Extreme Tech Support Members Area

“With Xbox’s 20th anniversary recently behind us, it’s also important to let you know what to expect from Team Xbox, including our devices and services, as we build a platform for the next 20 years of gaming,” writes Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief. “Today, we’d like to share what we’re doing next to continue making Xbox the best value in gaming for players to enjoy the best games, across genres and across console, PC and cloud, including new Xbox Game Studios titles with Xbox Game Pass the same day they launch.” Xbox is bringing the Xbox app to Samsung 2022 Smart TVs, expanding Xbox Cloud Gaming to more countries and rolling out updates for Xbox Game Pass members.…

The day has finally come, Minecraft fans. The Wild Update is here. Download it for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android – and Minecraft: Java Edition on Windows,  macOS and Linux. "On Windows, you can even play both editions, because Java & Bedrock for PC is out today," writes Sofia Dankis on Minecraft.net. "Once you install the update, your game will now feature two new biomes – the deep dark and mangrove swamps – four new mobs – the warden, the allay, frogs and tadpoles – and blocks galore, including sculk, mangrove wood and mud!" Head over to Minecraft.net to find out more and watch the launch trailer. Contin…

This coming Sunday you can watch the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, including everything you want to know about the gaming lineup coming to the PC and Xbox, such as upcoming releases on Xbox Game Pass. If you have a screen and internet access, you’ll be able to join in at 10 a.m. PT on June 12. The showcase will be streamed out live on official Xbox channels, including Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and, for the first time, TikTok. Head over to Xbox Wire for the URLs where you can follow the stream, see the many languages it will be streamed in and learn how to join the Xbox FanFest Virtual Watch Party. Continue reading...

It’s the time of year when graduation photos fill up social media feeds, a major milestone and transition for many families. And then soon after, it’s Father’s Day – another opportunity to celebrate and give thanks to that special paternal figure in your life. New grads embarking on the next chapter in their lives – college and/or career – are going to need a PC that can handle the multitasking of assignments, presentations and calculations; the streaming of favorite shows in their downtime; and video chats with family and friends across the country or world. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2022/06/Students-1024x683.jpg With Windows 11, they can …

How Gen Z is flipping the career paradigm on its head and navigating the entrepreneurial world independently. The data featured in this post is from an internal study, the "Small Business State of Mind" report, commissioned by Microsoft Corporation in April 2022 and conducted by Wakefield Research. In 2021 alone, Americans submitted over 5.4 million applications to start a new business. With the U.S. experiencing a small business boom, Gen Z, the generation known for bucking traditional paths, is shaping its future. They’re showing us their entirely unique perspective on work and success and shaking up the world as we know it with their social media prowess, value of…

https://blogs.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/2022/06/Re_MS_Envision_Ep5_SM5_OpeningBlog_1-1024x576.png During the Season 2 finale of Microsoft Envision, Jessica Hawk (upper left) will explain how the metaverse is being used to transform business processes and enhance collaboration. Over the past year at Microsoft Envision, the digital series we co-produce with Accenture and Avanade, we’ve heard from business leaders about how organizations can persevere in a time of ongoing disruption, as well as what it takes to build agility and foster innovation. Speakers this season have included former PepsiCo Chair and CEO Indra Nooyi, LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, …

Advanced education and research enables discovery and innovation. The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) recently announced a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Microsoft to help bring the latest in commercial innovations to its campus and from there to the rest of the Navy and Marine Corps. As the nation’s premier defense graduate university, NPS is focused on empowering its operationally experienced students and expert faculty to research and solve operational challenges faced by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Department of Defense. NPS developed this strategic collaboration to bring some of the brightest military students and researchers toget…

Pride at Microsoft is a grassroots movement created with and by LGBTQIA+ employees around the world. Our mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet, and we believe that it’s our responsibility to work toward more LGBTQIA+ visibility, equity and equality. We do this year-round, during Pride and every day. Our efforts to support and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community at Pride have grown from a few hundred employees marching in Seattle to engaging with billions of Microsoft customers each year by using our incredible platform. A more inclusive, more immersive Pride Our Pride centers on intersectionality of the LGBTQIA+ movements across race, …

