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Microsoft has updated all of the MSN apps for Windows Phone today and I have absolutely no clue what changed in any of them 🙂

Every one of the MSN apps for Windows Phone has been updated with a small bump in each of their build numbers.  However, the release notes are non-existent so there is no clear indication of what changed in any of them.  One thing I have noticed is that all of the apps are Universal apps for Windows and Windows Phone – but I could have simply missed that in the past.

If you have automatic app updates enabled then you likely have already received these new updates on your Windows Phone for the apps that you have installed.  If you don’t have automatic updates enabled, go to the Windows Phone Store on your device, go to More>Settings and tap the Check for Updates button to force a check for updates on all of your apps.

The London-based Open Space Agency (OSA) has developed a 3D printed Lumia powered Telescope that allows virtually anyone to become a star gazer.  The idea is simple:  Using modern production technologies to bring astrophotography to anyone at a fraction of the cost of a traditional telescope.

The idea of the Lumia powered telescope is the brainchild of James Parr and he worked closely with Microsoft to develop the

Ultrascope (Photo courtesy of Open Space Agency)

Ultrascope.  The Ultrascope is a fully automatic telescope that leverages to powerful 41MP camera of the Lumia 1020.

Called Ultrascope, and supporting devices such as the 41-megapixel Lumia 1020, it has the potential to completely reinvent astrophotography, making it possible to capture professional-grade celestial images, right from your back garden, for a fraction of the price of traditional space telescopes.

When fully assembled the Ultrascope stands 1m tall so it is reasonably compact for taking it to areas away from cities where light pollution is a challenge for astro photography.

Mr. Parr’s vision, which started 30 years ago as a child, is that anyone anywhere can be a part of a community that can explore the heavens from their back gardens without having to invest massive amounts of money to do so.  Ultimately his vision for the Ultrascope has come to reality thanks to modern 3D printing and laser precision cutting techniques that are affordable to do.

The Lumia 530 has always been aimed to be a budget Windows Phone and generally retails for $79.99 in the US.  However at T-Mobile you can now get this great little phone for only $69.99 without a contract.  This is a great price for this great little phone.  While the 503 won’t set the world alight with its specifications, it is a good entry level phone that has some great features for those looking for a second Windows Phone or getting into the platform without having to make a massive financial commitment.

The Glance screen app for Windows phone has been updated and it has some big improvements and new features.  The biggest new feature is the ability to have live lockscreen information on your Glance screen.  While it is currently limited to only MSN Weather and Health & Fitness, you can now get this information on the Glance screen without having to actually start your Windows Phone.

The Glance app, which is included in several Windows Phone models or can be downloaded separately, allows you to view, erm, at a glance, information such as email, messages and other important information on one screen while your Windows Phone sits idle without having to actually turn on your phone to get to the Lockscreen.

Glance for Windows Phone – Free – Download Now