All the important Microsoft news stories for May 28, 2016

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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

Windows

A Microsoft support page revealed that the Windows 10 Anniversary Update will allow expanded support new display sizes for PC and Mobile. Windows 10 Mobile devices can now sport up to a 9-inch screen, while PCs can have as small as a 7-inch display, further blurring the lines between the two versions of the OS.

Windows 10 preview build 14352 was rolled out to Fast ring Insiders, adding improvements to the Feedback Hub and Windows Ink, as well as new Cortana music commands.

The new build also includes an extensive list of fixes. Check out our coverage for everything you need to know.

Microsoft kicked off their "Ready, Set, Summer!" bringing huge discounts on apps, games, and music.

Other notable items:

Microsoft

Microsoft

Xbox One controller

The Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 received a firmware update containing new drivers. Although not much information was provided with the update, clicking the "more info" link now directs users to a new driver information website that could serve up in-depth descriptions for future patches.

Microsoft and Citrix have joined forces to bring Windows 10 to enterprise customers using Citrix's XenDesktop VDI virtual desktop technology and Microsoft's Azure cloud infrastructure.

The folks in Redmond are also teaming up with Facebook to build a high-speed internet pipeline under the Atlantic Ocean.

Shortly after agreeing to sell off their feature phone division to Foxconn, Microsoft announced that they will be restructuring their smartphone business, which will result in the layoffs of 1,850 employees.

On the heels of the announcement, the Finnish government said that the company has failed the country, home of 1,350 of those lost jobs.

And with E3 quickly approaching, new reports have surfaced that Microsoft may launch two Xbox streaming devices and new Xbox One hardware at the conference.

One of the devices is rumored to be a stick, like a Google Chromecast, while the other is a set-top box, capable of running UWP apps and games.

As for the updated Xbox One, word has it that it will be able to play 4K video, though gaming would remain at the same resolution as the current console.

Other notable items:

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

Spotify is upping their game to compete with the likes of Apple Music and Google Play Music. Their Spotify Family plan will now offer users up to six premium accounts for just $14.99 per month, half of the previous cost.

A deal between Netflix and Disney will give the streaming service exclusive rights to stream the Mouse's movies, including those under the Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Pixar names.

Toyota and Uber have announced a partnership that would let people lease a vehicle through Toyota Financial Services and pay it off using money they earn as Uber drivers.

Opera shareholders voted to approve an offer that will see the company acquired by a consortium of Chinese companies under the name Golden Brick for $1.2 million.

Nokia Networks has started consulting with mobile carriers in India to begin testing 5G networks. The company has eyes on a 2020 commercial launch of the new spectrum.

And as previously rumored, Twitter will begin implementing exceptions to 140-character limit in users' posts. Over the coming months, @names and media attachments will no longer count toward the post limit. Users will also eventually see a button that will allow them to easily retweet their own previous posts, as well as other changes.

Other notable items:

Share your thoughts on this past week of news! And we'll be back again next week to do it all over again.

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Seth Brodeur
Seth Brodeur