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Like a lot of people in their senior year of college, Alexa Carlin had a lot to look forward to. In January 2013, the South Florida native was set to graduate from the University of Florida in a few months, then start her dream job in New York that summer. She was also hours away from a party celebrating a major milestone in the latest of her entrepreneurial endeavors. But all that came to a sudden halt when she ended up in a hospital, induced into a medical coma, with a 1% chance to survive. She beat those formidable odds, but not without a lot of lessons learned along the way – and facing another health crisis soon after that would prove even more challenging. “My whole…

Naraka: Bladepoint sold 10 million copies in less than a year after arriving on PC in August. Now the fighting game is available on Xbox Game Pass and console. “Arriving on current-gen consoles, Naraka: Bladepoint offers an exciting new experience for Xbox Series X|S owners, and with its addition into Xbox Game Pass on June 23, there’s never been a better time to battle it out with other players across the world,” writes Raylan Kwan, Marketing Manager, Naraka Bladepoint, in a post on Xbox Wire. A 60-player battle royale, Naraka: Bladepoint sees your character engage in a combination of melee action and parkour moves, and to help your character look fantastic while going t…

New gaming features in Microsoft Edge, the best browser for gamers Did you know there are more than 3 billion gamers in the world? That is almost half of the population on the entire planet! This global community of people share a passion for gaming, and it only continues to grow: Two-thirds of Americans — people of all ages, races, genders, abilities and backgrounds — play video games, which shows the diversity of players. Seventy-five percent of U.S. households have at least one gamer and watching online gameplay is as popular as watching broadcast sports. Microsoft is all in on gaming and as we recently announced, we’re building a platform for the next 20 years that…

To celebrate 25 years of Persona, Sega is bringing the worldwide hits Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden and Persona 3 Portable to Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and with Xbox Game Pass. "Starting this fall, fans will get to experience this beloved RPG [role-playing game] series," writes Stacy Lee, Communications Manager, Sega, in a post on Xbox Wire. "To kick things off, on Oct. 21, don the mask of Joker and join the Phantom Thieves of Hearts when Persona 5 Royal arrives with Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows PC." Find out more about each Persona title on Xbox Wire. Continue reading...

VAIO – a familiar name and brand to some – is expanding its FE series of laptops in North America to include Windows 11 PCs aimed at multitaskers looking for all-in-one devices for work, creation, gaming and entertainment. With 12th Gen Intel core processors, these PCs can meet demanding needs quickly and use up to 46% less energy for up to 10 hours of use before needing to charge. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2022/06/Gateway-768x1024.jpegAnother company that will also strike a familiar chord, Gateway, is launching a new lineup of Ultra Slim notebooks – including those with touch screens – also outfitted with the 12th Gen Intel Core processors…

Now you can restore a mangrove forest in Minecraft. Using your new seed-scatter-cannon you can plant mangrove trees instantly. The more you plant, the lower the CO2 levels will be. Gradually you'll start to see wildlife come back and the mangrove return to its former glory. It’s all part of Minecraft’s vision to Building a Better World, in which Mojang Studios will be donating $200,000 to The Nature Conservancy to protect mangroves. “We have also partnered with Everbloom Games to bring you a free map, The Mangrove Restoration Project, which you can play to have fun and learn about mangroves,” writes Sofia Dankis on Minecraft.net. “We need to act now to preserve and restor…

Forza Horizon 5 Series 9 is now available to download on Windows, Xbox and Steam. Starting with Series 9, a new Forza EV Monthly Rivals event will be open to drivers to set their best lap times. This new Forza EV Rivals complements the existing Monthly Rivals challenge. Every month, you’ll drive a different EV – simply set a clean lap time to score the available Festival Playlist points. Festival Playlist related rewards are available to unlock from June 23 through July 20. Head over to Forza.net to find out more. Continue reading...

New Lightyear downloadable content for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition – inspired by the Disney and Pixar movie of the same name – is available now on Minecraft Marketplace. "In the Lightyear DLC, you get to play through Buzz’s origin story and help him navigate an alien planet after an unfortunate crash landing," writes Cristina Anderca in a post on Minecraft.net. "You can play through five missions as this Academy-trained hero, including a hostile jungle, a swamp and a mine, as well as various alien settlements." The DLC also includes a free Lightyear-themed Character Creator item that you can check out in the Dressing Room. Head over to Minecraft.net to find out more. Co…

The long-awaited promise of Captaincy is soon to be fulfilled in Sea of Thieves. "Season Seven arrives in July, and with it comes a whole set of Captaincy features that will not only allow you to name your ship and emblazon it on the crest for all to see, but customise the ship’s interior to your heart’s content and earn a whole host of new progression rewards too," writes Leigh "Lucky Lady" Loveday in a post on SeaOfThieves.com. Head over to SeaOfThieves.com to watch the trailer and find out more. Continue reading...

Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, co-creators of Ark and co-founders of Studio Wildcard, previewed Ark 2 at the June 12 Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. They announced the game will launch next year on PC and console, available with Xbox Game Pass on day one. "With Ark 2, we’re seeking not only to enhance the game’s narrative and world-building, but also retouch and improve on all aspects of what constitutes an Ark game," the duo write in a post on Xbox Wire. "Foremost among these redesigns are the core player mechanics. In the sequel, which is third-person only, controls and movement for both players and creatures have been completely redesigned." Head over to Xbox …

At the June 12 Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, Mojang Studios unveiled Minecraft Legends, an all-new action strategy game developed in partnership with Blackbird Interactive. The game is scheduled to launch in 2023 on PC, console and cloud, and will be available with Xbox Game Pass on day one. "Minecraft Legends takes players to the Minecraft universe in a fun and unique new way, as they lead their allies in heroic battles to defend the Overworld," writes Dennis Ries, Minecraft Legends Executive Producer, in a post on Xbox Wire. "Players will discover a gentle land, both familiar and mysterious, full of lush biomes and rich resources. But this beautiful land is on the…

Today we’re introducing Viva Sales, a new seller experience application that brings together any customer relationship management technology (CRM), Microsoft 365 and Teams to provide a more streamlined and AI-powered selling experience. The past two years have changed the way we work. Employees are demanding more from their employers in today’s hybrid world – from the tools they use to the hours and the places that they work. For sellers, the hybrid work environment means spending more time in video conferences, chats, email and documents to connect with customers and close deals. Salespeople also need to access their CRM system – as well as multiple applications and d…

Get your first look at Redfall gameplay, debuted at the June 12 Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, and get ready to “Bite Back” when the game launches in 2023. “Redfall has everything you could want from a cooperative, story-driven FPS experience, plus everything Arkane fans have come to expect from the studio,” writes Anne Lewis, Sr. Content Manager, Bethesda Softworks, in a post on Xbox Wire. “An open world packed with mystery, a diverse roster of heroes to choose from, strategic combat that will keep you on your toes, painstakingly crafted environments, a rich narrative driving you through the world, a wide array of weapons… and vampires. A lot of vampires.” Visit Xbo…

Curious to see the first gameplay footage from Starfield? Xbox Wire is hosting a video from the June 12 Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase providing a closer look as Game Director Todd Howard takes you on a tour of Bethesda Game Studios’ first new universe in 25 years. Starfield will arrive in 2023, exclusively on PC and Xbox Series X|S with day one access on Xbox Game Pass. Head over to Xbox Wire to watch the video and find out more about this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars. Continue reading...

World Update X is now available for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The latest free update enables players to explore the renowned canyons and rugged beauty of the vast Southwest, roam through the storied architecture of America’s great cities and soar among the majestic peaks that tower miles above their surroundings. "The Microsoft Flight Simulator team built World Update X using the latest high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery available," writes Jorg Neumann in a post on Xbox Wire. "The update also features brand new 3D cities including San Diego, CA, Albany, NY, Key Largo, FL, Seattle, WA, Olympia, WA and more." The update also includes four handcrafted airports, f…

After carving out a name for itself on PC and recently reaching the 10 million player milestone, Naraka: Bladepoint is heading to Xbox Series X|S and will be available with Xbox Game Pass on June 23. "In Naraka: Bladepoint, players are thrust into high-octane action in this unique 60-player battle royale with 'Unchained Multiplayer Combat,' an exhilarating combination of melee action and unparalleled parkour movement," writes Raylan Kwan, Marketing Manager, in a post on Xbox Wire. "There’s never been a better time to battle it out with players across the world on other platforms." Head over to Xbox Wire for details and to watch the trailer. Continue reading...

