A lot can happen in a week. Seven days might not seem like much, but it can be an eternity in the tech news cycle.
Between Windows news, hardware and software developments and Microsoft's fast-paced movements throughout the technology landscape, it's never easy to keep your hand on the pulse of technology. Not to mention everything that's going on right here at Windows Central!
Every week we're going to compile the biggest stories into one post, so you never fall behind – In Case You Missed It (ICYMI).
Windows
All Production (non-Insider releases) of Windows 10 and Insiders in the Preview Release ring were bumped to build 10586.420, which delivered a bunch of under-the-hood improvements to both PCs and mobile phones.
PC Insiders also got Windows 10 build 14366, adding the Office Online extension for Microsoft Edge and the usual fixes.
Two days later, preview build 14367 rolled out to the Fast ring, with support for 23 additional languages for handwriting recognition, plus a brand new "Refresh Windows" tool for clean installations.
And those running Redstone builds saw some improvements to the Windows Store as well. One update brings back screenshots and added a Share button. A second one made it possible to select what drive you want to install apps and games on. However, users are still having some issues checking and getting app updates, an issue that should be addressed soon.
Other notable items:
- Plumbago, a digital notebook experience on Windows 10
- Stick PC or Continuum on Windows 10 Mobile: Which is right for you?
- Secret Cortana commands you may not know
- Internet Explorer 11 gets some enterprise improvements for Windows 7 and 8.1
- Microsoft shows how to turn a desktop app to a Windows 10 UWP app
- How to use DiskPart to clean and format a storage drive not working on Windows 10
- Here's a closer look at the new Office Online extension for Microsoft Edge
- Your next visit to Vegas may include using a Windows 10 tablet in your suite
- Microsoft's consumer MVPs will soon be grouped into Windows Insider Program
- Microsoft introduces 'Your Groove' curated playlists for Windows 10 and Groove
- FXNOW offers The Simpsons, American Horror Story and more with new Windows 10 app
- Microsoft will remove apps that do not comply with new age rating rules
- Windows 10 Anniversary Update SDK preview build 14366 released
- Tweeten 3.0 for Windows allows you to save GIF files, copy URLs and more
- Windows 10 PC preview build 14366 released for Slow ring Insiders
- Select Microsoft Stores to host Windows 10 Anniversary Update events for Insiders
Microsoft
Seemingly out of nowhere, Microsoft announced that they had come to an agreement to acquire professional résumé site LinkedIn. LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner called the $26.2 billion deal "the best thing for [the] company.", while Microsoft's Satya Nadella believes the acquisition will "reinvent productivity and business processes."
Even founder Bill Gates applauded the move as a "great transaction" for Microsoft.
But the LinkedIn deal took backseat to Microsoft's E3 2016 event. Despite previous rumors and and a leak a couple of days before, the company wowed with the unveiling of the Xbox One S, a svelte version of the game console with the ability to play 4K video. Windows Central was there to get an early look at the new super-slim Xbox, which is already up for pre-order at Amazon and the Microsoft Store for an August 31 release.
The real showstopper, however, was "Project Scorpio," a beefier Xbox powered by semi-custom AMD hardware and ready to go toe-to-toe with the PlayStation 4K. The console is not expected until late 2017.
Microsoft described in detail will usher in the next generation of gaming and development but stressed that current Xbox One owners will not be left behind when it comes to game titles.
And while we're on the topic of games, let's talk Xbox Play Anywhere. Microsoft announced that many of their upcoming games will have Xbox and Windows 10 cross-buy support, meaning that when you buy the title on one, you get to play on both, complete with all of your saved game progress.
With the barrage of information flying out of E3, it is easy for some of it to fall through the cracks. Here's what you may have missed at the Xbox E3 2016 press conference.
Other notable items:
- The Xbox One S will require a separate Kinect USB adapter but you can get it free
- Xbox Live to add Clubs, Looking for Group, Arena and more in future updates
- Gears of War 4 Xbox Elite Wireless Controller announced at #XboxE3, pre-order now for $200
- Design your own controller with the Xbox Design Lab [Update: It's live]
- Xbox Elite Controller getting its first official customizations from Scuf
- Project Scorpio, Xbox One S, and more with Xbox Services GM Dave McCarthy
- You can now pre-order the new Xbox One S controller from Amazon
- The new Xbox One controller will work wirelessly with Windows 10 Mobile
- Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 grab UEFI update and more
- Those in the U.S. can now edit Cortana's news sources to block specific sites
- Xbox One S has 'additional raw GPU and CPU power' when compared to Xbox One [Updated]
- Check out the amazing custom controllers from the Xbox Design Lab
- VRV is a new video subscription service that's coming to the Xbox One
- Phil Spencer says full Xbox One keyboard and mouse support is still 'months' away
- LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman could join Microsoft's board of directors
- Microsoft shows how to turn a desktop app to a Windows 10 UWP app
- Microsoft considered launching an upgraded Xbox One this year
- Microsoft will release some future PC games on Steam
- Microsoft acquires Wand Labs to help with its AI chat bot efforts
- Everything you need to know about Xbox Clubs, Arena, Looking For Group, and Play Anywhere
- Nyko will keep your Xbox controllers sweat-free and your head safe in VR
- Should you buy the Xbox One S or wait for Project Scorpio?
Miscellaneous
Windows Central continued our "Windows 10 Gems series" this week with three new plug-ins from the online Office Store. Shutterstock Images for Office lets you log into your Shutterstock account and directly import images into your Powerpoint presentations. Giphy delivers hilarious animated GIFs to your emails. And the new Starbucks add-in for Outlook gives you the ability to schedule meetings at your local café or purchase eGiftcards and deliver them via email.
T-Mobile added even more partners to their Binge On service. Now customers can stream Azubu, Dailymotion Games, Eyegroove, Fow Sports, PBS, PBS Kids, and YouTube Gaming without it counting against their data usage.
And music service Rhapsody has announced that it will be re-branding itself under the 90's moniker Napster. With only a brief blurb on their blog, the company told its subscribers to expect:
No changes to your playlists, favorites, albums, and artists. Same music. Same service. Same price. 100% the music you love. Stay tuned!
Other notable items:
- Mobile Nations Weekly: All the way to Z
- EA Originals is a new program to help smaller developers deliver great games
- Bethesda reveals Quake Champions for PC at their E3 showcase
- Three more Fallout 4 DLC packs coming this summer, including Nuka World
- Open Source VR announces its next-gen HDK2 headset for PC
- Bethesda is selling a new and improved Pip-Boy 3000
- HP's Spectre x360 with the gorgeous OLED display is now available
- The new Alienware Aurora goes big for Virtual Reality
- Lenovo ThinkStation P410 and P510 feature the latest Xeon processors
- Alienware's new 13-inch OLED gaming laptop launches starting at $1,300
Share your thoughts on this past week of news! And we'll be back again next week to do it all over again.
