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Back 4 Blood is available now for Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and with Xbox Game Pass. The game, which Turtle Rock Studios created about a hypothetical pandemic, was developed during a real one. Simon Mackenzie, lead writer for the company, shares the genesis of the game’s campaign narrative in a new post on Xbox Wire. Continue reading...

Wasteland 3 has been in the news lately, and now you can get the entire Wasteland 3 experience in one colossal collection for PC. In addition to the award-winning tactical RPG Wasteland 3, the Colorado Collection includes both The Battle of Steeltown and Cult of the Holy Detonation expansions, as well as the Colorado Survival Gear bonus items. Buy the Wasteland 3 (PC) Colorado Collection today. Continue reading...

We are pleased to announce that Microsoft has acquired Ally.io to help revolutionize how organizations use technology to bring deeper connection to work, purpose and results in the hybrid world. Ally.io, a leading OKR (objectives and key results) company, will join the Microsoft Viva family as part of our employee experience platform (EXP) designed to help companies embrace the new digital work life. Aligning employee work to the company’s strategic mission and core priorities is top of mind for every organization. To do this, leaders need to invest in tools that communicate transparency around big company bets and create ways to cascade aspirational goals and report results at all levels of an organization. When teams see how they are delivering impact, employees stay more engaged, focused and driven in achieving both company growth and their own personal fulfillment. Flexibility and remote work have always been important, but so is the desire to do meaningful work. The shift to hybrid has made it more challenging to keep every leader, team and individual aligned and moving to the same rhythm. Ally.io helps give everyone in the organization visibility and clarity into the entire work process, connecting everyday work to the company’s strategic objectives. The OKR category is a fast-growing and emerging space. Ally.io is leading the way as one of the most loved tools on the market. Customers find the Ally.io experience flexible, easy to use with quick time-to-value. They appreciate its broad set of integrations with existing work systems. Since its launch in 2018, Ally.io has been adopted by over 1,000 leading high-tech, manufacturing, financial services and healthcare businesses across more than 80 countries. Ally.io will power a new Microsoft Viva module. Viva is an employee experience platform that brings together communications, knowledge, learning, resources and insights – from anywhere you work. Powered by Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams, Viva helps organizations foster a culture of human connection, growth, well-being and success. Today, Viva has four connected modules – Connections, Insights, Topics and Learning – that deliver a holistic experience with intelligent and actionable insights in the flow of work. We look forward to bringing Ally.io into the Viva family. YouTube Video Click here to load media Ally.io and Microsoft Viva will enrich how people and teams come together to build alignment and achieve better business outcomes. Over the next year, we’ll be investing to bring Ally.io into the Microsoft cloud, evolve the existing integrations with Microsoft Teams, and weave Ally.io into Viva, Office, Power BI and the broader set of Microsoft 365 apps and services. Until then, current customers can continue to expect the same great support and service, and new customers can continue to purchase the existing service through Ally.io. We are deeply committed to a smooth transition for all customers as we bring Ally.io into the Microsoft cloud. YouTube Video Click here to load media We welcome the Ally.io team to Microsoft! And we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to help customers drive mission alignment and bring increased meaning and fulfillment into the employee experience. Learn more about the Ally.io solution. The post Microsoft acquires Ally.io to improve employee experience by aligning people’s work with team goals and company mission appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

With Windows 11, a fresh perspective starts with the very first image you see on the screen: a desktop wallpaper that’s also a symbolic image of starting anew with this operating system. Inspired by flowers, this new blue beauty is called Bloom. The story of its creation spans a creative and dynamic collaboration between engineering, design and marketing teams at Microsoft, across an ocean during a pandemic and which incorporated a parallel workflow that caught the eye of Windows 11 designers. “It’s the same Windows that you know and love, but this is a new beginning, a new era,” says Christina Koehn, creative director for Windows 11, which became available Oct. 5. This new era comes with intuitive navigation, easy organization, more apps and efficient ways to be creative and productive. The user experience has been completely reimagined, simplified. It’s a clean, fluid design that is completely new, yet immediately familiar. At the heart of Bloom is a concept that merges natural and digital elements. “This is the next generation of computing for us,” says Marianna Levant, a principal designer on Koehn’s team. “We all live in both a digital realm and in a natural realm. It was important for us to encompass both. We started out really wide, far and wide, working very closely with designers both on the marketing team and on the product team. We explored a very wide variety of concepts and the one that resonated was this union between mathematics and nature.” Levant – whose background is in design and fine art and who used to have a studio in Chicago where she did large scale paintings and works on paper – says that the road to Bloom was truly a creative process. “We didn’t know where we were going to end up. It was like making a painting, creating a piece of art,” she says. “We knew what the concept was, knew what we were trying to evoke. That’s why this project was particularly challenging and particularly wonderful.” To help them in that quest for the right symbol, they found their answers with Six N Five, a Barcelona-based multidisciplinary design studio that started working with Microsoft in 2019, designing the wallpapers for then-new Microsoft Surface devices. Since then, they’ve engaged with different teams across Microsoft on a variety of projects.We didn’t know where we were going to end up. It was like making a painting, creating a piece of art.The studio builds upon a background in 2D graphic design, with tools and knowledge acquired during university years that involved learning how to work with colors, typographies, shapes, etc. But in late 2010, they shifted their focus to 3D art. In the process they realized that several hours of extra work would yield results close to reality. “From then on, there were many years of curiosity, learning and also use that have turned 3D into our own language and visual style,” says Ezequiel Pini, the design studio’s founder and creative director. While Microsoft’s internal design teams iterated in-house on their ideas for Windows 11, the studio was working in parallel on Surface screens. “We began collaborating with Six N Five to reinvent the desktop wallpapers for Surface devices a couple of years ago,” says Samuel Clarke, creative director for Modern Life (Windows, Surface, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Edge). “Their unique take on interpreting the physical world through digital techniques brought us together. They create calming and serene scenes that always felt like a perfect fit for how we wanted users to feel when using our products.” Eventually, the workstreams converged as Six N Five’s dynamic flower struck all the right notes for the Windows 11 designers. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/Windows-11-Teams-Integration-Screen.png-1024x576.jpg “The thing about Bloom is that it has movement to it,” Koehn says. “It doesn't look like it's a static object. You could almost imagine it moving around ambiently changing shape, morphing.” When it came to their approach to Bloom, Six N Five found inspiration in the premise of examining natural realms and their relationship with the abstract and digital work created by its people. For them, a flower blooming for the first time represented “a new and fresh beginning.” Flowers – particularly roses – inspired them. But they also found a compass in Windows blue, “a vibrant” hue that Pini says “has been key in this process when it came to coloring.” It's a color that was critical to identify with Windows 11 and to signal something new to consumers, says Karina Vivas, director of Windows integrated marketing. “We are purposely using its electric blue color as a creative through line across different elements.” https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/6n5-theme-pack.png-1024x683.jpg For Six N Five, having such a pivotal role in developing Bloom is “a dream come true.” “The word ‘Windows’ not only evokes nostalgia for the first contact we had with a computer 20 years ago, but it also continues to be the operating system that we are using 20 years later,” Pini says. “It has been our companion in all this process and professional development since the very beginning. Knowing that this new version of the OS will have an image from our studio, which in turn will be seen by billions of people, is a dream difficult to explain in words.” Continue reading...

G5 Entertainment, the Swedish publisher and developer of free-to-play games for smartphones, tablets and PCs, is celebrating 20 years in business. Continuing to grow and develop new games with a team of over 800, the company has prepared a special landing page to mark the event where gamers can take part in activities and receive daily prizes, discounts and special offers. The anniversary campaign will run until Oct. 8. Head over to the anniversary page to take part in the celebration. Continue reading...