Players and fans of the preview version of Grounded take note: The game will enter its full release in September 2022 on Windows 10/11, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Steam, and will also be available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass. "We at Obsidian have enjoyed watching over 10 million players survive in the backyard for nearly two years now," writes Feargus Urquhart, Studio Head, Obsidian Entertainment, in a post on Xbox Wire. "Grounded players have encountered enemies such as annoying mosquitos, diving bell spiders who really do live in the water, and deadly bosses such as the glorious Broodmother. These achievements have been remarkable, and all that playtime has …

After 25+ years of helping people use and experience the web, Internet Explorer (IE) is officially retired and out of support as of today, June 15, 2022. To many millions of you, thank you for using Internet Explorer as your gateway to the internet. For our readers in Japan, please find the translation here: 日本語: https://blogs.windows.com/japan/2022/06/16/internet-explorer-11-is-no-longer-supported/ As a user, my first experience with IE was version 3, and my view of what was possible on the internet was transformed by the introduction of Dynamic HTML in IE4 and the introduction of AJAX in IE6. When I got the opportunity to join the IE7 team, I leapt on it, and have been …

Across the world, persons with disabilities remain invisible in the global development agenda. One key reason is because of variances in the availability and use of disability-disaggregated data across organizations and borders. While it is estimated that one billion people, or 15 percent of the world’s population, have a disability – more data is needed to understand the true scale of the living conditions and development outcomes for persons with disabilities, and to get clarity on the degree to which persons with disabilities continue to be underserved. This reality is a part of what the World Bank calls the disability divide – the gap in societal inclusion f…

Fallout 76’s test your metal update is now live. "There are new goings-on over in Appalachia with the latest update to Fallout 76," writes Parker Wilhelm, Content Manager for Bethesda Softworks, in a post on Xbox Wire. "Join your squad in not one, not two, but three new Public Events, plus take a dive into the unknown with Fallout 76’s ninth Season, Heart of Steel: A Dread Island Tale." Head over to Xbox Wire for the details. Continue reading...

Today, Microsoft is announcing that we have entered into an agreement to acquire Miburo, a cyber threat analysis and research company specializing in the detection of and response to foreign information operations. Microsoft detects and helps customers defend against cyber threats from nation-states as part of our commitment to keep customers safe online. These efforts are underpinned by the threat intelligence we gather, publish, and use to fuel disruptions of malicious nation-state activity across a range of cyber-attack vectors. Miburo, led by founder Clint Watts, will become part of the Customer Security and Trust organization. Working in close collaboration wit…

Soon-to-be-released Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels will introduce players to the new Horizon Hot Wheels Park in the clouds high above Mexico. You'll see it July 19 in the Forza Horizon 5 Premium Add-ons Bundle, Premium Edition and Expansions Bundle – and available for standalone purchase at $19.99. You'll be able to design, build and share your own Hot Wheels adventure with over 80 distinct, snappable track pieces and race 10 new cars, including the lightning fast 2021 Hennessey Venom F5 and the iconic 2000 Hot Wheels Deora II. To find out more and view the trailer, head over to Xbox Wire or Forza.net. Continue reading...

Microsoft Flight Simulator, the longest-running game franchise at Microsoft, announced on Sunday its plans to celebrate its 40th anniversary this November. “With more players than ever enjoying the incredibly detailed aircraft and authentic representation of our planet, Microsoft Flight Simulator forged new territory with versions now available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and mobile devices via Xbox Cloud Gaming,” writes Jorg Neumann, Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, on Xbox Wire. “The 40th Anniversary Edition, a completely free offering for those who already own Microsoft Flight Simulator or play it via Xbox Game Pass, is a comprehensive celebration of the franch…

In case you missed it, everything in June 12’s big Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase event is targeted to launch in the next 12 months. “From industry-defining racing games, gripping narratives, compelling strategy titles and the most anticipated open world RPG of the last 20 years, there is something for everyone,” writes Will Tuttle on Xbox Wire. “And with Xbox, you have more ways to play those game than ever before – on console, PC or on the go.” Head over to Xbox Wire for a summary of everything announced during the showcase, including links to pre-order major titles. Continue reading...

For those who are looking for a Windows 11 PC that is both versatile and up to multi-tasking in a hybrid and mobile world, check out Dell’s updated XPS 13 and upcoming XPS 13 2-in-1. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2022/06/XPS-13-2-in1-1024x681.jpg XPS 13 2-in1[/caption] Both these PCs are crafted from low-carbon aluminum, produced using hydro-powered renewable energy sources in line with Dell’s longstanding commitment to reducing its environmental impact. Doing so results in a 70% reduction in carbon emissions compared to aluminum chassis produced in traditional coal-powered facilities. Find out more about both at Dell. Continue reading...