Microsoft has been through a saga with its Windows 10 updates, with problems ranging from files being inadvertently deleted to wiping user data being reported. With the newest update, the company is testing out a less intrusive approach for installing new features, requiring fewer restarts and making the update process faster.
Windows 10 version 1909, also known as 19H2, will be releasing later this year. We already know what it will include though thanks to its limited release as part of the Windows Insider program.
As we previously reported, the update is pretty small. The biggest changes are to notifications, with a "Manage notifications" option added to the Action Center and notification management now displaying the list of notifications sorted by most recently shown instead of by sender. You can also configure or mute notifications from a specific app with the Action Center.
There are changes too, such as the ability to quickly create a Calendar event from the taskbar. In the File Explorer, the search box will now be powered by Windows Search so you can search through your OneDrive content along with all your other files. Finally, there are some improvements to battery life and a change to a more even distribution of load between multiple processor cores.
The update will be delivered in a more seamless fashion, meaning it installs like a monthly update. If you are running the May 2019 Update, the new release will install much more quickly than previous updates because it is so small. It also won't require a restart. If you're using an earlier version of Windows, the release will install like previous Windows 10 feature updates so it will take a little longer.
If you can't wait to get your hands on the new release, you can join the Windows Insider program to get early access. Then, to check for new updates on your system, open the start menu and go to Settings, then to Update & Security and hit the "Check for updates" button.
All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The Sigma fp, which the company claims is the “world’s smallest and lightest” full-frame mirrorless camera, is now available to pre-order for $1,900 with a release date of October 25th. The 112.6 × 69.9 × 45.3 mm camera weighs just 370g, resulting in what Sigma calls a “pocketable” full-frame camera.
The Sigma fp is compatible with a wide range of accessories, which can increase its size and weight significantly when attached. The camera’s use of the L-Mount standard means that it’s compatible with a range of lenses from Leica, Panasonic, and of course Sigma itself.
The Sigma fp also comes equipped with an HDMI port, and the company says it supports external flash sync, mic, headphone, and remote shutter accessories. You can get an idea of the range of accessories supported in this Sigma video, which shows just how massive the setups for this “pocketable” camera can get:
In terms of specs, the Sigma fp supports an ISO range of 100-25600, has a 49-point autofocus system, can film in 4K, and includes electronic image stabilization. There’s a 3.2-inch touchscreen on the camera, but no viewfinder, and the camera also has a quiet electronic shutter in front of its Bayer sensor. Its limited amount of physical controls won’t be for everyone, but compromises are inevitable when you’re trying to produce a camera this small.
That’s not to say there aren’t any new features, however. The November update’s major additions include the fact that the File Explorer’s search bar can now search within your OneDrive account online, and voice assistants other than Cortana being able to run on the Windows 10 lock screen. The update also adds the ability for new calendar entries to be created directly from the task bar, and Microsoft is introducing new notification management options. A complete list of features can be found on Microsoft’s site.
Thankfully, the update should be fairly painless to install, because Microsoft says it’s using similar technology to what it normally uses to deliver its monthly service updates. A small, non-disruptive update is likely to be music to the ears of anyone who was burned by Windows 10’s October 2018 update, which Microsoft was forced to pull after reports emerged that it was deleting files from its users’ PCs. It wasn’t until December that the “October” update was finally released for everyone, after which Microsoft pledged to focus on quality improvements for its future Windows 10 updates.
If you want to install the new update, then you’ll need to first sign up to be a Windows Insider. Microsoft has provided step-by-step instructions on how to do this in the blog post announcing the name of the new update. Meanwhile, the company is also taking steps towards its next update. It says that testers on its slightly less stable “Slow Ring” insider program will soon be moved on to Windows 10’s 20H1 update, currently due for release in the first half of 2020.
Microsoft has made it official: Windows 10’s “19H2” release will now be officially known as the Windows 10 November 2019 Update.
Microsoft is giving itself plenty of runway with what’s also known as the version 1909 release. Typically, the version number incorporates the month and the year, so that “1909” would be assumed to ship in September. That’s the schedule Microsoft committed to, anyway. Microsoft hasn’t changed the November 2019 Update’s version number to accommodate the revised shipping date.
Microsoft hasn’t committed to an official rollout date for shipping the Windows 10 November 2019 Update to the millions of “stable” PCs who aren’t in the Insider testing program, either, though sometime in November is a safe bet.
Brandon LeBlanc, the senior program manager responsible for the Windows Insider Program, wrote that the Windows 10 build 18363.418 that is currently in the Release Preview ring is anticipated to be the final release. That’s just a notch higher than the current version of the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, which is officially 18362.418. (“Because they use the same servicing content, the build revision number (the number that comes after the dot) will always match between May 2019 Update and November 2019 Update,” LeBlanc explained.)