Inspired by 20th Century Studio’s movies and crafted by 4j Studios, the frost-covered world of "Ice Age," alongside its huge host of huggable characters and a vast, explorable map, is coming to Minecraft. "Cast your eyes towards a glittering horizon and you’ll see saber-tooth tigers prowling the glaciers, prehistoric pigs snuffling around the trees, vultures swooping through the skies and a dark shadow lurking beneath the ice-blue waters," writes Sophie Austin on Minecraft.net. "This expansive map rebuilds some of the most iconic locations from all the movies – including the new Adventures of Buck Wild – in brilliantly blocky ways. And you’ll want to investigate it all, b…

Manufacturing at its core is about innovation, building capacity and talent, and growth. It is essential to all facets of our lives, and the past two years have pushed the industry into the spotlight as it has faced exceptional obstacles. But out of that disruption, we have seen great opportunity and witnessed manufacturers across industries rise to the challenge. Factories have pivoted to produce and deliver COVID-19 test kits and medical supplies while automotive manufacturers have tried adapting to chip shortages, and consumer product companies shifted to home delivery and curbside pick-up business models. Practically overnight, manufacturing has been propelled into a …

The long-awaited Microsoft Flight Simulator – Top Gun: Maverick Expansion is now available. “Develop the skills required and navigate the complexities encountered by actual Top Gun pilots in authentic locations including the most challenging landing – on an aircraft carrier,” writes Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, in a post on Xbox Wire. “This offering will push your piloting abilities to the limits — and beyond.” Head over to Xbox Wire to watch the video and see what all is included in the expansion, which is available for PC and Xbox Series X|S with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported lower-spec PCs, mobile ph…

Knights of the Mediterranean – the latest downloadable content for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition – is now available in the Microsoft Store and Steam. Control the Mediterranean with two new civilizations: the Italians and the Maltese, plus enjoy a new batch of maps and engaging game modes. And from now through June 27, complete daily in-game tasks within the time limit to unlock exclusive rewards. Head over to AgeOfEmpires.com for a sampling of the 31 challenges and rewards. Continue reading...

Minecraft Dungeons just turned 2. To celebrate, the Minecraft team is holding a series of festive in-game activities that will be available until June 15. "As with all birthdays, the most important thing isn’t about commemorating the occasion – it’s about the presents, which the anniversary event has plenty of," writes Per Landin on Minecraft.net. "By completing six seasonal daily trials you will earn the fancy, you’ll acquire an incredibly fancy anniversary cape, as well the classic cake costume consisting of the Sparkler, Sweet Tooth and Sugar Rush items!" Head over to Minecraft.net to watch the video, see images and find out more. Continue reading...

Forza Horizon 5 Series 8 has arrived, bringing a celebration of German automotive excellence. You now have four weeks through June 22 to get your hands on new German cars and cosmetics from the Festival Playlist. Plus, new unlocks include the following themed clothing: cap, tee, hoodie, helmet and gloves. Head over to ForzaMotorsport.net for all the details. Continue reading...

The Wild Update is coming June 7, adding new biomes, mobs and blocks to Minecraft. Announced at Minecraft Live 2021, The Wild Update will be available to download for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android – and Minecraft: Java Edition on Windows, macOS  and Linux. Head over to Minecraft.net for details on the biomes and mobs in the update. Continue reading...

Sea of Thieves fans: Help determine the fate of Golden Sands. The next Sea of Thieves Adventure, "Lost Sands," is now live. From now until June 9, side with Merrick and secure vital supplies to help restore the stricken Outpost, or ally with the Servant of the Flame to ensure it remains in ruins. "Whichever path you choose, expect Golden Sands to be a lively destination for the duration of ‘Lost Sands’ as both sides seek to exert their will upon the waves," writes Chris "Brawler" Allcock on SeaOfThieves.com. Head over to SeaOfThieves.com to watch the trailer and find out more. Continue reading...

Minecraft is celebrating its Marketplace hitting the five-year mark by launching a five-week festival. “And because it’s a celebration, there will be gifts!” writes Sophie Austin on Minecraft.net. “As well as being able to nab limited-time discounts on popular content from across the years, you’ll also be able to get your hands on freebies, kicking off today with a spectacular free adventure from Jigarbov Productions: Marketplace Creator Tycoon!” Head over to Minecraft.net for details about Marketplace Creator Tycoon and what else is coming in the celebration that’s underway between now and July 12. Continue reading...

