As Windows 10 becomes a reality, testing this software application is a priority. As a major upgrade to the current version, this application boasts a number of improvements and new features. Although Windows 10 is built on the same platform to be cohesive among PCs, tablets and phones, mobile app testing can be viewed as a standalone process.
A Few Things To Know About Testing Windows 10:
- You must join the Windows Insider Program.
- Your mobile device must be registered to receive builds through over the air updates.
- Each new build will be distributed automatically after they are validated by Microsoft and used internally.
- Any suggestions or bug reports must be sent via the Windows Feedback app, which is a built-in feature.
- All updates will be continuous until the final build.
- Mobile devices can be rolled back to the previous OS whenever you want.
- Microsoft only supports phones for the preview that has a recovery image available. The Windows Phone Recovery Tool will restore image if needed.
- There are limited devices on the first build: Lumia 630, 635, 636, 638, 730 and 830.
Features To Look For When Testing:
- Start image should have a full-size, customizable background.
- Interactive notifications such as images for maps, or dismissing an alarm.
- The photos should be aggregated based on local and OneDrive photos.
- Three rows of quick actions.
- Enhanced speech-to-text with automatic punctuation, and distinctions between certain numbers and words that sound alike but are spelled differently.
In future builds, there will be universal apps in Word, Excel and PowerPoint but they are not in the first build release. Additionally, Mail and Calendar Universal Apps, and IP-based messaging from Skype will be directly integrated into Messaging. Cortina also looks different in the initial testing and is only available in the US and in English.
Issues That Have Already Been Identified
With every introduction of a new app, there are glitches. Here are a few that have been identified and workable solutions:
- Wi-Fi settings don’t roam after upgrade.
Solution: Manually set Wi-Fi settings on Windows 10
- VPN not available.
Solution: Will be included in future build.
- Additional language keyboards absent and unable to install on US builds
Solution: Reopen Windows Insider app. Reselect Insider Fast/Slow.
- Photo app fails when attaching to an email, OneNote, or Facebook.
Solution: Try again.
- Lock screen picture will sometimes fail.
Solution: Try again.
- Cellular data not working while roaming.
Solution: Turn off and on again
- APNs in recovery images may fall out of date.
Solution: Record specific APN settings on phone before using Windows Mobile Recovery Tool. Set phone manually when restored.
- Bluetooth headset usage when playing video will have low frame rate.
Solution: Used wired headset for listening to audio when playing videos.
These are just a few things you should know when testing the Windows 10 Technical Preview on a mobile device. There are always risks involved in testing, including bugs that may prevent access to core features and functionality. The support for additional phones will increase with each build, with an announcement on the new devices that have been added to the list. To speak with other testers and help in solving problems to make this release a success, the Windows Insider Community Forum is available.
It’s no secret that Windows 10 won’t fix every current issue, but it does have the promise of an enticing code that will close the existing application gap and advance testing to offer the same applications regardless of OS and phone.
