Microsoft Corporation Updates Camera Apps for Windows 10 Mobile

The Windows Phone camera, and photos apps, received an upgrade from version 16.201.16372 to 16.317.14282, which add new features. Although the update has been classified as a minor one, it offers certain novel features that are bound to interest those still using a Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) phone.

Firstly, you can now print an image while viewing it through the ellipsis menu. This enables the image file to route to a wireless printer, and if it is not available, you can simply choose Print to PDF.

Users can also alter preferences under the Print heading, which includes Orientation and Size options. The update will also allow users to capture Living Image Pictures, which is Microsoft's version of Apple's Live Photos. This means the camera can pick up any movements while taking a snap. The latest update gives you the liberty to view the Living Image Picture, as a moving picture, or a still shot.

The update includes routine bug-fixes and reliability improvements in the Camera App, but unfortunately, the application still doesn't have features such as Rich Capture HDR, or panoramic shooting. These features are almost staple in nature, especially for the built in camera app, but due to popular camera apps including Retrica and Snapchat, Windows 10's built-in application faces stiff competition.

Windows Phone is still lagging behind competitors, and sloppy updates are going to force them to make the transition faster. For those aware of Microsoft's struggles, it is impossible to understand why it would chose to omit features that are now commonplace, especially since built-in camera apps in Apple and Android based smartphones provide HDR and panorama functions.

This situation can be compared to what BlackBerry had to face, when Facebook and WhatsApp pulled the plug on the mobile phone manufacturer, by removing support for their apps. It was because BlackBerry OS was using obsolete architecture, making it difficult to add updates on its devices. The same could soon be the fate of Microsoft, unless it steps up its efforts to compete with Android and iOS, with services on par with them. If it is to avoid software developers pulling support for Windows OS, its decisions to follow, and its updates must be reflective of its desire to compete with the market leaders.

Source: Microsoft Corporation Updates Camera Apps for Windows 10 Mobile