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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, …

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the potential of women and girls everywhere, and their ideas and innovations that are shaping our future. March is also Women’s History Month in the United States. Introduced in the late 1980s, this month is a celebration of the numerous, but often overlooked, accomplishments by women across history, culture and society. This is a time to reflect — and keep working to close equity gaps. We know that companies with more diversity generate more innovation[1] and better financial results.[2] Yet less than 2% of enterprise software startups in the U.S. feature a women founder.[3] The COVID-19 pandemic has — and will continue to — …

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...

Season Six, the latest Sea of Thieves content update, is now available for free for all players with Xbox Game Pass and across Windows, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Steam. “Along with an offering of brand-new Seasonal rewards, Season Six is all about expanding Sea of Thieves’ narrative through time-limited Adventures, while still giving you opportunities to forge your own epic tales of derring-do – with Sea Forts and the new Pirate Legend-exclusive Voyage, Legend of the Veil,” writes Joe Neate, executive producer, Rare, in a post on Xbox Wire. To find out more and watch the official video, head over to Xbox Wire. Continue reading...

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…

For Xbox Wire’s Mike Nelson, getting older means reminiscing more often about the places he’s lived and traveled throughout the world, and marveling at the growing list of countries he wants to visit. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has become a “conduit of nostalgia” for those journeys. Because the sim is a “digital twin” of Earth, he can virtually fly over any of those locations and even get out of his plane to explore even further. Head over to Xbox Wire to read more about his deep dive into this aspect of MSFS 2024. Continue reading...

Another school year is on the horizon – for some, it’s already started – but if you’re still looking for the right PC, Microsoft’s partners offer plenty of choices. These devices all include Windows 11, which makes every task easier, especially when it comes to helping prepare students for the school year. Snap layouts, touch inputs and creator tools make Windows the best option for multi-taskers to get things done. And when students aren't studying or working on their next school project, these laptops can also help entertain them, with screens, speed and sound for streaming films and TV shows, as well as for playing the latest PC games. And with PC Game Pass, there’s e…

Creators express themselves in all kinds of ways and mediums. In the video below, you’ll see Allison Anderson, an artist who’s as comfortable with touchscreens and software as she is with paint and pencils. Watch the video to see a sampling of Windows 11 PCs and key features she looks for in creator devices, such as high-end processors, ample memory, SSD storage and color-accurate displays. Windows 11 was designed to bring people together, to help people play and have fun, to empower productivity and inspire creativity. Recently, the Windows 11 2022 Update rolled out in more than 190 countries. This first major update to Windows 11, which launched in 2021, shows ho…

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...

It’s a moment we’ve been building toward — new capabilities from Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability that will enable faster, broader transformation for organizations at varying stages of their sustainability journey. We are pleased to announce the general availability of Cloud for Sustainability on June 1. Now, a growing set of ESG (environmental, social and governance) capabilities from Microsoft and our global ecosystem of partners will give organizations the opportunity to accelerate their progress and business growth. Watch the video. Turning sustainability commitments into action with better data intelligence To stabilize our future and build more quick…

Unity selects Azure as its cloud partner; companies will work together to enable creators to reach their audiences on Xbox and PC At Microsoft, we have a profound commitment to empowering creators. Throughout the history of Windows, we’ve nurtured developers and fostered their creative innovations. We do the same on our Xbox-branded platforms, supporting developers large and small in more than 90 countries around the world. And our Azure cloud assures developers that they can unleash their imaginations and trust that their work is secure and scalable. Our commitment to creators is something we share with our longtime partner, Unity, a global leader in real-time 3D t…

Phone Link, formerly known as Your Phone, brings your Android phone and your Windows PC closer together. Today we are thrilled to announce the evolution of Your Phone app as Phone Link. We introduced the Your Phone experience more than three years ago, allowing you to keep your smartphone in your pocket and still be able to access your photos and texts on your computer. Since then, we have enabled more capabilities, such as the ability to filter notifications on your Windows PC, make and receive phone calls even when your phone is out of reach, and use your Android mobile apps on your Windows PC. As part of this evolution, we’re now introducing a brand-new interface t…

The Forza Horizon 5 Series 6 update, officially named "Horizon Customs," is now available to download, celebrating both the creative and racing talents of the game's players with important upgrades to Horizon Open and EventLab. As always, the Festival Playlist is serving up new clothing items, cars and horns to unlock on Windows, Xbox and Steam, with seasonal content rolling out in the weeks that follow. Head over to ForzaMotorsports.net to find out more. Continue reading...

Motorola has announced its newest line-up of smartphones: the edge 30 ultra, edge 30 fusion and edge 30 neo. All three provide a new platform for cloud gaming via membership of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, where you can immerse yourself in hundreds of high-quality games, with new ones being added all the time. Take cloud gaming to the next level with 5G and WiFi connectivity, long-lasting battery life and fast charging speeds up to 125W for uninterrupted gaming sessions. Experience your favorite games in full immersion, combining endless-edge displays that deliver ultra-smooth refresh rates up to 144Hz and powerful stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos sound. https://blogs.window…

Tilting Point’s hit puzzle adventure anthology game Adventure Escape Mysteries is now available for Windows desktops. You can download and enjoy AEM's many stories and point-and-click brain busters for free on PCs, joining 5 million players who have experienced AEM and its continually growing story content. The average ratings for the game are better than 4.5 stars. Game critics such as AppPicker, TechWiser, AndroidAuthority and AppUnwrapper have picked Adventure Escape games as the best escape room game. Find out more by downloading Adventure Escape Mysteries from Microsoft Store and diving into the fun. Continue reading...

The fifth annual Block Friday Sale is now underway on Minecraft Marketplace. Through Nov. 28 you can enjoy savings of up to 75% off select content and claim a free Quackers skin pack featuring seven duck skins. In addition to price reductions across a range of content, you’ll also find three new doorbusters each day. Head over to Minecraft.net for all the details. 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...

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...

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...

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 …

Spring is here, and with this season comes a feeling of growth and change. Especially with all that has been happening in the world, this season has me thinking about everything I am grateful for and the things that keep me grounded: connecting with loved ones near and far, making the most of the “little things” in life, and finding joy and inspiration from everyday tasks. That’s why, this month, we are highlighting all the ways we want to help you save time and prioritize the things that matter most to you: whether it’s making it easier to get work or school projects done with new features like Microsoft Editor and web select, helping you stay organized with Collections,…

The latest free map in the Minecraft new year's celebration has arrived. Available for download now, Grave Danger by Shapescape for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is an action-packed adventure where the fate of your castle rests in your hands. "Build your defenses, protect your tower and defeat waves of fantastical creatures with your trusty dragon at your side," writes Sophie Austin in her post on Minecraft.net. "I could tell you more, but I’m going to let the awesome people at Shapescape take this one, seeing as they’re the masterminds (and master builders) behind this awesome map." Head over to Minecraft.net for Austin's interview with the Shapescape team and to download t…

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…

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…

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 …