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Fall is officially here. It’s hard to believe, but we’re in our second year where our lives continue to be impacted by the pandemic. Still, many families like mine are well into the school year routine, whatever that may look like. Fall is a very busy time with school, extra-curricular activities, work, meal planning, holiday planning and more. Maximizing time and money is key to getting through this busy time of year, especially when it comes to holiday shopping and family travels. Microsoft Edge is committed to putting your family first. This month, we’re excited to introduce new features to help you save time and money so you can focus on what matters most to you and y…
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Last year, we reimagined Microsoft Envision as a digital series for senior business leaders from around the world and across industries to come together and discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities during these extraordinary times. Co-produced by Accenture, Avanade and Microsoft, the series builds on our long-standing strategic alliance to help clients overcome disruption and lead transformation in their industries. In Season 1, we explored topics like digital resilience, unlocking employee potential, the importance of zero trust and the power of a growth mindset. Featured speakers included Avanade CEO Pamela Maynard; Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella; barrister and …
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Season Four is the latest Sea of Thieves content update, available now for free for all players with Xbox Game Pass and across Windows 10, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Steam. Get the update and dive into the Sunken Kingdom to solve puzzles and unearth the secrets of its Siren Shrines, or battle through waves of Ocean Crawlers and Sirens to raid the Siren Treasuries. Seasonal progression allows all players to earn renown and rewards, with a fresh array of trials and deeds to boost progress and an optional Plunder Pass to expand the reward pool. Head on over to Xbox Wire to find out more. Continue reading...
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Seaside Story is a new map from Gamemode One for Minecraft for Windows 10 Starter Edition. It’s designed for mobile users but also works for all Bedrock players. Available for free until April 22 of next year, Seaside Story is a place where you can catch more than 20 types of fish, exploring and unlocking biome after biome after you customize your own boat and upgrade equipment. Read all about it and download now on Minecraft.net. Continue reading...
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HP’s newest Windows 11 devices are designed for people who learn, play and work from home, at the office and on the go. Along with the company’s new premium and mainstream PCs, HP will also begin shipping Windows 11 across its existing portfolio beginning later this fall. Select devices will include a FREE Upgrade to Windows 11 when available (see below*). The HP Spectre x360 16 – the first HP consumer notebook made with recycled CNC aluminum to help reduce its environmental impact – includes a 5 MP IR camera that makes it easy to login using Windows Hello. The camera also features a physical shutter controlled by a hot key, with an on-screen display shown in all apps tha…
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When Microsoft pledged to be carbon negative by 2030, we recognized that the path to get there involved the advancement of key climate technologies to enable us to both reduce and remove carbon. That is why we backed our carbon negative commitment with two financial vehicles that will help us reach our goals — a $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund and a comprehensive carbon fee applied across our entire carbon footprint — enabling us to operate as both an investor and a customer of carbon reduction and removal solutions. But in our work, we have learned that the market needs to go even further, faster. Such an acceleration will require investments outside of our fee and ou…
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https://blogs.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/2021/09/Larger-Hero-MariaDeLourdesSotomayorMehdi_r06a.jpg Maria de Lourdes Sotomayor Mehdi teaching in Mexico Photo courtesy of Yusuf Mehdi. Today kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time of the year where we recognize the customs, legacies and achievements of the Hispanic and Latinx community in the U.S. This year it is an incredible honor for me to be an executive sponsor of the HOLA employee resource group at Microsoft, an amazing community of more than 4,000 members who are seeking to drive change inside and outside the company. There are so many people of Hispanic and Latinx descent whose significan…
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I don’t know a single person who enjoys managing passwords. Given how much of my life is spent online and in various apps, keeping track of it all, ensuring they’re unique and regularly updated – it can quickly become overwhelming for me – and I’m a techie! Which is why I’m so excited about today’s announcement that now you can remove the password from your Microsoft account and sign in using passwordless methods like Windows Hello, the Microsoft Authenticator mobile app or a verification code sent to your phone or email. This feature will help to protect your Microsoft account from identity attacks like phishing while providing even easier access to the best apps and ser…
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Hey, Gears 5 fans: Four new characters are joining the fight for Operation 8 Drop 2: Alicia Valera, Michael Barrick, Oscar Diza and the Rager. Meet them, find maps, view the trailer and rewards, and more on the Gears 5 blog. Gears 5 is available on PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Continue reading...
