Windows 8 Consumer Preview; Path Says Sorry; Android Delays Explained

Microsoft got the attention of the tech world on Wednesday when it took another step in the Windows 8 launch process.

The software giant at Mobile World Congress later this month that will include news about the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. The event is set for Feb. 29 at 3pm in Barcelona. No other details were provided, but PCMag will be there, so check back for all the info.

Privacy issues also topped headlines, as , and released a new version of its iPhone app that will allow users to opt in or out of sharing contact information. The company's chief executive, Dave Morin, previously acknowledged that Path uploads the entire iPhone address book without user permission on the iOS version of the app.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center, meanwhile, , arguing that they are in violation of a recent Federal Trade Commission settlement. And despite facing increasing scrutiny over privacy issues, Google quietly , in which users are being offered up to $25 in gift cards to share with the Web giant all the websites they visit and how they use them.

Meanwhile, a top executive at Motorola said Wednesday that manufacturers are not to blame for holding up mobile phone upgrades to the new version of Google's mobile operating system, Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich." , said Christy Wyatt, senior vice president and general manager of Motorola's Enterprise Business Unit.

Also making news Wednesday:

• : The tech giant joined the chorus of those calling for basic rules regarding the licensing of wireless standard patents.
• : Facebook is paying nearly $1.2 million a month to rent its Menlo Park campus, top executives Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg won't get outsized "golden parachutes" if they get fired under their current contracts, and more.
• : TV Shows from MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, TV Land, Spike, VH1, BET, CMT, and Logo were added.
• : The app allows for discounted VoIP calls, putting Vonage in competition with Skype.
• : Concerned customers are demanding the tech giant improve working conditions at overseas manufacturing plants.
• : Autocompleted URLs you start to type in the browser's address/search box will be preloaded in the background, before you hit Enter.