Water Cooler
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CES 2022 is here, and I am excited for another year filled with incredible innovation from our partners! Every year, CES unveils the newest technologies our industry has to offer, and this year, the event is once again setting a new standard for cutting edge devices. Technology brings us together and allows us to collaborate in a rich environment that meets the needs of businesses, students, educators, gamers and consumers. After a year of tremendous technological advancements, including the launch of Windows 11, CES 2022 gives us a front row seat to see how devices continue to evolve to meet customers’ needs. I am looking forward to what we will see and hear from Microso…
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At CES 2022, ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) introduced new and refreshed Windows 11 devices, such as the ROG Flow Z13, with new form factors for the Zephyrus Duo 16, Zephyrus G14 and Strix series, which also include new CPUs and GPUs. The ROG Flow Z13 is one of the new devices, a gaming tablet that comes with Windows 11, up to a 14-core Intel Core i9-12900H processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU and 5200MHz LPDDR5 memory. It has two display options: a 4K 60Hz display with 85% DCI-P3 coverage, or a Full HD 120Hz screen with a 100% sRGB gamut. Both have Corning Gorilla glass protection on the touch screen, Adaptive Sync, Dolby Vision HDR with 500 nits of brightn…
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At CES 2022, Lenovo introduced Windows 11 devices designed to meet the needs of a wide array of people, including creators, hybrid workers, gamers and environmentally conscious consumers. A decade after Lenovo debuted its 360-degree flexible hinge design on the multi-mode Yoga 2-in-1 laptop at CES, the Yoga continues to span and stretch across form factors with the seventh generation of this defining line of laptops. For this 10th anniversary, the design language reboot shifts towards a new vertically flipped Yoga wordmark and includes curved edges for its convertibles, a gender-neutral color palette, more recycled materials and luxury finishes. [caption id=attachm…
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The new year rolls along, and the Minecraft team continues its celebration with its next free map, Axolotl Islands for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition. "The awesome people at Tetrascape have crafted a world in which only you and your special abilities can save Axolotl Islands from being overrun by infectious super-slimes," says Sophie Austin on Minecraft.net. "When you’re not solving tricky puzzles you’ll be shooting your antidote gun with abandon (or perhaps that’s my poor aim?) to cure the slimes and having alotl fun as you zip from island to island to restore the axolotl’s home to the peaceful paradise it once was." Head over to Minecraft.net to find out more and download …
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Ahead of CES 2022, Qualcomm expanded its portfolio with the introduction of the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 Compute Platform, designed to deliver top performance and exceptional experiences in premium ultra-slim and fanless laptops. The company also unveiled the Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3 Compute Platform to strengthen entry-tier Windows PC ecosystems with robust 5G connectivity and advanced AI experiences. Both platforms utilize smart, connected technology to modernize PC experiences and redefine mobile computing. Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 marks the world’s first 5nm Windows PC platform. The advanced 5nm process node, combined with other optimizations, dramatically improves the per…
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At CES 2022, Acer revealed many new Windows 11 devices, including new laptops and All-in-Ones based on the latest Intel 12th Gen Intel Core processors, a special edition gaming notebook and the latest manifestation of the company’s commitment to a more sustainable future. The Swift X lineup adds two new additions, arriving in 14-inch and 16-inch models, arriving in 14-inch and 16-inch models, both running on Windows 11 and featuring a 16:10 aspect-ratio IPS screen with a 92.22% screen-to-body ratio. From there, 100% coverage of the sRGB color gamut delivers an immersive viewing experience. To further enhance these images, it also features Acer BluelightShield for m…
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At CES 2022, HP displayed its most recent Windows 11 PCs, including the ENVY Desktop PC, the Elite Dragonfly G3 for businesses, the OMEN 45L for gamers and the Z2 Mini G9 for all-purpose work. The HP ENVY Desktop PC, powered by Windows 11, is the new expansive powerhouse for creatives, designed to be the central hub to help you learn, create and manage every aspect of modern life. Quickly connect these devices to be even more productive with multiple high-speed ports including Thunderbolt and a card reader, along with the ability to connect up to four 4K monitors. This PC keeps up with everything you do with up to a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and up to NV…
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At CES 2022, Intel announced the 12th Gen Intel Core family of mobile processors, led by the launch of new Intel Core H-series mobile processors. The new Intel Core H-series family features the flagship Intel Core i9-12900HK, sporting up to 5GHz frequencies, 14 cores (6 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores) and 20 threads. Intel also unveiled a new product line for mobile processors called P-series, aimed at performance thin and light laptops. In total, Intel will deliver 28 new 12th Gen Intel Core mobile SKUs across H-, P- and U-series processors. For desktop processors, Intel introduced 22 new 12th Gen Intel Core 65- and 35-watt desktop processors with scalabl…