Earlier in the year my colleague Jeff Petty shared with you the accessibility improvements and features that were coming to Windows 11. Now that the day is here, I wanted to give you a peek behind the curtain at our accessibility journey and how our team made Windows 11 the most inclusively designed version of Windows yet. Our ambition: Beyond possible, efficient, and yes, delightful It all starts with our ambition: Here in the Windows team, we aspire to create efficient, fun and delightful experiences for people with disabilities and without. We root our ambition in the principles of inclusive design, which celebrates and draws inspiration from people with different abilities, needs and preferences. Within Windows 11, this commitment led to a host of innovations – but I’ll focus on just three here: Reimagining what contrast themes could look like Rethinking Windows sounds to make them calmer and more informative Reframing our Ease of Access settings explicitly as Accessibility Inclusion in both function and form High Contrast themes in Windows 10 were designed to provide maximum differentiation between text, backgrounds and elements on the screen for people with low vision and light sensitivity. And they did that – maybe a little too well. We heard from our customers that these themes created an othering experience; that they were too blunt a tool. They needed contrast – but not that much contrast. And hey, couldn’t they be a little nicer to look at, too? It was clear that a more holistic approach was needed. So we brought together people across an array of disciplines within Microsoft to re-focus the design process not on ticking off boxes on a compliance checklist. Instead, we were committed to improving the way that people with low vision experience Windows 11 to have a smoother and more positive user experience with the new contrast themes. People with vision disabilities were included in our design process from the start, helping drive and guide the color contrast designs by providing their expert feedback and sharing their lived experience. We gathered customer feedback on multiple color combination prototypes, and in each iteration found new items to improve. And the result? Windows 11 includes four new contrast themes that not only provide a range of options for making Windows more accessible and easier to see – they make it more beautiful, too. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/Contrast-Themes-1920x1080-1-1024x577.png Nothing about us without us – from the start One key change we made while designing Windows 11 was to shift our engagement with customer feedback to an earlier point in the design process. We have traditionally started engaging with the disability community at the point where we have a feature users can try. For Windows 11, we wanted to involve the community from day one. One of the features most influenced by this early feedback is the re-envisioned set of Windows 11 sounds. Through our customer listening systems, we heard from deaf and hard of hearing customers who found the existing sounds “aggressive,” leading them to mute their PC altogether. At the same time, we heard from people who are blind that the startup chime in particular was crucial as a way of letting them know that the computer was on, so they did not have to guess when they could start interacting with their PC. Balancing these different sets of initial feedback along with the goal of creating a calm Windows experience, the team began to explore a new set of Windows sounds. As soon as we had a set of sounds we thought had potential, we re-engaged our customers with vision and hearing impairments. Based on their feedback, we determined that the sounds needed to traverse the entire 250 – 8000 Hz range in order to be audible to people who are hard of hearing, and that the startup sound would be most helpful if it played when the lock screen was displayed so that blind users would know when to enter their login information. In the end, the team delivered not only a new Windows startup sound that lets everyone know their PC is ready at just the right time, but a set of calm, informative sounds that can be heard by a broader set of our users. Making Accessibility easier to find for everyone Great accessibility features can only take you so far if people can’t find them. The continual feedback cycle of inclusive design influenced this aspect of Windows 11 as well, in the reframing of “Ease of Access” as “Accessibility” within the Settings pane. In prior versions of Windows, the team had chosen the phrase “Ease of Access” to try to represent the fullness of the accessibility space – not only permanent disabilities, but temporary and situational ones as well. However, when we engaged with our users, we learned that no one really knew what it meant! Some people even told us that they thought that “Ease of Access” sounded more like where they would find options to connect to the internet. Hearing this feedback, the team knew that it was time for a change. We didn’t want to lose sight of the original goal of honoring and embracing the fullness of the disability spectrum with the new design – and at the same time we wanted to make certain that individuals looking for assistive features built into Windows would know where to look. The team got to work, engaged our writing and icon design team, and tested close to a dozen different icon and name combinations with the goal of finding that inclusive and clear set. In the end, “Accessibility” was what customers expected to find, and the human figure icon stood out as a great way to celebrate the fullness of human abilities. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/Accessibility-Settings-Home-1920x1080-1-1024x577.png Join us on the journey Windows 11 marks a significant milestone in our efforts to integrate accessibility and inclusive design throughout both our products and our culture – and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped us on our way by giving us the gift of feedback. We know there are more milestones yet to come, and we still need your help. So join us by trying Windows 11 and giving us your feedback to help create better experiences for each of us. Just press the Windows logo key + F to launch the Feedback hub and share what’s on your mind. Finally, if you are a customer with a disability and need technical assistance with Windows or any other Microsoft product, please reach out to the Disability Answer Desk via phone, chat or ASL (via videophone). Please contact us, we are always happy to help. Continue reading...

Starting today, Windows 11 users around the world have access to a brand-new Microsoft Store. Let’s explore what’s in store for you! 1 – The best apps and entertainment for your Windows device Whether you use a desktop PC, a tablet or one of our new Surface devices, the Microsoft Store connects you with experiences that help you do more of what you love. With a newly expanded catalog of apps, games, movies and TV series, the redesigned Microsoft Store is ready for you – with content that’s tested for security, family safety and device compatibility. Here’s some ideas to get started, if you’re using the new Microsoft Store: Looking for the latest in entertainment? Stream movies and TV on Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, PlutoTV, Paramount+ or SlingTV. Are you a social type? Connect with others using apps like Discord, Reddit, Facebook, Messenger, Zoom Cloud Meetings, Twitter or Telegram. Feeling creative? Grab a pen (or just touch) and explore Bamboo Paper, Corel Painter, Concepts or Affinity Designer. Ready to work? You will find Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel and PowerPoint in the Microsoft Store, alongside third-party productivity and utility apps like Canva, Acrobat Reader DC, LibreOffice and WinZip. Want to customize your PC? Check out popular utilities like PowerToys, Ear Trumpet or Lively Wallpaper. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/1-Store_PDP_Carousel.gif 2 – Built for gaming Gaming has always been fundamental to Windows, and the new Microsoft Store will connect you to the full diversity of games in our ecosystem. Along with a bevy of casual games (such as Candy Crush Soda Saga and Microsoft Solitaire Collection), and classics like Minecraft, we’ve built a seamless bridge to the Xbox App where gamers will find easy access to community and an extensive selection of more than 100 stellar PC games that are available with Xbox Game Pass – from Microsoft Flight Simulator to Sea of Thieves. In fact, this October kicks off an incredible season for PC gaming, with launches including Age of Empires IV on Oct. 28, Forza Horizon 5 on Nov. 9 and Halo Infinite on Dec. 8. All three games will be available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass for PC members on day one. And keeping to Microsoft Store’s mission to connect you with all the experiences that matter, Windows 11 users can also find third-party storefronts, like the Epic Games Store, inside the Microsoft Store. 3 – Faster and easier (and better-looking, too!) We’ve redesigned the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 from the ground up, paying attention to every detail, and listening to customer feedback. The Microsoft Store is now 35% faster to open and navigate between pages than ever before. It features a new, refined design with animations to smoothly guide you from one page to the next, and subtle lighting effects to show details on spotlights. Product detail pages have also been updated to highlight unique content from each developer, while keeping consistency across content types. And the redesigned library will help you keep track of your installed apps and updates. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/3-Faster-and-Easier.gif 4 – New search experience We’re making improvements to search, to ensure you can find the best experiences from the Microsoft Store on Windows. This includes features like a new search results page that puts the content you seek front and center. We’re also making it easier to filter search results, for example, by setting an age rating or filtering by category. We know search is important, and there’s even more we have planned – we’ll have additional improvements to share with you in the coming months. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/4-New-Search-1024x551.png Highlighted product cards help customers find the right content. 5 – New Disney+ app, optimized for Windows The Disney+ PC app for Windows is now available in supported territories. Disney+ is a must-have for streaming all your favorite stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more. In select international markets, it also includes the new general entertainment content brand, Star. With original series and specials, the latest movie releases, classic adventures, documentaries, nostalgic TV shows and so much more, there's always something new to explore! Starting later this week, you can easily find your favorite Disney+ movies and series using Microsoft Store’s search feature – here’s a quick look at the experience a Windows 11 user sees when they search for “Dug Days,” a new collection of shorts from Pixar Animation Studios: Media search with the Disney+ app. Subscription required. 6 – Entertainment widget Windows 11 includes a great starter set of widgets, including a new entertainment widget to keep you connected to what’s trending in media and the hottest new titles. This is already one of Windows Insiders’ most interacted-with widgets, and we plan to add even more content over the next few months. Here’s what the widget looks like in supported markets: https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/6-Entertainment_Widget1940-1024x576.jpg 7 – Editorial stories to help you discover the best apps and games The Microsoft Store on Windows isn’t just the place to install your favorite apps – it’s a place to get introduced to new experiences you might not even know about yet. Beginning this month, you will see curated stories and app collections to help you get the most out of your Windows PC – and keep you informed on the latest trends and development in Windows apps and gaming. 8 – Pop-up store to help you on the web The main goal of the Microsoft Store is to always make it easy and convenient for users to install the best Windows software – even when you’re not using the Microsoft Store app itself. Our new pop-up store can help if you’re installing apps directly from a website, too. When you click the new “Get it from Microsoft” badge on a web page, an unobtrusive “mini” version of our store can pop-up to broker the installation, so you know that you’re installing software from a trusted service. If you’re using the new Microsoft Store, you can demo the experience by clicking the badge below. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/PopupStore_final.jpg 9 – Integrated with your Windows workflow One of the many refinements in Windows 11 is how it keeps you connected with relevant apps and experiences from the Microsoft Store. The new “Get Started” app helps elevate the right apps for the moment, including suggested resources from the Store. Windows 11 can also connect you with apps that help with specific workflows – for example, if you’re viewing a photo in the Photos app, you can now easily jump to a more powerful image editor app with just one click. If you like to deeply personalize the look and feel of your desktop, Windows’ settings will connect you to the Microsoft Store to browse and install custom themes for your device. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/9-Windows-Photos-Integration_Crop-1024x587.png Quickly jump from Microsoft Photos to photo-editing apps from the Store, such as PicsArt. 10 – Coming soon to Windows 10 The new Microsoft Store is available now on Windows 11, and we’re happy to share that it will be available to Windows 10 customers in the coming months, too! We’ll be sharing more details about that soon. 11 – Open to developers, listening to users We’ve opened up the Microsoft Store on Windows to developers using different types of frameworks, packaging technologies and commerce platforms – aligning to our commitment to choice, fairness and innovation. For instance, the Microsoft Store on Windows no longer requires app developers to share revenue with Microsoft, when apps manage their own payment systems. If you’re a Windows developer, you can learn how to publish your app to the new Microsoft Store – or if your app is already in the Store, you can get the resources to add the new badges and pop-up store to your website. We want to recognize and thank the Windows Insider community for sharing their feedback since we started this journey in June — you’ve helped make this product better for all Windows customers. We are excited about the journey we are on, and look forward to bringing Android apps and games from the Amazon Appstore to Windows 11 and the Microsoft Store in partnership with Amazon and Intel; this will start as a preview for Windows Insiders soon. As Windows 11 rolls out globally, we encourage all users to provide their feedback through Feedback Hub… We’re listening! Continue reading...

