Windows 10 Mobile Build 10586.71 - Struggling to move forward

On Feb 1 - MS released Windows 10 Mobile build 10586.71.   As always I installed the build on a Nokia Lumia 735 and 635.   

 The Windows Blog calls out the following fixes...
  • Windows Update performance and reliability improvements
  • Improvements in migration of data profiles and messaging settings when upgraded from Windows Phone 8.1.
  • SensorCore API’s are now upgraded correctly from Windows Phone 8.1; allowing applications, including many fitness applications, to correctly access movement data.
  • SD card detection has been improved on boot and after insertion; File Explorer now handles the removal of an SD card when the default for apps or photos are set to SD.
  • Improvements in the Edge browser, including PDF rendering.
  • Bluetooth improvements when re-connecting to already paired devices and cars; turn by turn directions, and when using Cortana with the Microsoft Band.
  • Improvements in Settings when downloading Maps or changing Quick Settings.
  • Reinstalling Groove Music from the Windows Store no longer causes DRM music playback issues. Groove Music local song collections are now more quickly imported within the application
  • Device power improvements after listening to music, after missed phone calls when iris detection is disabled, and when downloading updates.
  • In app purchases now work correctly when cellular data is disabled.
  • Improvements to the reliability of Kids Corner.


While this appears to be an impressive list of fixes. It seems to be that MS is struggling with Windows 10 Mobile. Versus the Redstone branch builds for Desktop - these updates are cumulative updates to the production "November" release build 10586.

My 735 is pretty sluggish with this build and several of the same issues I have mentioned in previous posts still exist. 15086 - similarly broke the Fit Bit app sync capability - my Charge HR is never recognized by Bluetooth and never syncs.

One thing that rearing its head again is that I am concerned that anything less than a new 950 is going to struggle resource wise.  Also I've started to notice that several MSN apps - like News, Money etc - have stopped updating on a regular basis and only correct themselves via reboot.

In my opinion - Lumia is in maintenance mode and that MS focus in on their Intel based Surface Phone.  Obviously they'll continue to try and fix issues - but there seem to be a lot and I believe the development teams focus is really elsewhere.

Several recent posts have been outright calling Windows Phone dead. Considering how poor sales were this holiday season for the new 950/950XL along with a continuing drop in market share and the issues getting Windows 10 to run correctly I tend to agree with those opinions.  

Even when MS does release their Surface phone - I doubt very highly I will buy one.  So after 5+ years with their second generation of mobile devices - MS has failed.  Eventually all of MS is going to feel this.  





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