Microsoft News Roundup: Four Windows Insider builds, in-person Ignite, Intel losing $500 million, and more

This week we saw Intel report a major quarterly loss, four Insider builds of Windows, and much more.

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It’s the end of another week. That means another roundup of the biggest breaking news from the worlds of Microsoft, Windows, and tech. This week we sawfourInsider builds of Windows, Dell Mobile Connect march toward discontinuation, and Intel losing $500 million in a quarter. On top of all that, Microsoft announced that it would hold an in-person tech event for the first time since the global pandemic.

Microsoft Ignite to be held in-person this year

Microsoft will hold an in-person tech event for the first time since the global pandemic.Ignite 2022 will take place in Seattle, Washington, running from October 12-14.  The conference is aimed at developers and IT professionals, though others can attend if they’d like.

In addition to the in-person event, Microsoft will share Ignite sessions online. Attending the conference in person will have paid and free options. Virtually attending Ignite won’t cost anything.

Those interested in attending cansign up to be notifiedwhen registration opens.

Microsoft earnings

Microsoft reported itsearnings for FY22 Q4this week. The tech giant also shared its annual report, as its fiscal year closed on June 30, 2022. Microsoft’s $51.9 billion in revenue in the quarter was up 12% year-over-year and just below industry expectations of $52.4 billion (falling short of expectations is a rare occurrence for Microsoft).

Our executive editor Daniel Rubino broke down the earnings on theWindows and Surfaceside of things and our Samuel Tolbert took a look at Microsoft’sgaming and Xboxsegments.

Intel loses $500 million in Q2 2022

Intel also reported its quarterly earnings this week but had worse news to share than Microsoft. For the first time in decades, Intel reported a quarterly loss. The company lost $500 million last quarter due to dips in several key segments.

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“This quarter’s results were below the standards we have set for the company and our shareholders. We must and will do better. The sudden and rapid decline in economic activity was the largest driver, but the shortfall also reflects our own execution issues,” said Gelsinger. “We are being responsive to changing business conditions, working closely with our customers while remaining laser-focused on our strategy and long-term opportunities. We are embracing this challenging environment to accelerate our transformation.”

Windows Insider builds galore

Not one, not two, not three, Microsoft announcedfourInsider builds of Windows this week. Insiders in theBeta Channel received two builds, 22621.440 and 22622.440. The builds include a handful of UI updates as well as Taskbar improvements. Most notably, there’s a new overflow menu when the Taskbar is out of space for more icons.

For those in the Dev Channel,Windows 11Build 25169rolled out. It includes a new dedicated theme for the Windows Spotlight feature and a handful of other improvements.

Even Windows 10 received an Insider build, bringing systems toBuild 19045.1865. It’s the first preview build of Windows 10 version 22H2. Despite sharing a similar name toWindows 11 version 22H2, the two operating system updates are entirely separate.

Dell Mobile Connect being discontinued

Dell Mobile Connect will be discontinuedfor everyone by January 2023 (exact dates vary by region). The app allows people to send SMS messages and place phone calls from their PC by connecting their system to a smartphone. It’s somewhat similar to Microsoft’s Your Phone, but it works with iOS and Android.

While Dell Mobile Connect is on the way out, the same functionality will be available soon in another form. Screenovate, which powers Dell Mobile Connect, was recently acquired by Intel. At CES 2022, Intel showcased several ways that it plans to connect mobile devices to PCs, all with Screenovate tech.

Review roundup

Every week our experts check out the latest and greatest gadgets, PCs, games, and accessories. Here’s everything we reviewed over the last seven days.

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.