Today, Windows 11 availability begins both for new devices pre-loaded with Windows 11 and eligible Windows 10 devices. Windows continues to be integral to how more than a billion people connect, learn, play and work. Windows 11 brings you closer to what you love, empowering your creativity and productivity while advancing critical elements such as security and reliability. In this post I’ll explain the measured and phased rollout process for Windows 11, and how to get the upgrade when your device is ready. About the upgrade to Windows 11 Our launch approach to Windows 11 leverages the well-established systems and processes used for the 1.3 billion Windows 10 devices we have shipped and serviced for over five years. We will use a measured and phased process in offering Windows 11 as we have done with Windows 10 feature updates. Our objective is to provide you with a smooth upgrade experience. We will begin to offer the upgrade to eligible new devices first1,2. Then, as with previous rollouts, we will study device health data and other signals to determine the pace at which Windows 11 is offered via Windows Update. Over time, we will make Windows 11 available to existing (in-market) devices based on hardware eligibility, reliability metrics and other factors that impact the upgrade experience. If you have a Windows 10 PC that’s eligible for the upgrade, Windows Update will let you know via the Windows Update Settings page when it’s available. We expect all eligible Windows 10 devices to be offered the upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022. Oct. 4, 2021 also marks the start of the 24-month lifecycle for the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11. How to get Windows 11 Windows 11 devices Starting today, a variety of exciting new devices are available pre-loaded with Windows 11, and new devices still shipping with Windows 10 will be the first to be offered the upgrade. Windows 10 devices If you are running Windows 10 today, you can check to see if your device is eligible (i.e., meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11) to upgrade using the PC Health Check app. You can then check to see if the Windows 11 upgrade is ready for your specific device by opening Windows Update settings (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) and selecting Check for updates3. If your device is eligible and the upgrade is ready, the option to download and install will appear: If you are ready to install Windows 11, simply select Download and install4. For more information on the Windows 11 upgrade experience, watch this video. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/Picture1-1024x731.png Our measured and phased approach to the rollout of Windows 11 means we will offer the upgrade via Windows Update when data shows that your device is ready, as our objective is to provide a good upgrade experience. If we detect that your device may have an issue, such as an application incompatibility, we may put a safeguard hold in place, and not offer the upgrade until that issue is resolved. To learn more about the status of the Windows 11 rollout, safeguard holds, and which holds may be applied to your device, visit Windows release health. Learn more about the ways to install Windows 11. Information for commercial and education customers Windows 11 is tailor-made for today’s hybrid work and learning environments. We have modernized the overall user experience, while still maintaining a familiar feel. In fact, Windows 11 is built on the consistent, compatible and familiar Windows 10 foundation you know. You can plan for, prepare and deploy Windows 11 alongside Windows 10 using the same processes, policies and management applications. For new information about the latest features for commercial organizations, see Windows 11 available today to empower your hybrid workforce. If you're an IT administrator, we recommend that you begin targeted deployments now as part of your regular Windows Update motion. For a list of the latest resources and tools, see our post on Tools to support Windows 11 deployment. In addition, to help make Windows 11 deployment easier, there are new capabilities coming in Endpoint analytics to help you assess your organization's readiness for Windows 11 and hybrid work at scale. You can learn more in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager blog. In addition, Microsoft built the Windows 11 Readiness report in Update Compliance to help IT administrators identify which devices meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements and are capable of an upgrade, and which are not capable and why. Windows 11 is available through familiar channels and processes including Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Windows Update for Business, and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC)5 for phased deployment using Microsoft Endpoint Manager or other endpoint management solutions. Oct. 4, 2021 marks the start of the 36 months of servicing support lifecycle for Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11. As it is being released in the second half of the year, the version number for this original release of Windows 11 is 21H2. Protected and productive As I’ve noted in past blogs, being on the latest version of Windows provides you with the best in creativity, protection and productivity. This has never been truer than with Windows 11! Windows 11’s minimum system requirements enable a new era of experiences, reliability and security. As Panos Panay shared in June, this is the first version of a new era of Windows. And, for customers who are using a device that is not eligible for Windows 11, Windows 10 is a great place to be. Windows 10 will be serviced through Oct. 14, 2025 and we previously announced that the next feature update to Windows 10 is coming very soon, continuing to offer you both support and choice with Windows. As we closely monitor the measured and phased rollout of Windows 11, we will continue to share timely information on the status of the rollout and known issues (open and resolved) across all Windows feature and monthly updates via the Windows release health dashboard and @WindowsUpdate. As always, please continue to tell us about your experience by providing comments or suggestions via Feedback Hub. 1The Windows 11 upgrade will start to be delivered to qualifying devices beginning Oct. 4, 2021. Timing varies by device. 2 Eligible Windows 10 devices must be on version 2004 or later, and have installed the Sept. 14, 2021 servicing update or later, to upgrade directly to Windows 11. 3 Certain features require specific hardware; see Windows 11 specifications for more information. 4 New Windows 11 users will be shown and need to accept the Microsoft Software License Terms after selecting "Download and install" before the download will commence. 5 It may take several days for downloads to be available in the VLSC and similar channels across all products, markets and languages. Continue reading...

