Next Windows 10 preview will support a long list of Lumia smartphones
Killian Bell
Microsoft has confirmed that its next Windows 10 preview for smartphones will support a significantly greater number of devices. In fact, if you own a Lumia handset, chances are you'll be able to get your hands on it.
Until now, the number of smartphones compatible with Microsoft's Windows 10 preview has been extremely limited. The company explains on its blog that the reason for that is "we had to select from the set of phones that had sufficient system partition sizes configured by the manufacturer."
But thanks to a new "partition stitching" feature, Microsoft can now support a greater number of devices, which in turn will provide greater feedback from users regarding Windows 10 bugs and others issues.
"This testing will allow us to support A LOT more phones for the next flight," writes Microsoft's Gabe Aul. "I get a ton of questions every day on Twitter about when your favorite phones will be usable, and I'm happy to report that the vast majority will be supported with the next flight (full list below.)"
Unfortunately, that "vast majority" consists of Lumia-branded devices only, so those with Windows Phone handsets made by HTC, Samsung, or LG are still out of luck for now. But here's the preliminary list of handsets that'll be supported by the next preview:
Microsoft Lumia 435 Dual SIM DTV
A notable absentee is the Lumia 930, but most of Microsoft's most popular devices are there. Just because your handset is on this list, however, does not mean you should upgrade to Windows 10 as soon as it's available.
These preview releases are intended for testing only, and certainly aren't intended to power daily drivers. They still have bugs and numerous features are broken, such as full dual-SIM support, voice notes and drafts in Messaging, and Internet tethering.
Unless you have a spare Lumia handset, you should avoid Windows 10 for now, then. Microsoft has promised the stable, public release will be available this summer.
Gabe Aul