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
We learned a bit more about some of the upcoming Windows 10 Anniversary Update features that were announced at BUILD 2016.
We found out that Windows 10 for PC will pick up a "dark theme" option, much like its smartphone counterpart.
Microsoft Edge will be adding web notifications, as well as a customizable tabs page.
And Microsoft's Jen Gentleman posted a preview of the revamped Start menu, which brings the focus on the All Apps list.
Fast ring members were able to install Windows 10 PC Insider preview build 14316, which added quite a few new treats.
Along with the usual fixes, you'll find a dark theme option, a new Skype app, and support for Bash on Ubuntu There's also some Microsoft Edge improvements.
The new Preview build also enables users to download a preview of Project Centennial, the desktop-to-UWP app converter that was talked about at BUILD.
Here's everything you need to know before installing build 14316.
Other notable items:
- Microsoft Edge browser used on over 150 million active devices
- Microsoft Edge gets a new bug reporting and tracking website
- Microsoft's upcoming RemoteEdge will stream Edge browser on Mac and Linux PCs
- New NinjaCat avatar props for Windows 10 can make you look cool
- Todoist for Windows 10 has officially launched
- Quantum Break is now available on Windows 10
- The best Windows 10 laptops
- Microsoft Edge to automatically pause some Flash-based web content
Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Build 2016 came and went without a ton of exciting revelations for the average consumer, but it was a big deal for developers who saw their creative toolbox expanded substantially.
Word has it that Microsoft is testing a standalone version of the previously-announced Outlook Premium service. For $3.99 per month, customers would get an ad-free experience, up to five personalized email addresses, and enhanced calendar, contacts, and document sharing.
In an interview with GeekWire on Tuesday, Chris Capossela, Microsoft's chief marketing officer, said that they "totally underestimated" the business interest for HoloLens:
"We totally underestimated the commercial interest in this thing," Capossela said. "The team who built it, a lot of them had their roots in Xbox. Alex Kipman and Kudo [Tsunoda]. And so they originally envisioned it as something more along those lines, but as we started to show it to people, we were blown away by the commercial interest."
After getting a HoloLens of our own, we can see why. Our Editor-in-chief, Daniel Rubino, spent a day with the HoloLens and shared his thoughts about it.
And happy birthday to our friends at Microsoft. The company turned 41 years old. It's come a long way since the early days in Albuquerque, New Mexico and there's no signs of slowing down.
Other notable items:
- Watch the livestream from Microsoft Edge Web Summit
- How to customize app notifications on Microsoft Band 2
- Halo API hackathon gives developers chance to win Needler gun replica, more
- Microsoft Store is offering savings on select Surface tablets and accessories
- This is what it looks like when the Microsoft HoloLens is taken apart
- Microsoft launches new security service to protect cloud-based apps
Miscellaneous
As promised, Sony released their 3.50 update. The update allows gamers to stream their PlayStation 4 remotely on their Windows PC. Though currently limited to 720p at 60fps, it's a welcome addition to the console.
T-Mobile now offers a new small family plan with two lines and 6GB of LTE data each for $80 a month. They have also expanded their Music Freedom and Binge On services to include more streaming media from Amazon Music, DailyMotion, EPIX, and more.
The reviews for HTC's Vive are rolling in, and so far, are pretty positive. HTC is partnering with GameStop and Microsoft to bring demo units to select retail stores in U.S. and Canada to give consumers a first-hand look.
HP unveiled their new 13.3-inch Spectre laptop that packs a ton of computing power in an astoundingly thin 10.4mm chassis. If that isn't flashy enough for you, the PC manufacturer also showed off two limited edition Spectres with 18K gold and diamond inlay created by London-based designer Tord Boontje.
We went hands-on with the ultra-thin powerhouse.
And one more browser is throwing its hat in the ring for internet surf-master. Opera co-founder and former CEO Jon von Tetzchner created Vivaldi, which just reached version 1.0 after beta testing. Designed for power users, Vivaldi offers users a plethora of features, tweaks, customization, and extensions.
Other notable items:
- MSI introduces workstation laptop with VR-ready NVIDIA graphics
- The best in-ear headphones
- AMD updates Radeon Software with Quantum Break support and more
- Tune out the world with Inateck's Lacerta Noise Isolation earphones
- Fallout 4's Wasteland Workshop will let you capture its many post-apocalypse creatures
- Bethesda Softworks will invite fans to attend its E3 2016 press event
- HP's upcoming ENVY laptops offer power inside thinner and lighter cases
- Verizon and Google said to be preparing bids for Yahoo
- Amazon expands Prime same-day delivery to more metro areas in the U.S.
- The NexDock laptop shell that works with Windows 10 Mobile's Continuum has reached its funding goal
Share your thoughts on this past week of news! And we'll be back again next week to do it all over again.