Today marks an exciting milestone in the history of Windows. As the day becomes October 5 in each time zone around the world, availability of Windows 11 begins through a free upgrade on eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs pre-installed with Windows 11 that can be purchased beginning today. Windows is a driving force for innovation. It’s an enduring platform for each one of us to create. And its home for over a billion people to do their jobs, live their dreams and connect with the people they love. We’re pumped to be launching Windows 11; the entire user experience brings you closer to what you love, empowers you to produce and inspires you to create. Windows 11 provides a sense of calm and openness. It gives you a place that feels like home. It’s secure and everything is designed to be centered around you. To fully understand the magic of Windows 11 you must get it in your hands. The gorgeous graphics, sounds and animations of Windows 11 along with the innovative and beautiful hardware from our partners and Surface provides an experience like none other. There’s never been a better time to buy a PC As we look to next year and beyond, whether it’s to work, create, connect, learn or play, the PC will continue to play a relevant and lasting role in our lives. Throughout the month of September, we’ve seen some amazing new Windows 11 devices announced from our partners at ASUS, HP and Lenovo, and from the Surface team. Acer, Dell, Samsung and other partners will also be releasing new Windows 11 devices soon. Each one of our partners is critical to bringing Windows 11 to life. No other ecosystem has the breadth and scale that the Windows ecosystem does to meet the needs of people whether they’re creators, developers, students and educators, business and gamers at every price point and in every form factor. Here’s how you can get Windows 11: Purchase a new PC pre-installed with Windows 11 by visiting Windows.com or your local retailer Purchase a Windows 10 PC that’s eligible for the free upgrade by visiting Windows.com or your local retailer Use the PC Health Check app to check if your current Windows 10 PC is eligible for the free upgrade If you’re interested in learning more about the Windows 11 upgrade roll out approach, visit this Windows Blog post We’re proud to offer Windows 11 on the widest array of choice in devices, form factors and silicon from our valued partners at Acer, AMD, ASUS, Dell, HP, Intel, Lenovo, Qualcomm, Samsung and Surface. Check out some of the incredible new PCs that have recently been introduced: The eco-friendly Acer Aspire Vero features post-consumer recycled plastic throughout the chassis and keyboard, 100% recyclable packaging and up to IntelCore i7 The ASUS ProArt Studiobook Pro 16 OLED, a powerful laptop that can handle complex CAD models, 3D product design or high-resolution video editing The HP ENVY 34 All-in-One Desktop PC is made for creators by creators, with an incredible ultra-wide 5K display that brings to life Windows 11 Snap Layouts to easily view multiple apps side by side, along with the world’s first detachable magnetic camera with 16 MP binning technology for collaboration where and how you want it. The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Carbon also offers Wi-Fi 6 and an infrared (IR) camera with an electrical shutter switch so you can take advantage of the hands-free Windows Hello Surface Laptop Studio, a fresh take on our powerhouse laptop, featuring a new ultra-durable Dynamic Woven Hinge, allowing it to transition from one mode to another seamlessly And be sure to follow the Windows Experience Blog for more exciting announcements coming soon Now, we’d also like to share some of the highlights of this release with you. Bringing you closer to what you love Windows 11 brings you closer to what you love and is designed with you at the center. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/FatherDaughter-1024x683.jpg The new Microsoft Store on Windows brings you closer to your favorite apps and entertainment—all in one place. The Microsoft Store on Windows not only brings you more apps than ever before; we’re also making it easier to search and discover new content with curated stories and collections. New apps are available today in the Microsoft Store on Windows, such as Canva, Disney+, Zoom, the Epic Game Store and so much more. To learn more about what’s new in the Microsoft Store, visit this blog post. Empowering your productivity and inspiring your creativity Windows 11 features powerful new experiences that empower your productivity and inspire your creativity. We’re all multitasking more than ever on our PCs, from multiple monitors and browser tabs to editing documents in Word or PowerPoint. With Windows 11, we’re making it easier to focus and stay in your flow with Snap Layouts and Groups, and Desktops. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/Contrast-Themes-1920x1080-1-1024x577.jpg Accessibility was considered from the start in the development of Windows 11, with inclusive design reviews of new and redesigned features. We’re proud that Windows 11 is the most inclusively designed version of Windows, built with and for people with disabilities. Windows 11 offers familiar assistive technologies like Narrator, Magnifier, Closed Captions and Windows Speech Recognition to support people across the disability spectrum. To learn more about accessibility in Windows 11 visit this blog post. We’ve improved the experiences for touch in Windows 11 when you’re using a tablet without a keyboard. You’ll see more space between the icons in the Taskbar, adding bigger touch targets and subtle visual cues to make resizing and moving windows easier, as well as adding gestures. We’ve also enabled haptics with Windows 11 to make using your pen even more immersive – allowing you to hear and feel the vibrations as you click through and edit or sketch. Surface Slim Pen 2 (sold separately) is a great example of haptics in action. With as much time as we’re all spending on our PCs, sometimes you might want to type on your PC with your voice. We’re excited to introduce new enhancements in voice typing on Windows 11. Now, with voice typing your PC recognizes what you say, even automatically punctuating sentences for you. For developers, Windows 11 offers new tools and resources With Windows 11, we endeavored to make Windows a more open platform. We thought about the development process and what tools and capabilities you need to create amazing apps. We built Windows 11 with developers in mind. You can create and build apps using the tools, frameworks and languages that you know and love. We’re also embracing all your apps and will work to make them feel at home on Windows. Visit this blog post to learn more about our advancements for developers. Windows 11 is built for gaming Windows 11 was made for gaming, with innovative new features that can take your PC gaming experience to the next level. If your PC has an HDR capable display, Auto HDR will automatically upgrade over 1000 DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games to high dynamic range, rendering a much wider range of colors and brightness. We also believe that player choice is important, so Windows 11 includes the ability to turn Auto HDR on or off on a per-game basis. Windows 11 also includes support for DirectStorage, a feature we first introduced on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. When paired with an NVMe solid state drive and DirectX 12 GPU, games that implement DirectStorage can benefit from reduced load times and render more detailed and expansive game worlds. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/GamePass-1024x683.jpg Windows 11 also includes the Xbox app built right in. Through the Xbox app you can browse, download and play over 100 high-quality PC games with Game Pass for PC (membership sold separately). And this October kicks off the three biggest months in Xbox history with incredible game launches including Age of Empires IV on Oct. 28, Forza Horizon 5 on Nov. 9 and Halo Infinite on Dec. 8. All three of these games will be available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass for PC members on day one. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can also play 100+ Xbox console games on their PC without having to wait for a download, thanks to the power of Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) with the Xbox app. Enabling the hybrid workforces and classrooms of tomorrow https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/10/Coffee-1024x683.jpg Windows 11 is the operating system for hybrid work and learning. Through the rapid acceleration of digital transformation that we’ve seen over the last 19 months, it is critical for today’s organizations to be resilient and flexible. With the shift to hybrid work, where work is constantly changing, we understand the importance of an operating system that is flexible, consistent, secure and works how you work. That’s why Windows 11 is built on the consistent, compatible and familiar Windows 10 foundation that is easy for IT to manage. Beginning today, organizations can begin moving to Windows 11 on powerful PCs and through the cloud with Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop. To learn more about how Windows 11 can empower your hybrid workforce, please visit this Microsoft 365 blog post. Windows 11 is designed for chip-to-cloud protection As we continue on our journey, feedback from our customers and the industry is so important to helping us shape a Windows that our customers love. To that end, we conducted a survey of Security Decision Makers in the U.S. from a range of industries and found that 75% of security decision makers, VP and above, feel that the move to hybrid work leaves their organization more vulnerable to security threats. This last year has proven that security needs to be built in from the hardware up, the chip to the cloud. In fact, 80% of respondents feel that software alone is not enough protection from emerging threats. Windows 11 was designed with security in mind to meet the challenges we will face in this new work environment and beyond. You can read more on our Security blog. A new era for the PC begins today We are grateful to our entire ecosystem of partners who have played important roles in helping us prepare to get Windows 11 into the hands of our customers around the world. From OEM and app partners, to silicon, to retail, to our Windows Insiders, a launch of this global scale could not be achieved without them. On behalf of the entire team, we are pumped to bring you Windows 11, the Windows that brings you closer to what you love. We look forward to seeing the dreams and ideas you bring to life with Windows 11. This is just the beginning. Features and app availability may vary by region. Continue reading...

Players of the Minecraft for Windows 10 Starter Collection are in for a month of fright and fun with the Minecraft Spookyfest now underway. In store are some special Halloween items, including: Oct. 13: The Spooky Gourdian – a free Minecraft Dungeons-inspired Character Creator item based on the Jack-O-Lantern (free until Nov. 2) Oct. 19: The Cauldron Cover – a paid Minecraft Dungeons-inspired Character Creator item based on the Cauldron Oct. 26: Halloween Fiends – a free skin pack (free until Nov. 2) Also, if you buy select Minecraft items between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31, you get a special code for a free Minecraft Crafty Costumes Skin Pack with five spooky skins to use in Bedrock Edition. Head over to Minecraft.net to find out about it all. Continue reading...

More than 40 million people in the United States have a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted people with disabilities, exacerbating what the World Health Organization termed the Disability Divide. Disability is a growing demographic, it was pre-pandemic, but even more so post, with “Long Covid” recently designated a disability. This year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” hit at the center of what people with disabilities face given the pandemic and gives voice to what we too believe at Microsoft. We consider disability a strength. By ensuring the “inclusion” of people with disabilities in the workplace, we advance our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. And for everyone to achieve more, particularly in the workplace, we must nurture inclusive workplace cultures that allow employees to do their best work such as ensuring those that have the flexibility can navigate to a hybrid work culture. Fair wages for all Earlier this year, we announced a multi-year commitment to bridging the disability divide by opening doors for people with disabilities with “accessible by design” technology, a continued focus on inclusive workplaces and creating opportunities for more talent with disabilities to enter the workforce. While we are very hopeful and pleased about the progress to date, given NDEAM, we would be remiss to not call out how people with disabilities are not given equal treatment in employment. We applaud the effort by the state of California this week to bring the practice of subminimum wage for people with disabilities to a close. This practice legally allows for workers with disabilities to be paid as little as $2 an hour. California joins more than 10 other states and federal efforts to phase out subminimum wage practices. We believe in fair wages for all and are proud that all workers in our Supported Employment Program earn a competitive wage, receiving benefits in full-time or part-time roles. In 2019, we extended that practice to all our suppliers, adding language into our code of conduct to reconfirm the obligation to pay the applicable minimum wage to everyone. A small but important step forward in closing the divide. There is more to do to build better, more equitable and inclusive workplaces. The following are great examples of efforts across the company to grow our focus and learning and some opportunities to engage through the month of October as we mark NDEAM. Navigating the job search Going for that next job can be scary! Join the founders of John’s Crazy Socks, John Lee Cronin Mark X. Cronin, Russell Shaffer from Walmart, and Neil Barnett from Microsoft on an employer panel hosted by LinkedIn’s General Counsel Blake Lawit to discuss employment opportunities and working in the hybrid workforce. This panel, hosted by LinkedIn, will deep dive into employment and hiring tips such as managing job interviews, disability disclosure, accommodation requests and more. The panel is meant for all ranges of job seekers and the goal is for folks to walk away with new tips, insights and resources to help in that job search! Building inclusive workplaces Our ambition is to fully represent the population of people with disabilities across the globe, and we take that seriously. Later this month, we’ll share our updated disability representation data in our annual diversity and inclusion report. Once published, we’ll share a LinkedIn post explaining the value of the numbers and describing next steps on our own inclusion journey. Gaming Xbox is celebrating gamers, players and creators in the disability community on Twitch, Stream and more this month. Tied to employment, it’s utilizing Minecraft in its Neurodiversity Hiring Program. The Minecraft Education team produced a Minecraft experience to utilize as it assesses candidates. Check out the video below, which shows how group participation in a set of customized Minecraft challenges presents an opportunity for neurodivergent candidates to demonstrate Microsoft competencies such as teamwork and collaboration. And go to the neurodiversity hiring site for more information on the program! YouTube Video Click here to load media Accessible by design Technology is key to help bridge the disability divide. In the digital economy, access to technology, and to accessible technologies, is instrumental to being a participant in the workforce. We take this responsibility seriously and focused on building products that just work, that are accessible by design. Just last week, our Chief Product Officer Panos Panay announced a new Surface Adaptive Kit for Surface devices and accessories. The kit includes simple tactile tools that can be used in many ways to help make it easier to find your favorite keys, open your laptop, and connect accessories. The kit is wrapped in accessible packaging so everyone can independently enjoy the unboxing experience. The kit will be available in November; for more check out Surface Adaptive Kit – Microsoft Store. Later this month, you will hear a lot on new products and features, including Windows 11 which releases Oct. 5 with some simple features that we hope will make it easier to accomplish tasks in the way that works best for each of you. We’ve rebranded the Accessibility settings (formerly Ease of Access); redesigned contrast themes; and created new options for customizing video captions and Windows voice typing using artificial intelligence to recognize speech, transcribe and automatically punctuate text. Also excited to share more throughout October from our M365 team that produces tools instrumental to the workplace, including Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Excel and more. Features that empower people across the disability spectrum, powering flexible inclusivity in the workplace whether you are blind, deaf, neurodiverse or situationally use accessibility features like captions to capture all the conversation. Specialized support Throughout the pandemic we’ve learned that accessibility and technical support focused on people with disabilities is a crucial part of driving an inclusive workplace. Since the start of the pandemic and the shift to remote work, our enterprise Disability Answer Desk (eDAD) has seen a 100% growth in education, enterprise and government customers looking to help their employees stay productive while working remotely. Enterprise customers can reach out to the Enterprise Disability Answer Desk (eDAD) to get help with questions about accessibility features, product compliance and assistive technologies. If you have a disability and need technical assistance, the Consumer Disability Answer Desk (DAD) can assist you via phone (800-936-5900) or chat. We also have an ASL option available for our customers who are deaf or hard of hearing in the U.S. (+1 503-427-1234), as well as provide video support through the Be My Eyes app. Visit www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility for more information. The post With workers with disabilities being able to paid as little as $2 an hour in 42 states, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to honor, reflect and bring awareness appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

