This week on tech, new information suggests Microsoft will make Windows 9 a free update for all major versions of the operating system. The tech giant will release the so “Windows 8.1 Update 2”, but the company is referring this release as “August Update” not as “Update 2”. Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 becomes available for download as Developer Preview and anyone registered can try the new bits in supported headsets.

Microsoft confirms that a new white version of Xbox One is coming later this year and it’ll be bundled with the Sunset Overdrive game. Also the company announces the next Xbox One and Xbox 360 free games for Xbox Live Gold members for August. And Europe customers will be happy to hear that a new USB digital TV tuner will arrive in October, turning Xbox One a complete set-top box to watch free HDTV.

Surface Pro 3 expands to 25 more countries, now the tablet will be available in 28 countries starting August 28. And customers can start pre-ordering all three models Intel’s Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 immediately in most markets.

Those Windows users still using older versions of Internet Explorer be advice that Microsoft will drop support for those versions on January 12, 2016, after this date only the latest releases will be supported.

Rumors about Windows Threshold keep piling up. This week we learned that the software maker is planning to include virtual desktops functionality and it will remove the confusing Charms bar for desktop, tablet, and laptop. All this and more…

Welcome to Pureinfotech: Tech Recap edition. Each weekend I will bring you a compilation of articles of the week, including how-to guides, features, tech news, and more. This is simply a list with a brief description of pieces you might have missed or you might just want to read again.

  • Microsoft to drop older Internet Explorer support and that’s a good thing
  • Xbox One transforms into a digital TV tuner for 40 bucks
  • Windows ‘Threshold’ preview said to be right on schedule
  • Microsoft’s Windows ‘Threshold’ to remove the Charms bar for all devices
  • Surface Pro 3 expands to 25 more countries starting August 28th
  • Windows 9 could include ‘virtual desktops’ feature
  • White Xbox One console coming later this year bundled with ‘Sunset Overdrive’
  • Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 now available for download as Preview
  • Windows 8.1 Update 2 is coming in August as a minor update
  • Xbox One and Xbox 360 free games with Gold for August