We're hitting that point in the year where we're running up against the holidays, which means manufacturers are running out of time to get their latest wares out. So we're looking at the last launches of the season: the Apple iPad Pro this week and the Microsoft Lumia 950 next week. Oh, and TAG Heuer launched a new Android Wear smartwatch — and it's not cheap.
The Mac App Store ran into some issues, Windows 10 got a bunch of small but useful updates, and Microsoft's plans to get Android apps onto Windows Mobile aren't going as planned
All of this and more, this week on Mobile Nations.
Windows Central — Rise of the November Update
This week saw a lot of changes going on at Microsoft. Windows Central reported that Microsoft's attempt to let developer port Android apps to Windows 10 Mobile is being put on hold indefinitely. Unlike Project Islandwood for iOS, Project Astoria was closer to an emulator like system. Microsoft's three other software 'bridges' for web apps, Win32 apps and iPhone games continue.
Turning to more positive news and the Xbox One saw releases of Rise of the Tomb Raider and Fallout 4, both of which are receiving high praise.
The first major update to Windows 10 is now out. The so-called November Update brings a bevy of small, but useful changes throughout the OS, adding more polish, optimizations and UI tweaks.
Finally, we reported that Friday, November 20 is the release day for the AT&T Lumia 950. The phone will be available for $549 off-contract although on-contract pricing is not yet announced. The phone will also be sold unlocked through the Microsoft Store. The Lumia 950 XL is expected to be released shortly after and now includes the free Display Dock for Continuum.
- Windows 10 November Update - Features, changes, and improvements
- Sources say AT&T is set to release the Lumia 950 on Friday, November 20
- Exclusive: Discussing backwards compatibility, NXOE and the future with Xbox's Mike Ybarra
- Review: Rise of the Tomb Raider for Xbox One
- Microsoft's Project Astoria and Android app emulation are not happening anytime soon
Android Central — Big announcements, new top devices
Everyone at Android Central is recovering from a BlackBerry Priv hangover, but there was plenty that happened this week to get us all back in the swing of things. TAG Heuer launched the most expensive Android Wear watch to date to kick off the week, then T-Mobile followed it up with some big plan changes on the carrier front. Google finally updated Maps with offline navigation, and LG released the first Android Wear watch with LTE connectivity.
For our part we released the latest in our Android History series — this time breaking down 2011's progressions — and compared the new Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X to their predecessors. We also have a new leading device in our Best Phones list, and a new top Chromebook to consider if you're looking to buy now.
- There's a new top dog in our Best Phones list
- Android History: Android 4.0 transforms the smartphone
- T-Mobile's Un-carrier X initiative includes video streaming for free
- How does the Nexus 5X stand up to the Nexus 5's legacy?
- The Nexus 6P is a solid upgrade from the Nexus 6
Read the latest entry in our epic 8-part Android History series
CrackBerry — Getting to grips with the Priv
With the BlackBerry Priv review out of the way, we've now moved into helping folks get the most out of their device with plenty of help and how to articles to get you started with Android, whether it be the basics or more advanced options. Aside from that, we also posted up the first look at what will likely BlackBerry's second Android smartphone to hit the market, known as 'Vienna'.
- Check out all the latest help and how to articles for the BlackBerry Priv
- First look at the BlackBerry Vienna - the company's second Android phone!
- Five things I don't miss from BlackBerry 10 after moving to the BlackBerry Priv
- Five things I miss from BlackBerry 10 after moving to the BlackBerry Priv
iMore — iPad Pro is here!
Weird week—The iPad Pro went up for order on Wednesday… and promptly showed up in stores the same day! There were precious few Apple Pencils or Smart Keyboards to be found, which means frustrating multi-week delays for most everyone who wants them. We're still finishing Apple TV coverage but we'll be ramping up iPad Pro all this week as well. Keep it locked on iMore!
- Living in an iPad Pro world: Day one
- Best iPad Pro apps to download right now
- Should you get an iPad Pro or a MacBook?
- Mac App Store apps "damaged"? Here's why and how to fix it!
Kicked — The smartest water bottle
This week on Kicked Weekly we feature the best prank greeting card, the world's smartest water bottle and even a moustache protector! And we talk about the video of the lady who ordered furniture from eBay but instead received bags of live fish. (A common mixup to be sure!) Plus, Dan's sweater needs to be seen to be believed.
For the coolest crowd funding projects you need to know about (along with a few weekly antics) be sure to subscribe to the Kicked TV YouTube Channel and follow us on social media. We're active on Twitter, Facebook and of course Instagram.
Connectedly — Cameras, TV, and desks that move
This week on Connectedly we took a look at the world's first consumer 3D VR camera and a sleek standing desk in the TableAir. We checked out the Pulse camera and professional-quality time-lapse photography. Finally, you can now be social with your friends and watch TV using the Cast.