On Sept. 30 the Marvel’s Avengers experience, including all previously released free content, became available with Xbox Game Pass for PC, console and cloud. “Every player with an Xbox Game Pass membership can experience the full game and all our post-launch Heroes and missions,” writes Hunter Wolfe in a post on Xbox Wire. “This includes four story campaigns that showcase one or more Hero’s unique abilities, as well as our Avengers Initiative – our evolving online multiplayer world that lets you and three friends play as any Hero in our roster and embark on global adventures.” Head on over to the Xbox Wire post to find out more and view the trailer and images. Continue reading...

Recently, the United Nations General Assembly met for their 76th session to realize their vision of building resilience with hope: helping the world to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people and revitalize the U.N. As a partner to the U.N., Microsoft deeply supports this vision. We’ve been driving for progress on several fronts, notably by: Investing in our global skills initiative, recently expanded with skilling resources for small- to medium-size businesses, to help drive an inclusive skills-based economy. Doubling down on accessibility to close the disability divide and scale accessible technology. Introducing Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability and Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit to help propel new industry solutions to solve some of the most pressing challenges we face today. At Microsoft Inspire 2021, I spoke with other leaders about how trust is the foundation of successful business relationships. As Microsoft Channel Chief, I’m committed to empowering our customers and partners with trusted technologies that help create more inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities. During a protracted pandemic recovery, our partners have been doing just that, coming together to enable our customers to achieve digital transformation at an accelerated pace and to address challenges that have been compounded by humanitarian needs and the climate crisis in some parts of the world. We’ve showcased some of their work through our Microsoft #BuildFor2030 initiative, which seeks to drive transformational solutions and services together with our partner ecosystem that advance the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 initiatives focused on creating a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable world by 2030. I am passionate about engaging our powerful Microsoft partner ecosystem to help transform businesses and drive inclusive market opportunity. Consider that over 4,000 investment institutions have become signatories to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment, which has $89 trillion assets under management. This creates an opportunity for all organizations in a position to lean in and help, and I ask that we keep working together to make a positive impact on communities. Launching the Microsoft #BuildFor2030 Hackathon Today, I’m excited to announce that we are launching the Microsoft #BuildFor2030 Hackathon to accelerate our collective impact. Open to all partners around the world, the #BuildFor2030 Hackathon seeks to increase our collective understanding of the SDGs and help us innovate and unlock new industry solutions and inclusive market opportunity. I invite our partners to build solutions that address challenge statements around the following #BuildFor2030 Hackathon themes: Gender equality: Enable technology that creates equal participation, equitable economic access and opportunities at all levels in work and life for women and girls. Climate action and sustainability: Build new solutions to help customers and industries across the globe transition to a net-zero carbon future. Digital inclusion and accessibility: Create accessible technology devices and applications with inclusive design for more than 1 billion people living with disabilities. Enabling the nonprofit sector: Develop solutions to enable the nonprofit sector to achieve scalable and measurable mission impact. Empowering communities: Reimagine solutions that strengthen our institutions, build resilient infrastructure and create equitable access to health, education and social services. I encourage you to attend live workshops on responsible AI principles, accessibility and inclusive design, the Microsoft Sustainability Calculator, changemaking, researching the SDGs and more — all included as part of this community-building experience. Cash prizes, technical and go-to-market benefits have been lined up to help winning partners further develop their solutions and bring them to market. I look forward to reading your entries! Register today for the #BuildFor2030 Hackathon. Recognizing partner solutions empowering resilient communities I’m also proud to highlight partners who have delivered impactful solutions empowering resilient communities, featured in our #BuildFor2030 Campaign. During the pandemic, public sector organizations have been at the heart of global efforts and under heightened pressure to provide emergency response, accelerate recovery and reimagine the way we work and live. As a result, public sector organizations are increasing investments in digital technology. By 2025, 95% of new IT investment made by government agencies will be made as a service solution[1]. Our partners have been helping governments to operate effectively during a global crisis, building solutions that are strengthening institutions, enhancing critical infrastructure, delivering financial assistance, enabling virtual teaching and learning, and so much more. Our partners are also helping governments to harness the power of new and emerging technologies, namely cloud, big data and AI, to reshape interactions with citizens, provide more personalized and accessible services, and to reimagine a more resilient future based on inclusive and sustainable economic development. Partner solutions enabling pandemic response uPlanner collaborated with the Ministry of Education in Peru and the Tecnológico of Monterrey and Laspau, affiliated with Harvard, on uPlanning, so that 300,000 students in South America could stay on track with their university education during the pandemic. MillenniumIT ESP’s telemedicine platform HealthVision powers the disABILITY app, designed with the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation, which offers invaluable teletherapy services for people with cerebral palsy and other developmental disorders. Partner solutions accelerating recovery with digital technologies HMX.ai’s SmartCloud, Inc. Tax Intelligence System helps confront tax fraud and corruption. By finding potentially noncompliant entities, it’s helping authorities gain better insight on how tax fraud may be occurring. Auror is the Crime Intelligence Platform empowering the retail and law enforcement community to reduce crime, loss and harm. KPMG VeloCITY 365 delivers the complete citizen service lifecycle and is being used by cities in North America. It enables out-of-the-box integration to common local government applications, enabling governments to track and report on citizen issues with ease while optimizing citizen engagement. Partner solutions reimagining a more resilient and sustainable future Enlighten Designs created a citizen-enabled, data collection process enabled with Power BI Data Journalism, empowering citizens to create change and help preserve New Zealand’s beaches, through groundbreaking AI and data analytics. Catalyte discovers, trains and advances apprentice developers from nontraditional backgrounds who have the potential to become high-performing software engineers for public sector clients, including the city of Baltimore and other employers, creating a sustainable pipeline of tech talent. View all partner solutions featured in our #BuildFor2030 campaign. Investing in a diverse and inclusive partner ecosystem I’m grateful for our partner-led community organizations that are supporting our #BuildFor2030 initiative and working alongside us to enable a diverse and inclusive partner ecosystem. I encourage you to take a first step, or your next step, to learn more about these organizations and help extend their impact: Spread the word on The WIT Network’s initiative to train 1,000 women in Azure and AI. With support from Microsoft, this effort aims to help women reskill, upskill and progress their technology careers. Register for WICxUNGA. This October event led by Women in Cloud seeks to accelerate the SDGs and is being held in tandem with the #BuildFor2030 Hackathon. Enroll in the Black and African American Partner Growth Initiative. In October, we will start offering enrolled partners deeper training and engagement opportunities with the support of the Black Channel Partner Alliance, which works to scale Black-owned technology businesses in the United States. Engage with the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP) and their Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. Get support from other partners while growing your business. The #BuildFor2030 Hackathon is open to partner organizations with an active membership with the Microsoft Partner Network. Final entries are due by 11:59 p.m. PT, Nov. 15. Learn more Join us to #BuildFor2030 and make progress on the SDGs Drive an inclusive economy Microsoft Cloud for Financial Services Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare [1] Gartner: Top Trends in Government for 2021: Anything as a Service. Published March 2021. The post Empowering resilient communities and accelerating our collective impact with #BuildFor2030 appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. 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John Porter is an input and accessibility designer who is unable to use what so many take for granted: a keyboard and mouse. Porter relies almost entirely on his voice and speech recognition technology, in addition to switches (a series of buttons with pre-defined actions to cover a small range of motion) to interact with his PC. Working on Windows 11 as part of the Modern Input & Accessibility team, he’s been creating solutions to help others who use their PCs in different ways. “My role on the team is to think about how we can create new and more inherently inclusive input modalities that will not only address the needs of customers with disabilities, but have mainstream value as well,” says Porter, who joined Microsoft three years ago while in a doctorate program at the University of Washington in the department of Human Centered Design and Engineering. In Windows 11, you’ll now see Accessibility in Settings, new contrast themes and an ongoing commitment to engage with the disability community in doing even more with their feedback. “Having someone on the team like me who didn't grow up entrenched in a traditional notion of what it means to interact with a computer allows me to think outside the box,” says Porter, who has a neuro-muscular condition called spinal muscular atrophy. When he was a young child – about 5 – he had enough manual dexterity to use a keyboard and mouse on his first computer. But as his condition evolved, he had to adapt, using a pencil to “hunt and peck” on the keyboard, and a stylus instead of a mouse. “When I think back to my own childhood, being in the classroom or computer class, my most vivid memories include using alternate input devices and the way all the kids crowded around to witness this novelty. For me, I was incredibly fortunate, that manifested as a pretty positive experience, but I also recognize that is far from typical,” Porter says. “Often, for people with disabilities – sensory, physical or cognitive – accessibility features and assistive technologies you rely on to mediate your interaction with the world around you may as well be a flashing neon sign that says 'I'm different.' So with Windows 11, that was one of our real commitments and priorities. Regardless of whether you’re using Windows with mouse, touch or voice typing, using a default color theme, etc. – all of it had to feel like you were using Windows in the way it was meant to be used. “It was critical to recognize that no two people with disabilities are alike. One person who’s blind or low vision can’t act as a proxy for an entire community. What I try to communicate to my team and all of our partner teams is that we’re off to a good start, but how do we push this further? I’ve broken down that door, so to speak, so how do I use that privilege in the world of Windows to find more seats to that table, bring more people into that conversation? The only way we’re going to be able to move forward to represent the full spectrum of human diversity is by being understood and represented in the things we create,” Porter says. [caption id=attachment_176274" align="aligncenter" width="600]https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/09/48-DSC07538-Silva-Story-e1632339308550.jpg Natassia Silva[/caption] “I found myself learning about the customers, learning their habits, the menu and trying to find ways to improve the menu. I helped build it. I did things that were outside expectations,” she says. “But I was really passionate about not just making a business successful, but also making the people that come to it happy and have a memorable experience. I have a deep empathy for folks and learning and listening to feedback.” Born and raised in Hawaii, Silva took some time to figure out what she wanted to do. She was always very creative. She loved computers, drawing and fashion. She even made her own zines. But she also knew she wanted to do something that helped people. Silva went to The Academy of Art University and worked in the men’s fashion industry – doing a little bit of everything – before a chance meeting changed her life. “I was at a point when I was considering going back to school for graphic design. I met someone at the restaurant that I was managing who was a UX [user experience] designer and he asked me, have you thought about UX design? He shared all these resources that sparked my curiosity. Long story short, I decided to move to Seattle just to switch it up, try a new city,” says Silva, whose cousin urged her to join a design program there. “On the very last day of my interaction design classes, my instructor was showing us portfolios of designers to look up to and one of them was the same designer I met in San Francisco who told me I should go into UX design.” For Windows 11, Silva worked on the pen menu, the handwriting panel, the language switcher and the input method editor (IME) for East Asian languages. She also worked on accessibility settings such as text size, visual effects and color filters. But the bulk of her focus was on high contrast themes, something she wasn’t familiar with when she started.We’re really trying to create meaningful, intentional and thoughtful solutions.She relied heavily on past research as well as talking directly to customers, especially those who have experience with needing/using such themes. The team worked with a low vision advisory board, made up of external customers who identify within the spectrum of low vision, whether it's color blindness or light sensitivity. “I didn't realize how difficult it can be for them,” Silva says. “There are so many problems I wasn’t aware of.” For instance, some folks had a hard time distinguishing where the borders of one window met the other when they had many windows open. Others would use the magnifier tool because they would have difficulty being able to view their display, so they would use that accessibility tool to zoom in. But when they zoomed in closely, it could be even harder to differentiate between various elements in the user interface. These insights helped Silva create more aesthetically pleasing contrast themes that give people more choices in what works for them. “When it comes to human-centered design, it’s people at the root of it all and being able to empathize with our customers,” Silva says, of her approach to solving these pain points for users. “I was also very fortunate to work with a product manager who did identify as someone with low vision. It was helpful to have multiple perspectives and it's those multiple perspectives and listening to those with lived experiences that helped shape and drive the design.” Find out more about Windows 11 and check out previous stories about the people bringing Windows 11 to you that focus on widgets and the taskbar/Start. Continue reading...

