After being delayed. Microsoft has finally announced its plans for its next Windows 10 feature update, codenamed 19H2. As was suggested by recent rumors, Microsoft's 19H2 release is going to be a much smaller one than usual, being released as a cumulative update that sits on top of 19H1 instead of a full blown new OS release.
This means that 19H2 builds flighted to Insiders will be a variation of the 19H1 RTM in the form of a 18362.xxxxxx build. Microsoft has already released the first 19H2 build to Insiders in the Slow ring with build 18362.10000. Microsoft does not intend for this release to have any blockbuster new features or changes.
Microsoft's head of Insider Program, Dona Sarkar, details the following:
19H2 will include a scoped set of features for select performance improvements, enterprise features, and quality enhancements and will be delivered to customers running the May 2019 Update using servicing technology (like the monthly Cumulative Update process).
Microsoft's Director of Program Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery, also published a second blog post detailing its plans for 19H2 in more detail.
The next feature update for Windows 10 (known in the Windows Insider Program as 19H2) will be a scoped set of features for select performance improvements, enterprise features and quality enhancements. To deliver these updates in a less disruptive fashion, we will deliver this feature update in a new way, using servicing technology (like the monthly update process) for customers running the May 2019 Update who choose to update to the new release. In other words, anyone running the May 2019 Update and updating to the new release will have a far faster update experience because the update will install like a monthly update.
Microsoft has also announced that 19H2 is expected to launch in September, slightly earlier than usual. This isn't much of a surprise considering how small 19H2 is as an update. It's much more like a monthly cumulative update, and not a full blown twice a year OS release.
19H2 can easily be described as a Service Pack for 19H1, as that's pretty much what it is. It's a rolled up set of fixes and improvements that sits on top of an already existing version of Windows, known as 19H1.
Microsoft's 20H1 release, scheduled for spring 2020, will bring us back to the usual larger feature updates. But until then, are you planning to test 19H2? Let us know in the comments.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.
Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