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Century: Age of Ashes is now available as a free-to-play on the Microsoft Store for Windows PC, with an exclusive Dragon Egg for Microsoft Store players. In the game, you play as one of many dragon riders controlling majestic dragons, engage in fast-paced 3v3 or 6v6 competitive skirmishes to prove your skills, gain experience through fights and challenges, unlock hundreds of epic customizations for your dynamic duos, and battle it out to become a ruler of the skies. Microsoft Store users are being offered an exclusive Saarkir Backwaters Dragon for the Phantom rider class. To redeem this unique dragon, download Century: Age of Ashes on the Microsoft Store for Windows 10/…
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At CES 2022, Dell unveiled the latest iteration of its XPS 13: the XPS 13 Plus, designed to be minimalist and modern in a light and thin package. Users will find curved, comfy edges and no wasted space. It’s got larger keycaps and a new capacitive touch experience to switch between media and function keys easily. A new seamless glass touchpad that provides haptic responses replaces a traditional trackpad. The company’s mindful minimalist approach extends beyond design to encompass both the production and packaging process. By removing steps and reducing finishes and materials – but elevating the ones that remain – they’ve decreased scrapped parts and their overall…
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CES 2022: Razer reveals newest lineup of Blade gaming laptops, now powered by Windows 11
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At CES 2022, Razer introduced the Razer Blade 14, Razer Blade 15 and Razer Blade 17, equipped with the recently announced NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series Laptop GPUs, up to an RTX 3080Ti, making the new Blades better than ever. All new Razer Blade gaming laptops now also include Windows 11 and all its gaming benefits, including DirectStorage, Xbox Game Bar and Xbox Game Pass. [caption id=attachment_176744" align="alignright" width="300]https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2022/01/Razer-Blade-14-2021-8-High-Res-300x169.jpg Razer Blade 14[/caption] These devices are each powered by advancements from both AMD and Intel. The Blade 14 returns with the ne…
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At CES 2022, NVIDIA announced its new GeForce RTX 3080 Ti and 3070 Ti Laptop GPUs, with the latter the newest GPU in the company’s fastest growing segment. Both are built on award winning NVIDIA Ampere architecture, with technologies like ray tracing for the most immersive and realistic experiences. NVIDIA also revealed over 160 new next-generation RTX 30 Series laptops, from all of its OEM partners, new Max-Q technologies and the new GeForce RTX 3050 GPU for desktops, the newest member of the RTX 30Series graphics card family. Find out more about these and other NVIDIA announcements at CES 2022. Continue reading...
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AMD unveiled its newest line of processors, the AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors for mobile. AMD also brings its “Zen 3+” core architecture together with AMD RDNA2 integrated graphics for the first time with the full lineup of new AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors. And for the first time in a business notebook, AMD integrated the Microsoft Pluton Security Processor within AMD Ryzen PRO 6000 Series, for continuous protection of user identity, data and apps – such as Microsoft Teams – on new Windows 11 PCs. Find out more about these and other AMD announcements. Continue reading...
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As we enter this new year, security remains a top concern as businesses continue to evolve and define their digital transformation strategies and what hybrid work means for their organizations and their employees. Over the last year, we've seen a 150% increase in ransomware attacks. Every second there are 579 password attacks, and since March 2020 we have seen a 667% increase in phishing attacks. While cloud-delivered protections and significant advancements in the Windows OS have made things more difficult for attackers, they continue to evolve as well – targeting the seams that exist between hardware and software and sensitive information like encryption keys and creden…
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Minecraft's new year's celebration is well underway, and on Tuesday the team added a new free map. "Doggie Daycare (by Razzleberries in partnership with Dogtopia) is the puppy paradise of your dreams," Sofia Dankis writes on Minecraft.net. "You have been entrusted with the family business, a doggie daycare. Take care of both the business and your newfound furry friends. Hire staff and discover over 16 breeds of dogs! There are four mini-games for you to play, but don’t forget to pamper the pups!" Head over to Minecraft.net to find out more. Continue reading...
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From Dec. 27 to Jan. 11, Sea of Thieves players can grab a grog (OK, three) and unlock unique cosmetics and more as part of Grogmanay. "For this year’s event, the Bilge Rats want the cheer to flow liberally so they’re offering rewards to pirates who complete Challenges while sufficiently lubricated with grog," says a post on SeaOfThieves.com. "Larinna’s also got a special Voyage leading to a cache of Bilge Rat-inspired fireworks – talk about capping things off with a bang!" Head over to SeaOfThieves.com to find out how it all works. Continue reading...