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 your family. If you’re running a Windows PC, you already have Microsoft Edge installed, so launch it and check it out. For those of you who haven’t tried Microsoft Edge yet, download it and let us know what you think! Here’s what’s new in web experiences this month: Access reviews and customer ratings while shopping in Microsoft Edge https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/09/W11_Edge-92_Ratings-Reviews_16x9_en-US-revised.gif Regular readers of this blog know that I love shopping online. And I heavily rely on online reviews to help me decide if a product fits my needs. However, ratings and reviews can take a lot of time and effort to research, and they are rarely in one place. This month, we’re excited to announce easy access to online expert reviews and customer ratings for over 5 million products right from the address bar when shopping in Microsoft Edge. To access ratings and reviews, all you need to do is browse for an item at your favorite store and click on the blue tag on the address bar. There, you will find expert online reviews from trusted sources for the product you are viewing. You will also see the average customer star rating across online retailers. This is just another way in which Microsoft Edge is the best browser for shopping and helps you save time. Shopping made simpler and easier with express checkout https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/09/WIN_Edge_Express-Checkout_16x9_en-US.gif While I love shopping online, I do not look forward to entering my shopping and payment information at checkout each time, especially if it’s a site where I don’t have an account profile. I love the new express checkout feature in Microsoft Edge because it speeds up the guest checkout experience, which will definitely come in handy this holiday season! To use this feature while shopping in Microsoft Edge, select guest checkout within the retailer site and then click Try express checkout in the address bar. If you’ve used this feature before, you’ll see your autofill information there. Review the information for accuracy and then click Try all coupons and autofill details. If you haven’t used express checkout before, fill in your information once, and have Microsoft Edge save it for all your future purchases, regardless of where you shop. Save time and money when planning your next trip https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/09/WIN_Edge_Travel-Recommendations_16x9_en-US.gif Some of you may have started to travel a bit more these past few months and/or may be planning on traveling for the holidays to catch up with family and friends. This month, we’re introducing exciting new features to save you time when planning your next trip. The first is travel recommendations. Deciding what to do, see and eat at your upcoming destination can be overwhelming and time consuming. Now, Microsoft Edge will help you with your trip planning by providing recommendations for your travel destination. When you search for flights, you will see a notification appear in the address bar. Click on that to see the recommendations for your destination for restaurants, sightseeing and more, saving you time as you plan your trip. This feature is currently available in the U.S. across the top 10 booking sites. Support for additional sites and markets will be coming soon. This month, we’re also introducing a faster way to search for flights and hotels. This feature is designed to save you time by carrying your entries for departure location, destination and number of passengers when looking for flights. When you visit a new booking site, Microsoft Edge will ask if you want to use the same information you entered on a prior travel site, saving you time when planning your travels. Click on Continue to see the changes apply. So, whether you plan to travel this holiday season or are starting to think about a future vacation, Microsoft Edge will be ready to help you save time and streamline your planning. Finally, we’ve also shipped an update to the flight search experience on Microsoft Bing, available in all markets Bing supports. Now, you don’t need to go to a flight aggregation site and fill out the intake form. On the Bing search bar, simply type what you’re looking for – such as “Seattle to JFK flights” – and all available results will pop up in an instant for you to explore further. We’ve partnered with top industry players to find you the most competitive rates, so you can be sure you are getting the best prices. Stay organized while you browse with tab groups https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/09/W11_Edge_TabGroup_16x9_en-US.gif Let’s face it. During this time of year, we all have way too many tabs open – literally and figuratively. As in life, having way too many tabs open in your browser can be overwhelming. This is usually the case when I’m doing research for work, upcoming trips, or holiday shopping. It is easy for tab numbers to get out of control, making staying organized a challenge. This month, I am excited to announce that we’re introducing tab groups in Microsoft Edge. Tab groups allow you to organize the chaos by clustering tabs together. You can add a name and a color to help you easily find them or collapse them to make more space for other tabs. To start a tab group, hold down CTRL and use your cursor to select the tabs you want to aggregate. Then right-click and select Add tabs to new group, and a menu will open with options for customization. In addition to this, we also have tab preview available, which allows you to sneak a peek of the tab when you hover over it. This comes in handy when you have too many tabs open that look similar, making it easier to navigate to the one you need. This is just another way in which Microsoft Edge helps you make the most of your time online. Introducing Microsoft Start: the content you care about, simplified and reinvented https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/09/MSFTStart-PC_Mobile_1900x800-1024x431.png News and information can be overwhelming. There is so much information coming at us from so many online sources, media channels and devices. There doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day, especially during this time of year, to get caught up on it all. That is why, earlier this month, we introduced Microsoft Start. Microsoft Start is a personalized news feed and collection of informational content, which helps you start with articles you're interested in. It provides both breaking headlines and content pertaining to your interests. Microsoft Start lets you access content on a range of topics all in a single destination. You can access Microsoft Start on your PC by clicking on content in the New Tab Page of Microsoft Edge or navigating directly to Microsoft Start: Top stories, news & more - Apps on Google Play on your PC. There's also a Microsoft Start mobile app that you can download for iOS or Android so you can stay informed on the go! https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/09/MobileApp_QRcode_800x600.jpg Whew! That was a lot, thank you for sticking with me during this! We hope that you enjoy all this beautiful time of year has to offer and that our brand-new features help you save time and money. Please continue to send us your feedback as we work to make the web more innovative and open for everyone. Continue reading...