In part, that’s because the November 2019 Update was revised to be something more akin to a service pack than a full-fledged feature update. We’ve listed the features of the 19H2 or November 2019 Update here, and compared them against the so-called 20H1 update, due in early 2020. Given the list of features that’s emerged in the Insider beta builds, Microsoft’s slating 20H1 to be a more traditional “feature” release. Microsoft also hasn’t said when to expect 20H1, or whether that will even take place during the usual March, 2020, or some later date.
In any event, while the Release Preview ring has already received the “final” November 2019 Update build, the Insider Slow ring will be migrated to the Windows 10 November 2019 build in the coming weeks, LeBlanc said. As they normally do, Insiders will have to choose whether to remain in the Slow or Release Preview rings—which will eventually migrate over to the 19H2 track.
If you’re not in the Insider program and want to test out the 19H2/November 2019 Update, you’ll need to join the Windows 10 Insider program (Settings > Home > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program) and follow the instructions, which involves signing in with a Microsoft account and rebooting your machine to download and install the update. Existing Insiders can switch rings to join Release Preview. Remember, there’s also an option to opt out of Insider Previews once the official “release” flight is shipped to your PC.
Mark Hachman / IDG
Joining the Insider program always involves the potential for buggy software, however, so it’s only for those who understand the risks. Remember that every PC will receive this update in a matter of weeks.
Now, Microsoft has to hope that its November 2019 rollout goes smoothly. Microsoft was scheduled to roll out its Windows 10 October 2019 Update automatically starting October 9, 2018. Several days later, the update (also known as “version 1809”) was pulled as reports surfaced of user files being deleted during the installation process. Though Microsoft later said that just 1 percent or so of users were affected, the numbers would have worked out to hundreds of thousands of users.
Note: When you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Read our affiliate link policy for more details.
Recently we heard rumors of a more affordable, likely mid-range Samsung Galaxy Note 10 model, which for now we’re calling the Galaxy Note 10 Lite. Now, we’ve heard about it again, complete with color and availability information.
According to SamMobile, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite will launch in black and red, and will be available in Europe.
That still doesn’t tell us much. We don’t know, for example, which parts of Europe it will land in, or whether it will launch anywhere outside Europe. So US, Australian and even UK availability remains unclear for now – though if this rumor is right then there’s a good chance it will land in the UK at least.
The source also doesn’t specifically say that the Galaxy Note 10 Lite won’t be available in other shades, just that it will be available in black and red.
That’s all the information included here, but with multiple rumors now pointing to the phone’s existence there’s a fair chance it’s a real thing.
No rumors as yet have mentioned the specs though, beyond apparently 128GB of storage, and it’s those and the price that could make or break this S Pen-toting handset. As soon as we learn any more we’ll be sure to update you.
The first Fire TV Cube from Amazon was really three products in one: a Fire TV streaming device, an Alexa smart speaker, and a universal remote for other devices hooked up to your TV. It offered the same streaming experience as Amazon’s other Fire TVs, but the built-in microphones allowed the Cube to be used entirely hands-free through voice commands. It could also control cable boxes, soundbars, and A/V receivers with the help of built-in IR blasters. But the original Cube lacked Dolby Vision HDR, and eventually Amazon released a cheaper Fire TV Stick 4K that did have Dolby Vision for less money, leaving the do-everything Cube in an awkward spot.
So for 2019, Amazon has refreshed the Fire TV Cube to make it the clear flagship of the lineup. It’s got the same exact design as before, but now has Dolby Vision, a more powerful processor, and faster response times. Amazon is trying to lessen the Cube’s dependence on the cloud, with a new “local voice control” feature that processes basic commands on the device itself. And the new Fire TV Cube can still control your home theater components and dim the smart lights when you sit down for movie night — all with just your voice.
The Fire TV Cube looks completely unchanged on the outside. It has the same controls as an Echo speaker on top (with a matte texture) with eight tiny microphone holes, and it’s glossy everywhere else. I get that Amazon chose this design for maximum IR signal passthrough, but the thing remains a huge dust magnet nonetheless.
Around back is an HDMI output, power, an input for the included IR extender, and a Micro USB port for the ethernet adapter (also in the box) if you need it. You’ll want to use the thin IR extender cord if some of your home theater components are out of sight or tucked into a cabinet. Unfortunately, Amazon still isn’t including an HDMI cable with the $120 Fire TV Cube.
Amazon recommends that you place the Cube at least one foot away from any speaker. Even with audio blaring from a Sonos Beam, I found the mics to be pretty good at picking up my voice and the “Alexa” hotword at a normal speaking volume.
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are new to the second-gen Fire TV Cube; the first model only had basic HDR10 support. HDR passthrough worked just fine on my TCL TV, with the display automatically recognizing when Dolby Vision or HDR10 content was being played and applying the right expanded color and brightness settings. With all major formats now supported, you’ve got plenty of choices for streaming 4K between Netflix, Prime Video, Vudu, and other apps. As a Fire TV, this year’s Cube is objectively superior to the original.