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We have a lot of work to do in the tech industry to create inclusive work environments at scale. Far too many talented people avoid choosing or decide to leave roles in tech because their team culture doesn’t value their background which results in them feeling unwelcomed or excluded. Strong research suggests that those who have exposure to strategies for overcoming obstacles, navigating conflict and creating inclusive environments improves the effectiveness of students, employees, mentors and leaders. When we think about the culture we aim to cultivate at Microsoft, we want to create an environment where employees feel they can thrive. Our outlook is informed by a gro…
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This morning Satya Nadella and Ryan Roslansky, the CEO of LinkedIn, sat down to talk about the key secular trends they’re seeing as people and organizations everywhere adjust to hybrid work. Their conversation is part of an effort between Microsoft and LinkedIn to help leaders and their teams navigate this new world of work, and here I’ll share more about the trends we’re seeing, the data behind them and the product updates we’re announcing today across Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Viva and LinkedIn. As Satya and Ryan mentioned, the evolving Delta variant is compelling many of us to adjust plans for reopening worksites. It’s a stark reminder that this is the new normal…
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Microsoft launched an international ad campaign on Thursday to raise awareness and excitement around Windows 11. The campaign is centered on the 60-second ad you can watch below. Set to the music of the new single “All Starts Now” by Odessa featuring Tim Myers, the ad follows its hero as she explores the visually stunning new Windows, walking past apps in the new Microsoft Store, playing games with Xbox’s Master Chief, realizing Windows 11 widgets emerging from a beautiful cloud and chatting with a friend who though on the other side of the world seems close enough to touch, all representing the seamless experiences that Windows 11 makes possible. https://www.youtub…
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At Tech World 2021, Lenovo introduced the 14-inch Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Carbon and the new 16-inch ultra-slim Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Pro consumer laptops. Lenovo also recently revealed a refreshed ThinkBook business laptop portfolio. Select devices will include a FREE Upgrade to Windows 11 when available (see below*). Windows 11 is designed to bring you closer to what you love, empowering your productivity and inspiring your creativity. Start is now at the center, making it easier to quickly find what you need. Start utilizes the power of the cloud and Microsoft 365 to show you your recent files no matter what platform or device you were viewing them on earlier. Windows has alwa…
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Lots of people have found that working from home isn’t all they thought it’d be, in large part because they haven’t learned how to unplug from work. Thankfully, finding the ideal work-life balance is within reach. The Windows Resource Center has compiled a listing of tools and ways to help you work smarter so you can cut loose sooner. They include: Microsoft 365 to help you be more productive on the go, setting your Outlook calendar to carve out free time, ways to managing your notifications so they don’t disturb your private time, Together Mode in Microsoft Teams to help you gather with friends online, and more. Head over to the Windows Resource Center and remember: yo…
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The virtual world of Microsoft Flight Simulator just got a major update. World Update VI: Austria, Germany and Switzerland is now available for free to all users of the game, which is available on PC and Xbox Series X|S. “Renowned for its glorious mountain ranges, ubiquitous castles and stunning vistas, this region comes to life with World Update VI,” writes Jorg Neumann, Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, in a post on Xbox Wire. “Our latest World Update contains new aerial imagery, high-resolution elevation maps and several brand-new 3D cities in Germany, Basel in Switzerland, Graz and Vienna in Austria. The update drastically enhances the visuals of these three countri…
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(Disclaimer): Pre-release software shown. Subject to change. It should be simple to catch up on the things we care about. Yet, I find it can be overwhelming. I’m inundated by news, information and on-going alerts across online sources, media channels and devices. It turns out, I’m not alone. In a recent Forrester survey[1] commissioned by Microsoft, we found that on average, people spend seven hours a day online, use six different feeds on a regular basis and check their feeds five times a day. There’s so much to catch up on, but there are only so many hours in a day. I don’t want to lose time navigating notifications, validating sources and switching devices. Instea…
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Minecraft fans should mark their calendar for Oct. 16, when the Minecraft Live streaming event will begin at noon ET. You can watch the show at Minecraft.net/live or on the Minecraft YouTube channel. “The guest list includes new and familiar faces from Mojang Studios, our amazing community and a surprise appearance or two,” writes Sofia Dankis on Minecraft.net. “On the menu you will find in-depth interviews, exciting reveals, a nail-biting vote and puns galore!” View the official invite post here. Continue reading...