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 human rights advocate Amal Clooney; comedian and host of “The Daily Show” Trevor Noah; LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky; and NBA legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist Earvin “Magic” Johnson. What to expect in Season 2 Our upcoming season kicks off Tuesday, Oct. 5, and promises to be even better. Award-winning journalist Mariana Atencio will again join us as host, and we’ll focus on many of the big questions facing business leaders today, including: How can we thrive during ongoing disruption? How can we be a responsible organization and drive growth? How will agility help our organization compete to win? How can we accelerate innovation? How can we future-proof our organization? During Episode 1, we’ll share learnings that have enabled Accenture, Microsoft, and our customers to persevere over the past year and offer insights to apply to your own business. We’ll also hear from LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky on the “Great Reshuffle” now underway and how employees, leaders and organizations can navigate an unprecedented migration of talent. Avanade Chief Marketing Officer Stella Goulet will speak with Alysa Taylor, Corporate Vice President of Industry, Apps and Data Marketing at Microsoft, about how the cloud can be used to help tackle climate change. Microsoft’s Charles Lamanna, Corporate Vice President of Business Applications and Platform, will be joined by Corey Sanders, Corporate Vice President of Commercial Solution Areas, to discuss the collaborative applications helping organizations and employees innovate in an era of flexible work. In addition, Mala Anand, Corporate Vice President of Customer Experience and Success at Microsoft, will interview a special guest about how their organization is transforming the customer experience to increase competitive advantage. Finally, Indra Nooyi — former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, an immigrant to the U.S. who was the first woman of color to run a Fortune 50 company — will talk with Accenture Intelligent Platform Services leader Emma McGuigan about Indra’s new book, “My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future” and what businesses and governments can do to support families and unleash economic potential. Register for Microsoft Envision today Microsoft Envision is free to attend. To register and explore on-demand content from prior episodes, visit envision.microsoft.com. We hope to see you there! The post Season 2 of Microsoft Envision: Answering big questions facing business leaders appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

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...

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...

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 that use the camera to remind the user of its status for added security. [caption id=attachment_176241" align="aligncenter" width="1024]https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/09/HP-11-inch-Tablet-PC_1-1024x344.png The different modes of the HP 11-inch Tablet PC[/caption] HP’s other new Windows 11 devices – which are built with post-consumer recycled plastics, wrapped in 100% sustainably sourced and recyclable packaging – include: The HP 14-inch Laptop PC is HP’s lightest 14-inch consumer laptop with optional 4G LTE, with lightning-fast connectivity and the responsive performance of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 compute platform, up to 8 GB LPDDR4 memory, 128 GB of storage and up to 15 hours of battery life. The HP Pavilion All-in-One Desktop PC comes with AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors in two versions: 24 or 27 inches, and the choice of either a Full or Quad HD display featuring a flicker-free and anti-glare screen with a low blue light filter. The HP All-in-One Desktop PC gives you a choice of an AMD Ryzen 5000 series or Intel processor. A new emoji key is integrated on the keyboard. Get more details on these and other HP devices at HP Press Center. *The Windows 11 upgrade will be delivered to qualifying Windows 10 devices beginning October 5, 2021 into 2022. Timing varies by device. Certain features require specific hardware (see aka.ms/windows11-spec). [1] OLED panel is optional. High dynamic range (HDR) content required to view full HDR images. FHD: Full high-definition (FHD) content required to view FHD images. UHD+ content must have a resolution of at least 3840x2400. [2] Intel Evo designated devices are sku dependent. Intel CORE: Multi-core is designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology. Performance and clock frequency will vary depending on application workload and your hardware and software configurations. Intel’s numbering, branding and/or naming is not a measurement of higher performance. Intel Iris Xe graphics: Intel and Iris are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. Intel, the Intel logo and Iris are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. Intel Evo Platform: Intel Evo Platform and Intel Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Continue reading...

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 our fund — donations targeted toward the reduction of the green premium that climate solutions often carry. That is why today Microsoft is taking on a third role, as a donor, by announcing a $100 million grant to Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to further accelerate the development of the climate solutions the world needs to reach net-zero. Catalyst, a program within the larger Breakthrough Energy network founded by Bill Gates, is a new model for public-private sector partnership to help build the foundation of the net-zero economy. The program will initially focus on four key areas for innovation: direct air capture, green hydrogen, long duration energy storage and sustainable aviation fuel. https://blogs.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/2021/09/CROPPED_BE_Logo_RGB_Horizontal_Color-2-300x41.pngMicrosoft is already making a range of investments across several of these climate innovation areas – from playing an active role to advance sustainable aviation fuel through purchasing partnerships and alliances to becoming a customer of and investor in a direct air capture facility project via our Climate Innovation Fund. By providing a grant to Catalyst, we aim to offer new climate technology funding beyond the scope of our programs that exist today. We recognize that grant capital is a necessary part of early market development to address the green premium and the resulting gap in market adoption of new climate technologies. Microsoft’s grant with Catalyst joins donations and investments from other leading corporations and together, we look forward to others joining the program. This is the decade of action and those of us who can afford to move faster and go further, should. We are making this grant because we know that for Microsoft, other corporations and the world to meet our climate goals, we need to work together to drive wide-scale growth and innovation. For more information on the Catalyst program, check out Breakthrough Energy’s press release. The post Further, faster, together: Microsoft donates $100 million to Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to accelerate and scale climate tech appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

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 significant achievements are worthy of celebrating, such as Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor; astronaut Ellen Ochoa; actor, singer, composer and playwright Lin Manuel Miranda; Dr. Antonia Novello, the first woman surgeon general of the U.S.; and labor rights leader Cesar Chavez. Today though, I celebrate my mother, Maria de Lourdes Sotomayor Mehdi, who grew up in Mexico with her family before coming to the U.S. to start a new adventurous life with my father from India, Ishaque Mehdi, in the 1960s. She was teacher and a champion of many of our Mexican values and customs such as a fierce love of family, a curiosity and thirst for learning, and a passion for music and dance. Her impact was indelible for me and my sister, as well as the many students she inspired. Celebrating her is especially poignant for me as she just passed away a few weeks ago. One of her loves was dancing and she’d teach Spanish to her students in the U.S. by occasionally coming to class dressed in a traditional Mexican dress and performing what is colloquially knows as the “Mexican Hat Dance” while explaining its history. I would never be able to muster the courage, nor the skill, to perform the dance, but I will share a bit of the history. The “Mexican Hat Dance” is properly known as “El Jarabe Tapatio,” which is the national dance of Mexico originating from Guadalajara, Jalisco in the 19th century. The dance itself is intended as a representation of a courtship between two people, and the various elements of the dance signal the literal back and forth of the relationship. It begins with the “zapateado,” which involves the tapping and stamping of the foot. This element indicates one partner trying to impress the other. In the middle are steps that demonstrate a sort of “drunk in love” ritual. As things reach a head, one partner throws a hat to the ground, and when the other partner finally picks it up, the dream is fulfilled. After that, the couple marches in unison just like an army parade. This move is called “diana,” and it means that the couple has become one. The last element is a kiss behind the hat! https://blogs.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/2021/09/MM1-191x300.jpg Maria de Lourdes Sotomayor Mehdi performing the El Jarabe Tapatio. Photo courtesy of Yusuf Mehdi. As I reflect on this fond memory of my mother, it brings me closer to my culture and the things I am learning on my own journey of inclusion. The first of which is that my experience is only one of an incredible diversity of people, cultures and values that make up HOLA and what it stands for: Hispanic & Latinx Organization of Leaders in Action. HOLA represents 20 countries, all with their own unique traditions and values, a breadth of cultures and communities comprising people of various races, countries of origins, socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences. And what’s incredible is that the continually expanding HOLA community, like the broader Hispanic and Latinx community, impact all aspects of our society – from the workforce to the marketplace, to the innovations of tomorrow through the rapid growth of people working in all sectors of the economy. I’m excited to see how this rich and vibrant community can continue to influence our society and use “Our voz” (our voice) to make the world a better place. This value of making space for everyone’s voice is something we champion at Microsoft, and it is a focus of my organization. We believe that we can only truly achieve our mission of empowering the world if we understand and represent the people of the world. That starts by listening and recognizing the uniqueness of people on our team and making space for them to have a say and a voice. A part of how I go about this I learned from my mother, which is to create that “family atmosphere,” a welcoming environment that creates the opportunity for all. I try and build that family ethos on our teams across Microsoft where our connections and our relationships and our values rise above any business project or problem. It’s not always easy, but as we progress on our journey, we are each finding the joy and the learning from our unique backgrounds, experiences and skills. So, over the next month, I encourage us all to take time to reflect as either members of the Hispanic/Latinx community or as friends and allies to see how we can come together and build a brighter future. We are facing unprecedented challenges in the world today that we can only overcome when we embrace what makes us unique and focus on honoring every voice and working together for the greater good of humanity. HOLA is just one of the impactful employee resource groups and employee communities at our company, which includes Asians at Microsoft, Blacks at Microsoft, Disability at Microsoft, Families at Microsoft, GLEAM (LGBTQI+ at Microsoft), Indigenous at Microsoft, Military at Microsoft, and Women at Microsoft. Together we can create great change, and I am committed to using my platform, influence and all of the resources I have to help these groups to build a brighter future for us today and for generations to come. In some small way, I hope that the thirst to learn about people and foster the family environment will honor my mother and what she stood for. The post Honoring role models and raising our ‘voz’ this Hispanic Heritage Month appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

