Microsoft delays Windows 10 update to 2017, Skype adds Arabic to Translator, Google opens Project Fi up to everyone, The Internet Archive brings the Apple II back to life, and teens react (badly) to Windows 95.

Microsoft Delays Windows 10 Update

Windows 10 is designed to be the last operating system Microsoft ever releases. In simple terms, Windows 10 is to PCs as OS X is to Macs, with regular upgrades evolving the operating system without the need to chuck it out and start all over again. Hence the need for major updates adding features and fixes, which Microsoft has nicknamed Redstone.

Redstone 1 (RS1) and Redstone 2 (RS2) were both originally scheduled to be released in 2016; RS1 arriving in June and RS2 arriving a few months later. However, according to both WinBeta and ZDNet, while Redstone 1 is still on course to arrive in June, Redstone 2 has been pushed back to sometime in 2017.

RS1 will likely focus on the convergence between different devices running Windows 10. Namely, PC, Xbox, and Mobile. RS2 will then focus on new features and functionality not quite ready for RS1, but it won't be released until 2017, and timed to coincide with the release of the next wave of Windows 10 devices.

So, what does this all mean? 1. That Microsoft is keen to update Windows 10 in order to showcase new hardware. 2. That Microsoft is able to change things up as and when necessary, rather than sticking to some arbitrary release schedule. And 3. That Microsoft might have actually been telling the truth when it suggested Windows 10 is set to be the last version of Windows ever.

Skype Translates Arabic Live

Microsoft has added Arabic to the languages Skype Translator can translate live as it's spoken in a conversation on the service. Specifically, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which is used throughout the Arab-speaking world, and is taught in schools in both the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Skype Translator is now capable of translating eight different languages live as they are spoken, and a further 50 in written communications. After English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese (Mandarin), Italian, and Portuguese (Brazilian), Arabic was a natural choice, as it's the official language of 22 countries, and the native language of more than 200 million people.

Skype Translator is only available in the Windows desktop app, because Microsoft. To switch it on, click the Globe icon while in a conversation, and choose your language preferences. Right now, Skype advises that the best results are when English is one of the two languages involved. However, translations between other languages should improve over time.

Google's Project Fi Opens to Everyone

Google is making Project Fi -- which our own Ben Stegner tested for several weeks -- available to everyone without the need for an invite. That is if you're resident in the United States and own a Nexus smartphone. And if you don't yet own a Nexus, Google is offering the Nexus 5X at the discounted price of $199 for the next month.

Project Fi is Google's own mobile network, with subscribers only paying for the amount of data they actually use. Prices start at $20-per-month, which gets you unlimited calls and texts, and $10 for every 1GB of data you use. Which means most people will save money on Project Fi.

Project Fi has previously been available by invitation only, but as Simon Arscott, the Project Manager of Project Fi, explained on the Official Android Blog:

"With Project Fi, we deliver fast wireless service with the flexibility to use it where you want (even internationally) and a monthly bill that’s simple and easy to understand. Today, we’re excited to be exiting our invitation-only mode and opening up Project Fi so that people across the U.S. can now sign up for service without having to wait in-line for an invite."

Internet Archive Brings Apple II Back

The Internet Archive has added 500 obscure Apple II programs to its collection. These programs, which have all been emulated to work directly in your Web browser, are collectively called The 4am Collection. All were originally copy protected, but with that removed they're all available online for the first time.

These are all the original programs, without any modifications having been added or removed by overzealous hackers. Programs in the collection include Cause of Effect, California Games, The Quarter Mile, and The Observatory. While you will likely recognize some of these programs, others will have previously passed you by.

Teenagers React to Windows 95

And finally, we get to enjoy seeing a bunch of teenagers reacting to Windows 95. This is the version of Windows that really hit big, and it was a revelation at the time of release. These teenagers don't realize that though, and most spend the video berating Windows 95 for being crappy. Still, annoying teenagers is entertaining in its own right.

I was a little hesitant to feature this video as it's the work of the Fine Brothers, who recently decided to claim ownership of the React genre. However, they finally saw sense after the Internet gave them a bloody nose, so I guess it's OK to start sharing their videos once again. We still think you should make your own reaction video too though.

Your Views on Today's Tech News

Are you happy with Windows 10 as it exists now? Which language would you like to see Skype translate next? Are you tempted to sign up for Project Fi? What was your favorite program on the Apple II? What's your abiding memory of Windows 95?

Let us know your thoughts on the Tech News of the day by posting to the comments section below. Because a healthy discussion is always welcome.

Tech News Digest is a daily column paring the technology news of the day down into bite-sized chunks that are easy to read and perfect for sharing.

Image Credit: Clive Darra via Flickr