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
Microsoft rolled out a few updates for Windows 10 this week. The first was an automatic update for the servicing stack. The details of the update were nowhere to be seen, so it was likely the usual behind-the-scenes fixes and improvements.
And Fast ring Insiders were able to upgrade to Windows 10 preview build 14295.
There were several fixes in build 14295, including one for a bug that prevented the app and Xbox Live enabled apps/games from signing in. The update also remedied an issue that was causing Windows 10 devices to freeze when an Xbox controller or other gamepad was plugged in.
A screenshot from a leaked version of Windows 10 revealed that more OneDrive backup options may be on the way. An image of build 14278 shows that users may be able to have OneDrive store apps, passwords, settings and accounts.
Other notable items:
- Latest extension for Microsoft Edge lets you 'Turn Off The Lights'
- The Windows Store spring sale offers big discounts on games, apps, music and more
- Framerate locking fixes for Windows 10 UWP-based games are coming 'later this year'
- Windows 10 Redstone reportedly offers better support for pens in universal apps
- How to set up and manage an FTP server on Windows 10
- Skype for Windows desktop adds Angry Birds Mojis in latest update
Microsoft
Early in the week, an online survey hinted that Microsoft was considering letting gamers sell back digital Xbox One games for 10% of their cost, but any hopes of that coming to fruition were quickly dashed. In response to inquisitive tweets, Xbox marketing executive Aaron Greenberg said that the company is "not actively planning" such an initiative.
Microsoft did, however, launch one new venture, a new AI chatbot named Tay, designed to interact with young people over Twitter, Kik and GroupMe in the U.S. Unfortunately, Tay found the internet to be an ugly influence, spouting off come unbecoming language, and earning her a one way ticket to the back burner.
Microsoft blamed Tay's naughty Twitter posts on a "coordinated effort by some users", ul;timately took responsibility and apologized for the offensive tweets.
Microsoft's Band, Band 2, and Health app all picked up new Social Challenges and Leaderboards to let friends compete and help motivate each other to stay active. The new social features are not limited to Band owners and can used by anyone via the Microsoft Health app.
And Re/code reported that Microsoft is in early talks with private equity firms to put together a bid to buy Yahoo. The company made a failed attempt to purchase Yahoo by itself back in 2008, and currently has a multi-year deal with them using Bing to provide much of their search results.
Other notable items:
- Microsoft inviting UK fans to private Facebook page for special treatment
- Xbox One system update rolling out, along with Xbox Windows 10 app update
- How Microsoft showcases Lumia and Surface in Quantum Break
- Microsoft rolls out an update for the Office Mobile suite on Windows 10 Mobile
- Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter app updated for Windows 10 PC and Mobile
- First Microsoft HoloLens shipments are on their way to developers
- The Galaxy Explorer app for Microsoft HoloLens is close to its launch
- Secrets of the Surface Book's design process revealed
- Microsoft outs new Office 2016 Insider build with OneDrive improvements and more
- Microsoft releases updated transparency report numbers
- Microsoft's recent TED Talk on the HoloLens has some incredible new demos
- Microsoft's giant Surface Hub touchscreen Windows 10 PC finally starts shipping
Miscellaneous
Apple held their big reveal event on Monday, introducing iOS version 9.3, the tiny iPhone SE, and the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro. With the new iPad Pro's sights aimed squarely at Microsoft's Surface 3, Windows Central compared the two tablets to see which one is the better buy.
Despite being embroiled in a legal battle against the FCC's Open Internet Order, Verizon put out a press release affirming that the company is "committed to an open Internet". The statement laid out some of the key principles that Verizon believes are critical for both consumers and businesses.
Netflix, a staunch proponent of net neutrality, and former victim of data throttling themselves, confirmed this week that they have been throttling video streams for Verizon and AT&T customers for over five years. They defended their actions by claiming their 600 kilobits-per-second (Kbps) cap helps consumers avoid data overage charges that could dissuade them from using Netflix in the future. Netflix also said that reason Sprint and T-Mobile customers do not have the same restrictions is that "historically those two companies have had more consumer-friendly policies."
And in the wake of the horrific attacks in Belgium, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T all offered free calls to Belgium.
Other notable items:
- Dell XPS 13 vs Dell XPS 15: Which should I buy?
- Acer will show off what's next for the company in NYC on April 21
- Nielsen will track which set-top boxes you use for streaming TV
- Razer announces new slim BlackWidow X mechanical keyboards
- Oculus Rift pre-orders are now shipping
- Air Canada to launch in-flight Wi-Fi for international flights this fall
- What's the cheapest way into virtual reality: PlayStation VR, Oculus, Vive, or Gear VR?
- Intel signals shift away from 'tick-tock' product cycle
- Sprint offers 30-day guarantee that you'll love the network
Share your thoughts on this past week of news! And we'll be back again next week to do it all over again.