Oxford economist Colin Mayer captures the role of the modern corporation perfectly when he says, “The purpose of business is to produce profitable solutions to the problems of people and planet.” The problems we together are looking to solve are far from static, and as they evolve and grow, a key part of our job here at Microsoft is to create the tools and platforms that deliver better, faster and more effective solutions. Today, developers solve problems, big and small, across every industry and organization on the planet. That’s why this year’s Microsoft Build, the company’s flagship event for developers, so clearly reflects our roots. Of course, the future is exciti…

Warhammer Skulls, the annual festival of all things Warhammer video gaming, is returning Wednesday, June 1, and running for seven days. The showcase will feature world premieres, reveals and announcements from leading studios and titles including Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, Warhammer Vermintide 2, plus Windows PC and PC Game Pass games Total War: Warhammer III and Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector. The festival will also provide new content and updates to games and will feature weeklong discounts and promotions on Warhammer video games across Xbox and Windows online stores. Head over to Xbox Wire for more details. Visit the Microsoft Store o…

At COMPUTEX 2022 TAIPEI, the global leading technology trade show, Nicole Dezen and Panos Panay took the virtual stage May 23 to reflect on the ways Windows 11 PCs have transformed how people work, play, learn and connect since its launch last year. In this new era of the PC, they discuss key features designed to empower customers in hybrid environments. They also talk about the important role Microsoft’s partner ecosystem plays in innovating new secure, collaborative and productive devices that help people and organizations achieve more. Check out the video below to find out how Windows 11 creates opportunity for every partner and business. Continue reading...

If you’re looking for a Windows 11 PC built for working in a hybrid environment, check out the new HP Spectre x360 13.5-inch 2-in-1 laptop. HP also launched its most thermally advanced gaming laptop ever with the OMEN 16 and debuted its first Victus 15 Laptop for emerging gamers. The HP Spectre x360 PC has the latest in audio and visual advancements, as well as a touch display that will be familiar to smartphone users. When your Windows 11 PC comes with a touchscreen, you’ll be able to take notes or sketch with an optional digital pen and use multi-finger gestures, pinch-to-zoom, double tap, and press and hold for quicker navigation – and to create and easily manipulate d…

The global threat of cybersecurity continues to plague organizations of all sizes, with new data showing adversaries have been using zero-day exploits in 2021 at more than double the previous recorded volume in 2020. Password attacks are one of the most common entry points for attackers and Microsoft reported that in 2022 over 921 password attacks happen every second – nearly doubling over the prior 12 months. Microsoft processes 24 trillion signals every 24 hours and has blocked billions of attacks in the last year alone, while tracking ~250 unique threat actors across observed nation-state, ransomware and criminal activities. To stay protected in the face of these mount…

Acer’s latest lineup includes innovative laptops for gaming, work and all aspects of modern life through new and refreshed Windows 11 PCs across the Predator, Swift, Spin and TravelMate series. The Predator Helios 300 SpatialLabs Edition gaming laptop brings glasses-free, stereoscopic 3D to the world of gaming. Through the new SpatialLabs TrueGame application, gamers can play 50 supported games at launch in a 3D mode on the device. Rooms will appear more spacious, and objects genuinely layered, in real-time, without the need for special glasses. A combination of an eye-tracking solution, a stereoscopic 3D display and real-time rendering technologies creates the SpatialLab…

Hey Minecraft players: You can now download Angry Birds DLC on Minecraft Marketplace. "In this flappingly fantastic new world from the Oreville Studios and Rovio Entertainment, the pigs are up to their old tricks again, and it’s up to you to stop them," writes Sophie Austin on Minecraft.net. "Playing as Red, your mission is to rescue your birdnapped pals, save your precious eggs and thwart the pesky pigs’ grand plans. Battle your way through a uniquely blocky Cobalt Plateau, over the dangerous Piggy Junkyard, through Summer Madness and across Pig City to try and find your friends." With each rescued buddy, you’ll unlock them as playable characters so you can use the uniqu…

ASUS has launched new Zenbook Pro and Zenbook S Windows 11 PCs, as well as a Strix SCAR special edition and Flow X16 through the Republic of Gamers (ROG). The Zenbook standard, convertible and dual-display laptops range in size from 13 inches to 17.3 inches, all with refreshed designs and the latest 12th Gen Intel Core H-Series processors or AMD Ryzen 6000 H-Series processors, along with an array of performance- and productivity-enhancing innovations. The Zenbook lineup comes with Windows Hello login through the PCs' cameras and is Windows Ink capable through digital pens and touchscreens. The flagship model in the new line-up is Zenbook Pro 16X OLED, a laptop made…