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WWE Superstars Kofi Kingston, Big E and Xavier Woods have debuted as multiplayer characters in Gears 5, as part of The New Day Pack. You’ll see the WWE Superstars in custom COG (Coalition of Ordered Governments) armor inspired by their flashy ring gear, unique weapon skins and over 700 lines of newly recorded battle chatter. Find out more over at Xbox Wire. Continue reading...

The end of the year is almost here and for me it’s a time to reflect on everything our team has accomplished, celebrate successes and prepare for the year ahead. We launched the new Microsoft Edge last January and since that time we’ve come a long way – but we’re just getting started. With the new Microsoft Edge we’re challenging the status quo when it comes to the web and the browser, focusing on better privacy, stronger performance, saving time and providing value back. With December only two weeks away, there’s no more putting off the decorating, the cooking and the holiday shopping. This holiday, many of us are trying to keep our family traditions alive, even at a dis…

The post Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 20262 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Note: In Part 1 of a two-part series, Rick Wagner shines a spotlight on federal agencies demonstrating resiliency to respond and rebound from 2020 challenges and reimagine a future of innovation and transformation. As we look ahead to the close of 2020 and the beginning of a new year and administration, I’m more excited than ever to be leading our 3,000-member Microsoft Federal team. Formed in July – the same time I came aboard – this new organization reflects Microsoft’s commitment to, and investment in, federal government agencies and the specialized partners who join us in supporting their mission-critical work. In this year of unprecedented challenges, we’ve s…

Accenture and Microsoft’s unique partnership began in the year 2000, when the two companies co-founded Avanade to create a center of innovation for the Microsoft platform. Today, we truly believe there is no greater partnership in technology and consulting. “It’s about bringing together the power of the Microsoft technology suite with Accenture’s industry know-how to really address the challenges our clients are facing,” says Emma McGuigan, Global Lead, Accenture Microsoft Business Group, “and all of that is powered by Avanade.” Building on our longstanding strategic alliance to serve clients and deliver technology-based solutions, we are excited to share that Envis…

When you download the free cross-platform play update for Minecraft Dungeons, you and your friends will be able to engage with each other no matter what platform or console you or they are on, including Windows, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. In related cross-platform news, cloud saves are coming soon to Minecraft Dungeons, which means you’ll be able to play on one platform, use the new cloud save feature, then pick up the game and your progress on another platform. Find out more on Minecraft.net. Continue reading...

Halo 4, the final installment of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, is now available through the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass and Steam. Humanity’s threat of extinction at the hands of the Covenant has been avoided, but an ancient evil awakens. Stranded and shipwrecked on an alien world, the Master Chief must find a path back home while unravelling a sinister plot hatched by the Forerunners. Halo 4 also features 25 multiplayer maps, as well as an updated armor customization system that allows you to change more pieces than ever before. Find out more over at Xbox Wire. Continue reading...

Gears 5 is relaunching its multiplayer suite with its largest post-launch update ever, “Operation 5: Hollow Storm.” The game now has twice the multiplayer content since launch and significant feature updates that give players more freedom to play as they want. A themed update, “Operation 5” takes fans back to the battles in Gears of War 2 and Gears of War 3 and adds seven characters, five maps, 13 new achievements and one returning weapon – the Scorcher. Find out more on Xbox Wire. Continue reading...

Star Wars fans: You can now download themed content based on your favorite space saga from the Minecraft Marketplace. The pack includes content from the classic trilogy (“A New Hope” to “Return of the Jedi”) as well as the streaming series “The Mandalorian.” This DLC includes a map, a skin pack and a licensed soundtrack. You don’t have to go far, far away to find out more. Just head over to Minecraft.net! Continue reading...

Friends and family members who normally travel to be together over the holidays are looking for ways to enjoy each other’s company remotely. Tech can help you get there. Does your clan enjoy games? The Windows team has compiled a list of the best games to play online together using Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, whether you’re on your PC, console or Android mobile devices from the cloud (beta). Or maybe you like to watch movies together? Try the new Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) extension on Microsoft Edge. This extension works with streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO GO, Disney+, Netflix and more, and you can use it to sync video playback so you can discuss…

You can now pre-order the all-new Razer Book 13, a high-performing productivity laptop built for modern lives on-the-go and working remotely. It comes with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics, capable of up to 4.7GHz clock speeds with Intel Turbo Boost, as well as robust connectivity, in an ultra-compact size: under three pounds and 0.6-inches thin. The processor is faster and more efficient than the previous generation, so users can get more done over longer periods of time without having to reach for a charger. To ensure the ultra-thin laptop stays cool and quiet, the processor is fitted with a unique vapor chamber cooling solution from …

