Flashlight-X, on of the more popular torch apps on Windows Phone, was recently updated to version 6.2. The latest version added a new light brightness slider to vary LED illumination level (supported on select phones only) and  the ability to use a white screen as a dimmer alternative to LED based illumination. 

Flashlight-X is one of about five hundred flashlight / torch apps available in the Windows Phone Store, but is one of just a handful of LED illumination apps to make regular appearances on the "top free" list in the Windows Phone Store.

Flashlight-X benefited from being available from relatively early on in Windows Phone's life, having been first released in September 2011, but has also received good reviews for packing in lots of features  into a single app (SOS mode, compass overlay, shake phone to turn LED on/off, ability to run under the lock screen, and more).

In all honesty a minor update to a Flashlight app isn't that exciting, but what did get our attention was a recent tweet by Asleroid, Flashlight-X's developer, that shared some stats from the Windows Phone Dev Center indicating that the app has been downloaded more than 3.5 million times, making it one of the most popular third party apps for Windows Phone from an indie developer.

Given the level of competition in the flashlight app genre, reaching 3.5 million downloads is impressive. Interestingly, 2.5 million of those have been achieved in the last 10 months, something that underlines the recent growth of Windows Phone device shipments. The app is currently being downloaded roughly 10,000 times a day, which means it is well on course to reach 5 million downloads before the end of the year.

Everyone who owns a smartphone seems to have a preferred torch app, assuming the functionality isn't built in. Our personal preference on Windows Phone is currently Tony Sakariya's Flashlight (clean design and ad-free), but if you have another favourite, please let us know in the comments.

Windows Phone Store description:

Flashlight-X is the popular LED flashlight app in the Windows Phone store. It features a LED light, battery meter, a compass and an S.O.S mode that does not interfere with the user experience. Flashlight-X is the survival tool whether you are hiking at night, trying to find something in the dark, or in case of an emergency.

Flashlight-X is a free download from the Windows Phone Store.