Topping tech headlines on Thursday, Microsoft launched Windows 8 Release Preview, the latest pre-release version of its anticipated OS, with new apps, Flash support, and new multi-monitor options.
The Release Preview doesn't make any drastic departures from the Consumer Preview, the previous publicly available test version. But in addition to hardening and speeding up the OS code, highlights of the Release Preview include new and updated default apps (Sports, News, and Travel), advanced multi-monitor support, and limited support for Adobe Flash in the upcoming OS's Web browser, Internet Explorer 10. For more, see PCMag's Hands On With Windows 8 Release Preview.
In other news, Cricket Communications announced that it will be the first pre-paid carrier in the U.S. to offer the Apple iPhone. Also on the iPhone front, new job postings on Apple's website indicated that the Cupertino tech giant is seeking two engineers to redesign its ubiquitious 30-pin dock connector.
Meanwhile, Google was handed a victory in its battle against Oracle when a California judge found that Google was within its rights to use parts of Oracle's Java programming language in the creation of Android. But just as one legal battle for Google ended, another began. The search giant filed a complaint with the European Commission, accusing Nokia and Microsoft of mobile patent abuse.
Also making headlines on Thursday:
- SpaceX Dragon Lands, Mission Heralded as '100 Percent Success': The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft landed safely in the Pacific Ocean after its trip to the ISS.
- Hands On: Intel's Ivy Bridge Ultrabook: The first ultrabook to use one of Intel's third-generation Core "Ivy Bridge" processors isn't from HP or Dell or Toshiba.
- Watchdog Group Slams Foxconn Working Conditions (Again): A watchdog group released a study this week that criticizes Foxconn for limited freedoms, inhumane treatment, and unsafe working conditions, among other things.
- FTC Still Probing Google, Undecided About Going to Court: The FTC chairman said that the agency is "in the middle" of its investigation into Google's business practices and has not yet decided whether to bring a case against the search giant.
- After Patent Delay, HTC EVO 4G LTE Arrives on Sprint June 2: Sprint revealed that it will begin selling the HTC EVO 4G LTE on June 2 for $199.99.
- Google Moves to Secure Domains Like .Google, .YouTube: Google confirmed that it will be shelling out big bucks for a number of generic top-level domains (gTLDs), though it did not specify exactly how many it wants to purchase.
- Trailer for Skyrim Dawnguard Add-On Released: The teaser trailer for the Skyrim Dawnguard add-on hit the Web, offering a first look at the supernatural adventure that will be released this summer.
- Samsung Launches Galaxy S III in India:The latest release in the Galaxy lineup is priced at 43,180 Indian rupees, or $768.
- Doom 3 BFG Edition Beckons Gamers Back to Hell This Fall: Bethesda Softworks announced that Doom 3 BFG Edition is bringing big freakin' guns to the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 platforms this fall.
- Intel-Powered San Diego Smartphone Hits Orange June 6: The Intel-powered San Diego smartphone will be available in the U.K. via Orange starting June 6, the chipmaker announced.
- Opera Mini 7 Browser Comes to Basic Phones: Your feature phone is about to get a little smarter, and more social.
For more from Angela, follow her on Twitter @amoscaritolo.
