Better late than never, as they say, right? Microsoft is adding support for a much requested feature in Windows 10 Mobile, that being native support for the popular GIF file format.
If you’ve used Windows Phone, you’ll be aware that the current version of the operating system can only handle the GIF format in Internet Explore — that is, if they are opened via the web. There are dedicated apps to view images in this format that are stored on the phone, though.
But since the platform does not offer support for this file format natively by default, there is no other way to open locally stored GIF files.
All that is set to change with Windows 10 Mobile.
The currently available version, build 10136 already offers this functionality in the new Photos app, letting you open and watch GIF animations on the phone directly.
No loading up Internet Explorer or third-party apps to do so.
And since GIFs now work on Windows Phone just like any other picture formats, once opened, you also have the standard image options at your disposal. Things like sharing these images with friends and contacts via email, Skype and other applications.
At the same time, the new Photos app can also play the GIF files you receive via installed apps like email. Simply tap the image from your inbox, and the Photos app will load it to play the animation.
Windows 10 Mobile is expected to improve this functionality even further by the time it launches later this year, most likely in October.
source:windows10update
