Welcome back to our weekly Windows 10 news recap, in which we recap the top news stories regarding Windows 10 for the week. Let’s dive straight in.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 Redstone Insider Preview build 11102
Microsoft released a new build of Windows 10 for Insiders this week, build 11102 which again included no real features of note. It did include a change in Microsoft Edge though that allows users to jump through recently navigated pages by right clicking the back and forward buttons, but nothing else was noticeably changed.
So, don’t hesitate, get over to Settings > Update & security > Check for updates and get that new build going. Let us know in the comments if you find anything particularly noteworthy. You can watch us go hands-on with the new build below.
Messaging + Skype app for Windows 10 snags performance improvements
The Messaging + Skype app on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile is known mostly for how bad the app actually is with dealing with Skype conversations. So it’s always good news when the app receives an update. That’s what happened this week, with Microsoft pushing out a new bug fix and performance update for said app via the Windows Store.
What exactly is this app? Here’s the official app description: “Skype instant messaging, calling, and video calling come built into Windows 10—making it easier to use Skype to stay in touch with family and friends. Send Skype instant messages quickly right from the Messaging app. Have a few minutes to catch up? Start a video call in no time. Open Messaging, Skype video, or Phone from your All apps list to get going.”
Windows Store snags minor update on Windows 10
Another Windows 10 app received an update this week too. The Windows Store received a bug fix and performance enhancing update just like the Messaging and Skype app did for both Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile. No new features are of note in the new update, but that generally isn’t a bad thing.
Head over to the Windows Store and check for updates on both your desktop and mobile device. Let us know in the comments below if you notice any new improvements or changes. We’re hearing that a bug with the Live Tile has been fixed — it behaves as intended when you disable the Live Tile setting. There also appears to be new music collections curated by Groove Music editors.
Windows 10 app and in-app purchases via gift cards will impact developer revenue
Microsoft announced this week that in-app purchases made via a gift card will impact developer revenue. Microsoft has sent out an email to app developers informing them of a new fee that will take effect starting March 2016, affecting the revenue made by app developers if a gift card is used for the app or in-app purchase. This fee is called “Commerce Expansion Adjustment” and will be at a rate of 2.24% on top of the normal Windows Store fee.
This is unfortunate news for developers, but there’s reason behind Microsoft’s revenue cut here. According to the company, this change is now in effect because gift cards have a higher cost with packaging and channel partner revenue sharing.
Microsoft holding Xbox and Windows 10 media event in San Francisco February 25th
Finally, Microsoft announced this week that it will be holding an Xbox and Windows 10 press event in San Fransisco at the end of February. Right now, nobody knows what Microsoft is planning to showcase, but whispers around the web seem to think Microsoft will detail Cortana on Xbox One, the Windows Store for Xbox One and other OS features.
The event will also likely include a showcase of games exclusive to the Xbox One coming at some point this year. We’ve already seen CES come and go, and E3 isn’t until June, so holding a showcase to highlight what’s coming in the first half of 2016 makes some sense, building up momentum even before the annual big games blowout event at E3.
That’s all for this week, what was your favourite story?
