asus, have plans to launch smartphones with the Atom x3 chip inside. While many, if not most, of those smartphones will likely use Android as its OS, PC World reports that Intel has its eyes set on supporting Windows 10 for phones as well with this chipset. Aicha Evans, the vice president and general manager of Intel's Communication and Devices Group, believes the adoption of Windows 10 for mobile will increase, adding, "We consider that very important,"

All of the smartphones that currently use Windows Phone have processors made by Qualcomm. We will point out that neither Microsoft nor Intel have officially announced plans for any smartphones that will run Windows 10 and use the Atom x3 processor. It's also true that Intel has not had much luck in releasing chips made for the smartphone market in general, as chips with ARM-based architecture dominate that space

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Netflix updated for Windows Phone, likely address recent playback issues

Netflix has updated its Windows Phone app today, but the new version, unfortunately, doesn't come with a change log (the one listed is actually an older one). This would suggest this download is a minor patch for bug fixes only.

The new version number for the Netflix app is 4.1.0.16 and it's an 8MB download.

A number of Windows Phone users have been reporting that the app has had some video playback issues lately, so perhaps this update is going to fix those problems. Let us know if you see any improvements in the app after you download and install the update in the comments.

Download Netflix from the Windows Phone Store

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