The post Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 20257 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

We’re approaching the time of year that’s all about togetherness, but finding ways to connect with family and friends poses an interesting challenge in 2020. The world feels very different than it did last holiday season, so I’m very grateful we have secure, reliable devices that help us stay in touch virtually. It got me thinking: Giving someone a powerful, modern PC is about more than just the hardware—it’s truly the gift of being connected. One of the things I love about my job is getting a close look at the amazing new devices our partners release each year. And this year—despite everything—has been no exception. Here are just a few of the Windows 10 PCs that are sure…

The post Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19042.630 (20H2) appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Gears Tactics, the fast-paced, turn-based strategy game from the Gears of War franchise, is available now on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and on PCs with Xbox Game Pass and Smart Delivery. This coincides with a major update released to Gears Tactics players on all platforms: The Gears franchise’s signature companion bot Jack joins the fight as a new playable character with over 20 skills, new Deviant enemies add a new layer of challenge in the battles, new Supreme equipment rewards players with powerful gear to play through the campaign, and enhanced controller support delivers an optimized experience on Xbox consoles and PC. Players are now able to fully remap their keyboar…

For some people, this time of year can be stressful because we want to get so much done before the holidays. For others, money matters can be upsetting. And the fact it’s dark for so much of the day can add to the blues. Tech can help. If you’re worried about stretching your money further, Microsoft Edge’s new Collection feature makes it a lot easier to compare prices of products you're shopping for online. If you’re feeling lonely or having trouble getting to sleep, you might find that keeping a journal helps you stay focused and clear your mind. And new features in Microsoft 365 can help you meditate, learn about new topics, and even try out new recipes to spice up your…

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Families are already planning to get together virtually this holiday season, but have you thought about what you can do to make those meetings fun and memorable? Especially for kids, a video call is only going to hold their attention for so long. Fortunately the Windows team has come up with a wide range of activities to bring the spice of the holidays to far flung families. Visit the Windows Resource Center for tips on scheduling face time, creating crafts, making video recaps of the year to share, creating holiday cards and more. Continue reading...

The post Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 20246 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

The post Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 19042.610 (20H2) appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

The latest Sea of Thieves monthly update is available now and free for all players across Windows 10, Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass and Steam. In “Fate of the Damned,” skeletal Shadows of Fate are besieging the seas, and pirates must seek out fateful Flames to fight back against a threat that changes weekly. In a nod to the scariest season, a Skeleton Cat and Dog rattle into the Pirate Emporium, along with the spectral Soulflame Ship Set. If you prefer to travel by firelight, you can also acquire the free, irreverent Lantern Dance Emote that helps lighten even the gloomiest moments. Get all the details over at Xbox Wire. Continue reading...

Halloween Collections in both Character Creator and Minecraft Marketplace are now available. There will also be a free Character Creator item and a free Halloween skin pack, but make sure to snap them up now because it will cost more after Nov. 2. Get more details at Minecraft.net. Continue reading...

In the spirit of the season, Minecraft Dungeons’ Spooky Fall Event is now live until midnight Nov. 3. Join in on the time-limited Seasonal Trials. If you finish these difficult challenges, such as Night Mode, you’ll reap the rewards of themed items. Apocalypse Plus, a new feature that brings the most extreme difficulty mode yet as well as 20 increasingly challenging levels, is also live. This optional, free update is here to stay, so there's no rush if who want to train a bit before facing it. Find out more at Minecraft.net. Continue reading...

To help its service technicians more efficiently repair and maintain its models, Mercedes-Benz USA is outfitting all of its authorized American dealerships with HoloLens 2 headsets. The devices are equipped with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Remote Assist, a mixed reality app that that lets users collaborate during hands-free video calls from their own computers. Organizations have long known the importance of business resiliency, but becoming resilient requires time and preparation, and the pandemic has forced many organizations to evolve at a pace few could have imagined. To recover and thrive within this new context presents new challenges. That is why we are partnering w…

I have been involved with computers since the 70s when I was doing literature searches on remote scientific databases in Frascati in Italy and Derby in the USA - connection time £90/hour. I continued to be involved right up 2010 when I finally retired. Now I am very out of date and rusty so please excuse in silly questions.