Lilbits (8-12-2014): Windows 8.1 gets a (minor) update

Last week Microsoft announced that an update for Windows 8.1 was on the way… but contrary to primary rumors, this wouldn’t be the big “Windows 8.1 Update 2” that some people had expected. Instead it’s a minor update featuring touchpad improvements, the ability to use a PC as a Miracast wireless display receiver, and a few other tweaks.

Instead of major releases a few times a year, Microsoft plans to roll out new features as they’re ready about once a month on “Update Tuesday,” which is the second Tuesday of the month.

There are also firmware updates for the Surface RT, Surface Pro, and Surface Pro 3 tablets today.

Here’s a roundup of tech news from around the web. You can keep up on the latest headlines by following Liliputing on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

• That minor update for Windows 8.1 we heard about last week is now ready for download
  You can wait for Windows Update to grab the latest software automatically or install it manually by grabbing the 32-bit or 64-bit download. [Microsoft]
• Now you can cast your Google+ stream to Chromecast from the latest Android app
  Because you’ve always wanted to see photos of your friends’ vacations on your TV without inviting them to your house. [Android Police]
• Sony PlayStation TV will hit the US October 14th and Europe a month later
  This $100 box turns connects to your TV and lets you play PS Vita games on a big screen or stream PS4 games from a console in another room. You’ll also be able to stream cloud games or internet video. [Connectedly]
• Astell&Kern’s $1699 AK120 II portable audio player hits the FCC
  The latest media player for audiophiles just showed up at the FCC website. It turns out it’s actually manufactured by iRiver. [FCC]
• Acer Iconia A3 10 inch Android tablet on the way
  It’s likely Acer will publicly unveil the new tablets at IFA in Berlin next month. But ahead of launch we already know it has a quad-core MediaTek processor, a 1280 x 800 pixel display, and other specs that you’d expect from a low-to-mid range tablet. [Notebook Italia]
• Jolla’s Sailfish OS smartphone heading to Hong Kong, India
  Jolla’s first smartphone is already available in Europe. Now the company is getting ready to launch in a few more regions. There’s still no word on if or when it’s coming to North America though. [GigaOm]
• Valve’s Steam game platform could be adding music, videos
  The latest beta of Steam includes code suggesting that music, movie, and tv shows are coming to the game store and management platform. [IGN]