Microsoft leaks Windows 10 Anniversary Update launch date

Microsoft has seemingly confirmed plans to launch the Windows 10 Anniversary Update on the 2nd of August, but it will arrive without at least one promised feature: cross-platform messaging support.

Microsoft's Windows 10 Anniversary Update, functionally equivalent to a Service Pack, is set to bring a host of new features to the company's latest operating system. Sadly, though, this won't include the cross-platform messaging functionality beta testers on the company's Windows Insider track have been trialling, as this feature is now being shifted to Microsoft's Skype messaging platform instead.

'We decided not to release this feature as part of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update this summer. Starting with Build 14376 and going forward, Insiders will no longer have the ability to reply to text messages from their phone via the Messaging app on their PCs,' Microsoft's Dona Sarkar explained of the company's decision. 'The ability to reply to text messages on your PC using Cortana is unaffected. Going forward, we will be working with the Skype Team on delivering a great ‘messaging everywhere’ experience on your Windows 10 devices through the Skype app.'

At the same time, Microsoft released then immediately withdrew a press release announcing that the Windows 10 Anniversary Update would be launching on the 2nd of August - the month following Windows 10's official anniversary. No correction or updated release followed the seemingly accidental announcement.

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update is set to bring improved pen input support, deeper Cortana virtual assistant integration, the Windows Hello security system, and improved DirectX 12 performance.