14 DAY TRIAL // We already reported earlier today that Microsoft launched a newer version of its Windows 10 for Phones Technical Preview. The main improvement of this build is the fact that it is compatible with even more Lumia smartphones than Microsoft previously reported.
But apart from that, Windows 10 for Phones build 10051 brings a lot more new features and improvements, as well as bug fixes.
First of all, an early version of Project Spartan is now included in Windows 10 for Phones Technical Preview. According to Microsoft, this particular version uses its rendering engine to offer “greater interoperability with the modern mobile web.”
In addition, Project Spartan comes with early versions of Reading View and Reading List. Keep in mind that this won't be the default browser due to the fact that it's still in beta, so you will still have IE11 implemented.
You will find Project Spartan in the All Apps list, so make sure you pin it to your Start Screen if you plan on using it more often than IE11.
Moving further, there are new mail and calendar apps: Outlook Mail and Outlook Calendar. These are universal apps for Windows 10 and have been completely redesigned to offer a fresh look. You will also be able to switch between email and calendar with a single toggle without having to head over to the Start Screen.
If you want to add or remove accounts in Outlook Mail and Outlook Calendar, you will be able to do so within these apps because the Email + accounts page has been removed from the Settings app.
Better App Switcher and unified Bing + HERE Maps application
New Phone and Messaging apps have been included in the update too. They have been visually improved and some tweaks have been added so users can switch from a messaging conversation to a voice call with one click.
The People application is completely new and it's now a universal app. It features a fresh UI, but it will still offer the same smooth experience that will allow you to list all your contacts across multiple services, including Outlook.com, Gmail, Facebook, and many more.
The Maps application is another universal app included in this version of Windows 10 for Phones Technical Preview. It's supposed to offer the best maps, rich local search data and voice guided navigation experience from both Bing Maps and HERE maps, which have been integrated in a single app for Windows.
Last but not least, the App Switcher app has been updated. Simply press and hold the back button on the phone to see the most recently used apps. Microsoft has also added landscape support when opened from an app being viewed in landscape.
For owners of Lumia 1520, Microsoft has implemented a new grid layout, so they can switch between apps more efficiently. Another improvement would be the fact that you will now be able to see 15 recently used apps in App Switcher.