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
Hallelujah, it's raining Windows 10 Preview updates! That was the case this week when Microsoft released three different builds in the four days.
A leaked build 10151 made very little splash, as Microsoft pushed out Windows 10 PC build 10158 to Fast Ring members the same day.
The new build contained many changes, among them, an appearance by Microsoft Wi-Fi, Cortana integration with Office 365, some new features in the Xbox, and a bunch of additions to Microsoft.
Like we do with every new build, we put together a list of everything you need to know about build 10158.
Then, just like that, Windows 10 PC preview build 10159 rolled out. Despite a new login screen and a flashy new Win10 wallpaper, the bulk of changes in 10159 were under the hood; over 300 bug fixes.
Just a couple of days later, a third build appeared on the scene. Microsoft surprised us again with Windows 10 PC build 10162, a build they say has "better reliability, performance, battery life, and compatibility than any Windows 10 Insider Preview build so far." They have since released ISO files for 10162. In the meantime, release notes for build 10163 have already leaked, complete with lots of bug fixes listed.
Microsoft also revealed this week that not every PC with a Windows 10 upgrade reservation will get it on its July 29 release date. Like many past Windows Phone updates, the Windows 10 rollout will occur in waves. The good news for those of the 5 million folks enrolled in the Windows Insider Program is that they will be among the first to receive the upgrade.
Windows RT users scored a small victory. As it turns out, even though RT devices will not be upgraded to Windows 10, they will get updated around the time of the Windows 10 release. Microsoft was scarce with details on the exact contents and timing of the update, but it looks like there are some improvements on the horizon
There was also a bit of positive news for Windows 8.1. It finally overtook Windows XP as the second most used desktop PC operating system.
Other notable items:
- YouTuber recreates Windows 10 hero image using After Effects
- How to prepare your PC for the Windows 10 upgrade
- Microsoft makes changes to its Family Safety features to prepare for launch of Windows 10
- How to add quick access to Settings pages to the right-click desktop menu in Windows 10
- Windows 10 hero wallpaper combined with Ninja Cat on a Unicorn is pure WIN
- Microsoft updates Windows 10 SDK Preview with new APIs, more
- Popup tips to start showing on Windows 10 ahead of July 29 launch
- Microsoft confirms its new Edge browser won't support Silverlight
- Microsoft shows how developers will add age ratings to new Windows Store apps and games
Microsoft
Microsoft is reportedly moving out of the display ad business, shifting ad operations over to AOL and AppNexus. Approximately 1,200 jobs will be affected. Some of those workers will be offered positions within the company while most look like they will be cut.
A hundred or so of Microsoft's Bing employees are about to start working for Uber under new deal. The staffing changes come as Microsoft sold a part of Bing's image and data collection assets to the car-sharing company.
Despite the downsizing, a report came out that Microsoft may be interested in buying struggling chip vendor AMD. An acquisition would give Redmond a huge upper hand in the game console sector, as both Microsoft's Xbox One and competitor Sony Playstation use AMD's chips.
There were also some rumblings that one of the "tough decisions" CEO Satya Nadella was referring to in his email to employees last week was possibly pulling the plug on Windows Phone.
Our Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Rubino, took the time to address that notion, and others.
And finally, we said goodbye to two brave HoloLens who gave their lives aboard the unmanned SpaceX rocket that exploded on Sunday. The headsets were going to be used by astronauts on the International Space Station to test a program called Sidekick, but sadly, they never made it past the 2-minute, 14-second mark of the launch.
We salute their sacrifice for the cause of science.
Other notable items:
- Intel i7-powered Microsoft Surface Pro 3 can now be yours for $1,299 with new entry model
- Visual Studio 2015 will launch on July 20, nine days before Windows 10
- Microsoft Research's latest project wants to help you be funnier in online chats
- Microsoft launches new Minecraft in Education program to help kids in school
- Microsoft to live stream its Gamescom 2015 Xbox press event in Germany on August 4
- Surface 3 LTE launching in Germany and UK on July 3, wider availability in 'coming weeks'
- Microsoft's Treasure Tag Plus accessory outed via the FCC with a new circular shape
- Office 2016 preview rolls out real-time collaborative typing for Word and more new features
- Surface Hub pre-orders begin, with shipments scheduled for September
- Xbox chief Phil Spencer says 'we need to do better in Europe'
Miscellaneous
It was an exciting week here at Windows Central. We took a look back on our "Hidden Gems: A Week in the Life" series.
We also introduced a new feature on the site "Follow" lets you choose the Windows Central content you care about the most and get receive instant notifications when new stuff crops up.
AdDuplex announced their HERO APPS campaign, a new initiative to help developers promote their apps. Windows Central is a proud partner in this endeavor.
And we debuted #AskDanWindows, a new video series where Daniel answers your questions about all things Microsoft.
Streaming service Plex was dealt a big blow when its forums were hacked. User data was compromised and is being held ransom by the perpetrator.
In happy news, the European Union has decided to do away with roaming charges across the continent by 2017. Also, they implemented net neutrality rules, requiring telecom companies to treat all data equally across networks.
Other notable items:
- Emirates installs Qi wireless charging trays in its Dubai lounges
- Sprint teams up with Europe's Carphone Warehouse to launch new US stores
- Chevrolet is adding Active Phone Cooling to some future models to keep your phone from overheating
Share your thoughts on this past week of news! And we'll be back again next week to do it all again.