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ASUS continues to empower creative professionals with an expansive selection of laptops, PCs and OLED displays, including the ProArt Studiobook 16/Pro 16 OLED, the Vivobook Pro 14X, Vivobook Pro 16X and Zenbook 14X OLED. At its Create the Uncreated launch event, the company revealed all these and more in an array of new ProArt solutions. All announced laptop and PC models come with Windows 10 and will include a FREE Upgrade to Windows 11 when available (see below*). If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle complex CAD models, 3D product design or high resolution video editing, the ProArt Studiobook Pro 16 OLED is an appealing contender. You can choose between one po…
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Launched on Wednesday, the Homecoming update for State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition adds the fifth open-world map to the game, along with new content and gameplay improvements. “Players may start new communities or move their existing communities to this iconic map, where they will discover loot, easter eggs and story missions exclusive to Trumbull Valley that can’t be found anywhere else,” writes Wonder Russell, comms director at Undead Labs, in a post on Xbox Wire. Trumbull Valley is at the heart of lore for State of Decay, which is available for PC, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Although the setting may be familiar to returning players, the map is set after the event…
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Car fans got revved up at this year’s gamescom event with a brand-new look at the first eight minutes of Forza Horizon 5, which you can view now on Xbox Wire. The Forza team also unveiled its cover cars, the Mercedes-AMG ONE pictured above and the 2021 Ford Bronco Badlands. Forza Horizon 5 will become available on Nov. 9 for PC, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Head on over to Xbox Wire for more and to watch that new video. Continue reading...
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Today, we are thrilled to announce Windows 11 will start to become available on October 5, 2021. On this day, the free upgrade to Windows 11 will begin rolling out to eligible Windows 10 PCs and PCs that come pre-loaded with Windows 11 will start to become available for purchase. A new Windows experience, Windows 11 is designed to bring you closer to what you love. As the PC continues to play a more central role in our lives than ever before — Windows 11 is ready to empower your productivity and inspire your creativity. Here are 11 highlights of this release The new design and sounds are modern, fresh, clean and beautiful, bringing you a sense of calm and ease. With…
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Available beginning today, Psychonauts 2 is a game full of challenges and secrets, along with a broad suite of accessibility options to make sure players of different ages and needs can enjoy the adventure. You can play Psychonauts 2 on Windows, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Xbox Cloud Gaming, and with Xbox Game Pass. Find out more on Xbox Wire. Continue reading...
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The Minecraft team asked its friends at Razzleberries and GameMode One to create maps specifically for the mobile version of Minecraft, and available for all Bedrock players. The first map is now available for free in Minecraft Marketplace. In Minecraft: Emerald Tycoon by Razzleberries, you’ll find different stations that generate emeralds. As you progress, you’ll be able to upgrade both the function and look of the stations. You can also unlock new biomes as well as challenging themed areas. Head over to Minecraft.net to find out more. Continue reading...
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Twelve Minutes – a game about knowledge, how we accumulate it and how we can apply it to change an outcome or solve a puzzle – is now available for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and with Xbox Game Pass. You’ll hear familiar voices in this interactive thriller about a man trapped in a time loop: James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley and Willem Dafoe. Find out more on Xbox Wire. Continue reading...
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Before moving to Seattle with her husband seven years ago, Priya Chauhan had never worked in digital design. She came from the print publishing world, where she worked on children's books, coffee table books, travel guides, catalogs, window display posters, chocolate and biscuit tins and all kinds of seasonal marketing. If you lived in London at that time, you probably saw her designs throughout the city and in magazines. [caption id=attachment_176128" align="alignleft" width="520]https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/08/Dorothy2-2-819x1024.jpg Dorothy Feng (Photo by Ulysses Curry)[/caption] As a student at Duke University, she originally thoug…
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