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
Just days from now, while many of us will be upgrading to Windows 10 on our tablets and PCs, Windows RT users will not be able to share in that experience. Though Windows RT owners were promised an update coinciding with Windows 10's release, it appears that Update 3 won't be a major release.
The good news is that the update will bring a version of the Windows 10 Start menu to Windows RT devices. Unfortunately, that will be an older version, and will not be joined by other Windows 10 features, as many people were hoping.
As July 29 approaches, there's a lot happening with the Windows 10 Store. The new unified app store will open for developers the day Windows 10 is released. Details found in Windows 10 store app listings revealed that app installs will be limited to 10 devices per Microsoft account. This will likely be inconsequential for the vast majority of Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile users, but could lead to difficulties for some.
There are also changes coming to app listings, ratings, and searches in the web version of the Windows 10 Store.
Firstly, app listings no longer display the version number, the date of the last update, or a list of compatible devices.
Secondly, the old "windows.microsoft.com" and "www.windowsphone.com" app URLs for the respective Windows and Windows Phone stores will be replaced with a more universal "apps.microsoft.com" prefix. This change means that, for the time being, users cannot install apps on their phone using their PC's browser.
Microsoft has reported that they are "working to bring these popular features back in a future update."
We also found out this week that Windows 10 won't include support for syncing Start menu layouts or app installs. The decision to discontinue the features was based on customer feedback that showed most people would rather personalize their Start menu and apps based on the individual device and what they use it for.
And with just a few days remaining before Windows 10 officially launches, our own Mauro Huculak took a close look at the new OS to identify some of the problems, inconsistencies, and missing features in Windows 10.
Other notable items:
- Microsoft begins its countdown to Windows 10 launch with '10 Reasons to Upgrade" video
- The first Windows 10 commercial is out, and it will make you smile
- Record more than just games with the Windows 10 Game DVR
- Here's how to get the Intel RealSense camera to wake from Sleep for Windows Hello
- Show off your love for Windows 10 with this profile badge
- Microsoft Edge browser performance is shown as solid in independent tests
- OEMs have 'hundreds of new hardware designs' for Windows 10 devices, says Microsoft
- How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10
- Windows 10 bug that can cut laptop battery life to be fixed by Microsoft and Intel
- How to stream Xbox One games to Windows 10
- Microsoft lets slip an image of the upcoming Messaging app for Windows 10
Microsoft
Microsoft continued its desire to expand by pursuing and acquiring other companies this week, when it bought Israeli cybersecurity firm Adallom. The deal was for a reported $320 million.
Speaking of expanding, Microsoft confirmed that it plans to bring Cortana for Windows 10 to more markets in more languages later in 2015.
At launch, Cortana will be available in the U.S., the UK, China, France, Italy, Germany and Spain. But in coming months, Windows Insiders should expect to find the personal assistant in Japan, Australia, and in English in Canada and India. Later in the year, Cortana will also find her way to Brazil, Mexico, and in French in Canada.
Microsoft reported an impressive rise in sales of their Surface tablets. The bump in growth brought in an additional $888 million in revenue, resulting in a total of over $4 billion on the year.
Surface leader Panos Panay seems to have been handsomely rewarded for the effort, as he was just named head of engineering for all of Microsoft's devices.
But not everything was coming up roses for Microsoft. Their FY15 Q4 results came in, showing $22.2 billion in revenue, with an overall operating loss of $2.1 billion. According to a spokesperson, the loss was mainly due to a one-time hit of $7.5 billion charge for the acquisition of Nokia's Devices and Services division last year, with two restructuring charges adding close to another billion dollars on top of that.
Redmond also failed in its attempt to end a class action lawsuit over a widespread issue with game discs getting scratched in their Xbox 360 consoles.
Other notable items:
- Visual Studio 2015 released, watch Microsoft's launch event right here
- Microsoft Stores will have giveaways, special events and more for Windows 10 launch
- Surface 3 LTE now at AT&T, T-Mobile on July 31, Microsoft Stores in late August (Update)
- Microsoft thanks #Windows10 Insiders with #ninjacat wallpaper, mashups, and campaign Microsoft's Office 365 will be used by over 300,000 General Electric employees
- Microsoft has a new way to request 'revenge porn' be removed from Bing, OneDrive and Xbox Live
- Get new firmware updates for the Surface 3 and Surface Pro 3
- What is a Groove Music Pass and how do you get one?
Miscellaneous
There were some seat changes in high places this week. Evernote tabbed Chris O'Neill to become the near new CEO. O'Neill spent years in various positions at Google, most recently heading up their experimental division, Google X.
Toshiba saw a significant exodus, as President Hisao Tanaka, Vice Chairman Norio Sasaki and adviser Atsutoshi Nishida all resigned from their positions. This was amid a financial scandal that involved $1.2 billion in falsely-reported earnings.
Big things are happening with Nokia. Latest reports say that the Finnish tech giant will be selling their HERE Maps division to Audi, BMW and Daimler.
Nokia is also expected to announce a virtual reality product on July 28, just one day before Windows 10 is officially launched.
AT&T made a lot of waves this week as well. In their Q2 2015 earnings report, the telecom, whose bid to acquire DirecTV was just approved by the FCC, posted $33 billion in revenue after adding 2.1 million new wireless customers.
Going forward, AT&T stands to generate even more income, as they are said to be introducing an activation fee for Next and BYOD customers , as well as raising their upgrade fee. The changes will go into effect on August 1.
And finally, in local news, we here at Mobile Nations are happy to introduce Kicked TV, bringing you the latest and greatest in crowdfunding projects. Be sure to check it out!
Other notable items:
- Corsair STRAFE Mechanical Keyboard review
- iClever Mini Bluetooth Speaker - a small package, plenty of sound
- Acer begins pre-orders for Windows 10 PCs on July 29, shipments start early in August
- Dell's Latitude 12 Rugged Tablet is designed for extreme conditions
- Qualcomm says it will cut $1.4 billion in spending, along with 15 percent of workforce Lenovo: Microsoft has made it easier to sell our Android phones with Windows PCs Google Drive gets a new plug-in for Microsoft Office
- Leaked slides show Intel's Skylake increased performance, could be inside Surface Pro 4
Share your thoughts on this past week of news! And we'll be back again next week to do it all over again.
