ICYMI: July 18, 2015

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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

With word this week that the Windows 10 RTM (Release to Manufacturing), the version that will be sent to PC OEMs, has been completed, Microsoft said that they will be suspending Windows Insider builds so they can prepare for the official release on July 29.

Images of build 10240, which is the RTM version, were leaked online Wednesday, and not long after, it was officially rolled out to both Fast and Slow members. From here on in, builds will only be available through Windows Update.

And according to the new Windows 10 end user license agreement, those updates may not be optional.

Initially, it looked like, despite the July 29 release of Windows 10, the earliest you would be able to get your hands on PC pre-loaded with it would be the next day. However, it appears Windows 10 PCs will be in stores on July 29 after all.

Sadly, that does not yet include the Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface Pro 3. Anyone buying a Surface for the time being will get one with Windows 8.1, though they can get it upgraded onsite at any Microsoft Store.

It's kind of funny to think that since the overwhelming number of consumers getting Windows 10 will either be getting it free via online upgrades or preloaded on a new PC, most of us will never get the retail box, like we did with prior versions.

Other notable items:

Microsoft

Microsoft

With the launch of Windows 10 imminent, Microsoft is stepping up its game. They have started getting the Surface 3 and Surface Pro 3 into the hands of more retailers that will sell them directly to consumers. The goal is to bring the number of retailers from a couple hundred to a couple thousand globally.

This includes plans to bring the Surface to shelves in India, one of the largest and fastest growing markets.

The full court press on sales in the consumer market doesn't just mean more tablets. Microsoft's Kevin Turner confirmed this week that the Band 2 is in the works.

Not to mention that Cortana will soon be coming to an Android phone near you. Some images and impressions of the personal assistant running on a Samsung Galaxy Note 3got leaked, as did the APK file.

We loaded it up and took it for a to see how it measures up against spin to Windows 10 Mobile.

Microsoft confirmed that Cortana for Android beta will launch "publicly in the next few weeks."

Redmond is also ramping up in the business sector. Shipments of the Surface Hub have been delayed as Microsoft prepares for "broader" production of the device.

Furthermore, they are channeling their HoloLens energy on enterprise customers first, according to CEO Satya Nadella.

Microsoft's latest HoloLens demo focuses on how it can be used in 3D modeling.

It promises to be an exciting next few months for Microsoft customers across the board.

Other notable items:

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

After vaguely announcing that Firefox for Windows 10 was on the way, Mozilla finally revealed some of the new browser's design guidelines. The snazzy new look includes a lot of familiar elements from past versions, but moves the design and functionality forward to complement the upcoming OS.

Comcast unveiled its latest attempt to evolve with the changing times. Stream is Comcast's $15 per month TV service that will allow its Xfinity internet customers watch live television online. At its initial rollout, Stream will be limited to mobile and web applications in a handful of beta markets and will only include about twelve channels. But hey, it's a good start!

Nokia reaffirmed its plans to get back into the smartphone business. The company also announced that it will be holding a mysterious press event on July 28. But if you're waiting for a Nokia phone, don't hold your breath. The terms of the agreement between Nokia and Microsoft dictate that earliest any of us will see a Nokia smartphone is Q4 2016.

And in music, veteran rocker Neil Young pulled his music catalog from streaming services. According to Young, the services provide the 'worst audio in history'.

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