Microsoft is having a rollercoaster of an autumn with many hardware and software releases. November 12 is now shaping up to the be a big day as well.
Microsoft has already confirmed that on that Thursday the Xbox One will be updated with the new Windows 10 experience. Now, our sources are telling us that this is also the target day for Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile so-called Threshold 2 milestone. The Fall Refresh as it is anticipated to be called should hit user's PCs on that day bringing the new unified Skype experience, UI improvements, and code optimizations for better performance.
New build and carrier updates
Additionally, we can add that build 10586 is the likely candidate for release according to people familiar with the matter. The current Insider build for PC is 10576 while Windows 10 Mobile is at 10581.
Interestingly, we are told that mobile carriers should be receiving the mobile build this week, and updates are expected to go out at or around November 12 as well. (We are not too clear what role carriers are playing in this update and whether there will be longer waiting periods for testing. However, it sounds like this is being expedited for a same-day release on November 12). As to which Windows Phones are getting the official update we do not yet know.
New Lumias inbound
While there is still no firm confirmation on release dates for the new Lumia 950 and Lumia 950 XL there should be more clarity soon. With Windows 10 Mobile build 10586 likely being the shipping product those phones should be able to hit the 'end of November and early December' expected timeframes. Indeed, the Microsoft UK website notes December 3 for a shipping date and AT&T is now rumored for a November 20 release although we have not confirmed this just yet.
It is not yet clear what the next release for Windows Insiders will be, however that program is going to continue. It is plausible that Insiders will jump ahead of build 10586 as Microsoft continues to develop Windows 10 as a service (WaaS).
If Microsoft can pull off this update for PCs, phones, and the Xbox One all in one day, it will make a large statement about their OS and company realignment.
We'll keep tracking this story and update as we learn more. Seeing as these are targets some information is likely to change.
