ICYMI: July 18, 2022

A lot can happen in a calendar week. Seven days might not seem like much, just 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 engineering mural, it'south never like shooting fish in a barrel to proceed your manus on the pulse of applied science. Not to mention everything that'due south going on correct here at Windows Primal!

Every week we're going to compile the biggest stories into one post, so you never fall behind – In Instance You Missed It (ICYMI).

Windows

With word this calendar 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 Wed, and not long subsequently, it was officially rolled out to both Fast and Slow members. From here on in, builds will but be bachelor through Windows Update.

And according to the new Windows ten end user license agreement, those updates may non be optional.

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

Sadly, that does not yet include the Microsoft Surface 3 and Surface Pro 3. Anyone buying a Surface for the time being volition get one with Windows 8.ane, though they can get information technology upgraded onsite at any Microsoft Store.

It'south kind of funny to recall that since the overwhelming number of consumers getting Windows ten will either be getting it gratis 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 to host a 'Windows x devices' press briefing at IFA on September 4
Windows 10 global launch plans revealed, includes 'Upgrade Your World' charity campaign
Windows SDK for Facebook lets developers bring 'Likes' and more than to their apps
Microsoft's Windows 10 fan feel events on July 29 will be invite-only
Windows x back up from Microsoft confirmed to final until October xiv, 2025
Microsoft Edge takes a wider lead confronting Chrome in JavaScript benchmarks
A new Windows 8.ane RT update is due sometime in September, but details remain scarce
Windows ten USB Flash drives can now be pre-ordered from Amazon
Xbox app update for Windows 10 takes the game streaming characteristic out of preview
Microsoft delays installing apps to SD cards in Windows x [Updated]
Here are all the PCs that support Windows Hello facial recognition in Windows ten

Microsoft

With the launch of Windows 10 imminent, Microsoft is stepping up its game. They have started getting the Surface 3 and Surface Pro iii into the easily 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'due south Kevin Turner confirmed this week that the Band ii is in the works.

Not to mention that Cortana will soon exist coming to an Android phone near y'all. 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 confronting spin to Windows 10 Mobile.

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

Redmond is also ramping upwardly in the business sector. Shipments of the Surface Hub accept 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.

Information technology promises to be an exciting next few months for Microsoft customers beyond the board.

Other notable items:

Xbox executives pay their respects to Nintendo's Satoru Iwata
Microsoft'southward Cortana Analytics Suite will offer a new interface for its cloud-based services
How to rail your bike ride with the Microsoft Band
Microsoft flaunts Cortana analytics using a jet-powered car
Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard Review
Bing Maps Preview includes a lot of search improvements
Fifty-fifty Microsoft's employee badges have switched from squares to circles

Miscellaneous

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

Comcast unveiled its latest try to evolve with the irresolute times. Stream is Comcast'southward $fifteen per month Goggle box service that volition allow its Xfinity internet customers sentry live television set online. At its initial rollout, Stream will be limited to mobile and spider web applications in a handful of beta markets and will just include about twelve channels. Simply hey, it's a good outset!

Nokia reaffirmed its plans to go back into the smartphone business. The visitor too announced that it will be property a mysterious press event on July 28. But if you're waiting for a Nokia phone, don't concur your breath. The terms of the agreement between Nokia and Microsoft dictate that earliest any of us will see a Nokia smartphone is Q4 2022.

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

Other notable items:

Lenovo posts 'Starting to use Windows ten' guide to get customers upwards and running with ease
Fujitsu'southward latest Windows 8.1 tablet, the Stylistic Q665, is fix for its Windows 10 upgrade
Acer Aspire Ane Cloudbook with Windows 10 coming in August for $169
HP aims to beat Dell as it volition outset shipping Windows x PCs on July 28
EU launches two antitrust investigations confronting Qualcomm
Oculus VR acquires Pebbles Interfaces to help put real hands within virtual reality
Logitech says all of its electric current PC accessories will piece of work with Windows 10
Become Windows Central headlines on your Microsoft Band with our spider web tile!
Facebook working on 'Moneypenny' virtual assistant for Messenger T-Mobile gives families four lines of service with 10GB each for $120
Here are the latest Subconscious Gems sweepstakes winners!
#AskDanWindows Episode three - Is Microsoft abandoning high-megapixel phones?