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Minecraft's New Year's celebration continues with the introduction of the free Howl of the Wild map. The latest map from Mithey, "Howl of the Wild transforms you into a lone wolf, navigating through a magical forest filled with puzzles to solve, areas to explore and unlikely companions to team up with," says Sofia Dankis in a post on Minecraft.net. "This ambient adventure challenges you to collect, explore and solve problems creatively while you take in the beautiful views." Head over to Minecraft.net to find out more, download the new map and check out Dankis' interview with Mithey. Continue reading...
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As we look to the future, organizations including Microsoft have an opportunity and responsibility to drive growth while taking timely action in crucial areas to benefit society and the world. At Microsoft, we believe in doing good while doing well. During last week’s episode of Microsoft Envision, presented with Accenture and Avanade, I described Microsoft’s work in four key areas – trust in technology, inclusive economic growth, the fundamental rights of people, and sustainability – that companies of all sizes should consider for sustainable business growth. Now in its second season, Microsoft Envision is a digital series where business leaders from around the wor…
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The Minecraft team has announced that its New Year’s Celebration is now officially in session. "Go! Rejoice! Check out Minecraft Marketplace, try on some skins, play the maps and have fun – in whatever order you like," Sofia Dankis declared in a post on Minecraft.net. Throughout the celebration, Minecraft will also be releasing free maps for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and Minecraft: Java Edition, as well as daily free Character Creator items that start dropping on Dec. 21. You can find the Bedrock: Edition maps in Minecraft Marketplace, along with a sale that will take place between Dec. 21 and Jan. 4. It will include giveaways, items at 33% off and daily doorbusters at 7…
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Between now and Dec. 27, Sea of Thieves players can take part in the Festival of Giving, where presents are given to generous pirates who share their loot with their fellow freebooters. "During this carnival of the charitable, you can unlock new Wreath of Winter items and earn gold and Seasonal Renown by having other crews hand in your loot," says a post on SeaOfThieves.com. Head over to the post to find out how it all works. Continue reading...
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The first Seasonal Adventure from Minecraft Dungeons – Cloudy Climb – has arrived, and it's free. "Cloudy Climb – an update all about heights and aiming for the top – contains plenty of new content for climb-enthusiastic adventurers to enjoy: a mysterious tower to explore and test your skills in, the introduction of a new reward track system and many new themed cosmetic items such as skins, pets, flairs, emotes and capes," says a new post on Minecraft.net. "And while there's an option to purchase a second reward track, the update is otherwise completely free." Head over to Minecraft.net for all the details and to watch the launch trailer. Or just boot up Minecraft Dungeon…
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Hey Minecraft fans: Mojang Studios and 343 Industries have partnered with 4J Studios to update the Minecraft Master Chief Mash-Up Pack, adding eight new skins, including not one but three Master Chiefs. The dressing room will also receive a delivery of new emotes and Character Creator items, including a free Superintendent Shirt. Head over to Minecraft.net for details. Continue reading...
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Twenty years ago, a small group within Microsoft took on a seemingly audacious ambition at that time: to create a video game console from scratch and take on much more established competitors. Despite many obstacles, Xbox was born. And, over two decades, it became a lasting presence ubiquitous in gaming and pop culture throughout the world. But until now, the full story of those humble beginnings, stops and starts hasn’t been told from a comprehensive inside perspective. “Power On: The Story of Xbox” is a new six-part docuseries that’s streaming for free so anyone can check out that tumultuous journey – hearing directly from those who were there when it all started, some …
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The PANTONE Color of the Year for 2022 has been announced: PANTONE 17–3938 Very Peri. The color — a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a violet-red undertone — will now start appearing in Windows 11, Teams, Microsoft Edge, PowerPoint and more, the Microsoft Design team said on Thursday. "Color is a part of every design decision we make here at Microsoft, and we wanted to incorporate this new color into our designs in a way that could inspire people to feel more empowered and creative in their daily endeavors," the team said in a blog post. "Periwinkle blues are special in that they encompass the trusted and dependable qualities of the blues, yet their purple cast makes them…
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Halo Infinite is available now on PC on Windows and Steam, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Game Pass, which includes console, PC and Cloud Gaming (Beta). The game invites you to step inside the armor of the Master Chief, confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced and protect humanity, no matter the cost. Halo Infinite is also the franchise’s most accessible game yet, with free-to-play multiplayer and the full campaign available on day one with Xbox Game Pass. To find out how to get started, head over to Xbox Wire. Continue reading...
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