But it’s still only so-so as a universal remote. The Fire TV Cube can control most TVs, receivers, and soundbars — plus some cable boxes You’re asked to choose your devices during setup, after which Alexa will know the ins and outs of your gear. Generally, the IR emitter works well at getting commands through to your home theater components and turning everything on in sync. But for other hardware like game consoles or Blu-ray players, Alexa can’t do very much at all. The Cube will switch to the right HDMI input, but then you’re on your own. That’s all you can really expect from IR blasters, but companies like Caavo are trying to do more with on-screen machine learning.
Still, Alexa does feel more responsive this time around. Local voice control results in certain basic voice commands being executed up to four times faster than before, because the Cube handles them directly and doesn’t need any help from Amazon’s servers. The awkward pause after a voice command is gone — but only sometimes.
Local control works for your common functions like navigating the UX. You’re literally telling Alexa which way to scroll or picking a number to open the app or content that you want to watch (“Alexa, play number 5”). Apps like Netflix and Hulu have been optimized for hands-free voice control with these on-screen numbers next to selections , but that’s not true for many other streaming apps. In those cases, you’re still better off just using the physical Alexa remote. And the Cube will still need to check with the cloud for a lot of commands, even if the basics are now considerably speedier.
As for its secondary function as a smart speaker, the Fire TV Cube has become a better Alexa speaker thanks to continued software updates. It now supports calls, voice messages, and the Drop In feature, so it’s basically on equal footing with an Echo. You can also add the Cube to a multi-room music setup with other Alexa devices. Remember that the Cube always plays music requests through your soundbar or TV speakers; the built-in speaker is fine for Alexa’s voice responses but isn’t suitable for much else.
Every smart device now requires you to agree to a series of terms and conditions before you can use it — contracts that no one actually reads. It’s impossible for us to read and analyze every single one of these agreements. But we’re going to start counting exactly how many times you have to hit “agree” to use devices when we review them since these are agreements most people don’t read and definitely can’t negotiate.
Using a Fire TV Cube requires an Amazon account, which means you’ll have to agree to the company’s conditions of use and privacy notice to get started. It’s also important to be aware of privacy settings for Amazon’s Alexa since the voice assistant plays such a large role on this device.
The Fire TV platform comes with its own privacy settings (enabled by default) that allow Amazon to:
“Use personal data collected by the operating system of this device for marketing and product improvement purposes.”
“Allow Appstore to collect information on the frequency and duration of use of downloaded apps.”
There’s also an “interest-based ads” option that lets you opt out of apps using your device’s advertising ID to build a profile for targeted ads. Separate from this, you can choose to reset your advertising ID.
Final tally: two mandatory agreements, plus Alexa privacy policy and data sharing settings that are specific to Fire TV.
Amazon says the Cube now has a hexa-core processor, and the Fire TV interface has felt snappy in my time using it so far. But some owners of the original device found that it bogged down over time and exhibited an irritating amount of lag, and I haven’t had enough time to rule out that possibility. Amazon is adamant that the Fire TV Cube is now its fastest Fire TV, however, whereas the Fire TV Stick 4K set the bar before. So it should be more consistent and able to run Kodi, Plex, and other apps without issue.
The software experience largely matches that of other Fire TV devices. All the apps you’d want are there, and Amazon has finally patched up the YouTube hole that existed last year. YouTube TV is now available as well, though Sony’s PlayStation Vue gets preferred treatment among streaming TV services and is integrated directly into Amazon’s live guide.
My usual nitpicks with Fire TV’s home screen remain: Amazon can push its originals a little too aggressively, and it also steers customers towards Prime Channel subscriptions for HBO, Starz, Epix, and other networks. But when you search for a genre or specific movie or show, the platform does a good job of showing you everywhere it can be streamed. And seeing visual responses for Alexa queries (like asking for the weather or searching for nearby restaurants) is a nice touch. But these features aren’t unique to the Cube; they’re now part of Fire TV OS as a whole.
I think the Fire TV Cube makes the most sense for people who are just getting started with Amazon’s ecosystem. If you already have an Echo Dot in your living room, the Fire TV Stick 4K makes more sense. It offers all of the same Dolby and HDR support and costs just $50. Plus, the Alexa Voice Remote bundled with that device is also capable of controlling your TV and soundbar. You’ve really got to want the Cube’s hands-free powers — and its ability to pull double duty as an Alexa speaker when the TV screen is off — for the $120 to be worth it.
Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge
Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our ethics policy.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18303330/sigma_2.png)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65439539/cwelch191009_3721_0001.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19273602/cwelch191009_3721_0007.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19273599/cwelch191009_3721_0004.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19273603/cwelch191009_3721_0008.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19273601/cwelch191009_3721_0006.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19273598/cwelch191009_3721_0003.jpg)