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 services like Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, OneDrive, Family Safety, Microsoft Edge and more. It’s so easy to go passwordless, I encourage everyone check out Vasu’s blog post for more details on how to get started today. We also know that everyone is on their own passwordless journey, and the world isn’t entirely password-less yet. Which is why we’ve built tools that meet you where you are today and help keep your current passwords secure for other sites. In Microsoft Edge, for example, we have a comprehensive password management system with Password Monitor, password generator and the password health dashboard1. https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/sites/2/2021/09/passwordless.gif Now you can easily set Microsoft Edge to monitor the passwords you use across the web and alert you if one has been compromised, prompting you to update your password. Password generator helps you automatically create strong passwords when you create new accounts online – no more reusing the same password across sites! And the dashboard gives you one place to view your passwords across sites, letting you know if they’re strong enough and whether they’ve been used on other sites. You can also access your Microsoft Edge passwords on the go from the Microsoft Authenticator app when you sign in with your Microsoft account. And all of this is done with your privacy in mind – the underlying technology helps ensure that neither Microsoft nor any other party can learn your passwords while they’re being monitored in Microsoft Edge. If you’re not already using Microsoft Edge, you can learn more here. Whether you need help managing your passwords more securely and easily or you’re going passwordless across all of your Microsoft apps and services, we have the tools to help keep you and your family safer across your digital world. We look forward to sharing more with you as we continue on the passwordless journey. 1 Password Monitor, password generator and the password health dashboard are available on the latest version of Microsoft Edge. Must be signed into a Microsoft account. Continue reading...

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...

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 growth mindset, fostering inclusion and diversity, and making a difference which manifests in the way we show up at work every day. These foundational elements inform how we build teams and interact with our colleagues, how we create products and how we work with our customers and partners to help them achieve their goals. It also informs our own career progression – they inspire us each day as we aim to empower others to achieve more. Today we’re excited to announce the Growth and Resilience in Tech toolkit, which includes nine new learn modules available for free on Microsoft Learn to help anyone in tech, from student to employee, mentor or manager, hone these important non-tech skills and foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace. In 2020 we launched this curriculum as a pilot and were able to connect with over1,200 students across 190 universities, 97% of whom declared this had a profound impact teaching them skills they can immediately apply in school and life. To develop this curriculum, we partnered closely with Mount Holyoke’s Metaview Mentors to build a research-based toolkit involving core psychological, educational and team-based concepts and skills as part of a different kind of “learning pathway” for the tech industry. Our goals are to help to usher in a new and diverse generation with the technical and resilience skills needed to have great impact in the world. We aim to build a more inclusive future by fostering confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging across industries. Our approach outlines clear and simple skills to making belongingness, growth mindset and other core problem-solving and collaboration strategies top of mind and actionable. Our toolkit consists of videos, activities and reflection questions. In addition to students and universities, we piloted the program here at Microsoft and learned from our own employees how it helped them in their day-to-day environment. This led us to evolving the curricula for scale. Our employees have found the materials helpful in their own learning and development, especially in a group-learning context like a mentoring ring which helps to develop a common language and creates an environment to share strategies. We’ve found that revisiting these concepts prepared employees to maximize their impact at many different levels. This can play out when encountering a difficult bug or at a higher-stakes level, or when navigating a difficult conversation around roles and responsibilities in a team project. These modules are organized across three principles: Recognize discomfort: In tech, we are lifelong learnings and are always going to be pushed to learn something new. We all have felt out of our comfort zone, whether it’s learning a new tool, asking an expert for help on a program, working closely on a team with people we just met or pitching an idea. Programming requires learning; it’s not an innate skill. Struggle, challenge and discomfort can be part of learning computer science. Even the most experienced professionals at Microsoft make mistakes or hit writing blocks. Great programmers are made through practice and experience. Strategize solutions: Have you ever been presented with a challenge and felt like you didn’t even know where to start? Strategic problem-solving abilities to plan, iteratively test, evaluate and refine work are necessary for group or individual projects. How we approach something can be as important as the final solution. This process includes awareness of our emotional state as well as management or regulation of emotional reactions. Simply put, technical skills aren’t enough. We often devote inordinate hours to learning how to use and create with technology, but relatively few hours on our emotions. Making space to recognize and strategize around the role emotions play is essential for succeeding in computer science and at work. Pivot & Persist: Have you ever felt like you’re at a breaking point? Unexpected challenges arise every day, and these can sometimes push us to the edge. Sometimes we might have a plan ready to go, and then something goes wrong. At times this can lead us to feel like giving up. Learning how to react to and recover from unexpected disruptions or setbacks is an important ability to hone. Understanding and naming what is happening, disentangling what we do and do not have control over, and regrouping with new strategies helps improve persistence and the ability to bounce back or pivot, rather than panic, in the face of difficulty. We can learn to pivot a difficult situation into a productive one. These skills can be used to challenge our conceptions of what’s taught in computer science, learn new and critical skills for the workplace, and build flourishing and healthy communities. Culture cannot be created with platitudes – it’s made up of the lived experiences of the individuals in a community and will continue to evolve as we learn through experience. Check out the video and modules on MS Learn today! The post Microsoft launching tech resilience curriculum to foster a more inclusive future appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

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. Our ability to come together will ebb and flow. In fact, we had planned for Oct. 4 to be the first possible date to fully reopen Microsoft’s own Redmond headquarters, and many other work sites in the U.S. But as we shared with our employees today, we’ve shifted those plans. Given the uncertainty of COVID-19, we’ve decided against attempting to forecast a new date for a full reopening of our U.S. work sites in favor of opening U.S. work sites as soon as we’re able to do so safely based on public health guidance. From there, we’ll communicate a 30-day transition period that provides time for employees to prepare while allowing us to continue to be agile and flexible as we look to the data and make choices to protect employee health, safety and well-being. We’ve heard many business leaders come forward with strong opinions on how, when and where people should work in a hybrid world. At Microsoft and LinkedIn, we want to take a learn-it-all approach, and lead with data rather than dogma. And we’re incorporating flexibility into our decision-making. Because in uncharted territory, we need to be able to shift and adjust as data and research offer new insights to guide our way. The Hybrid Work Paradox and the ‘Great Reshuffle’ A report out today on our Work Trend Index shares what we’re learning from Microsoft employees in over 100 countries around the world. Employee surveys tell us that while hybrid work is complex, embracing flexibility, different work styles and a culture of trust can help us all navigate it successfully. In a year when we sent 160,000 people home to work and remotely onboarded 25,000 new employees, the share of people who report feeling included at Microsoft is at an all-time high of 90%. According to surveys, employee confidence and support from our managers is also at an all-time high. While there is still so much more we can do in our culture journey at Microsoft – and we’d love to see these numbers even higher – this data show that we don’t have to be physically together to feel like we’re in it together. But there’s no guarantee that these positive trends will continue in hybrid, and difficulties remain. As we navigate remote work during a pandemic, our employee surveys show continued challenges to satisfaction with work-life balance and team connection. While we hope hybrid work will help us improve in these areas, finding the balance will be complex. Our ongoing research shows employees crave more in-person time with their team but wish to keep the flexibility of remote work. And every person is different – 58% of employees who plan to spend the most and least time in-office are doing it for the same reason: more focused work. And there are gaps to fill – managers plan to spend a higher share of their time in-office than non-managerial employees (45% vs. 39%). Moreover, employees surveyed plan to go into the office more than managers expect. This complexity is what Satya calls the Hybrid Work Paradox. https://blogs.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/2021/09/sept-9-chart-Picture1.jpg Different styles, different needs: Chart shows reasons Microsoft employees cite for working in-person and at home. Some employees cite work-life balance, focus time, and collaboration as reasons to go into the office, while others cite those same things as reasons to stay home. Solving the Hybrid Work Paradox will be the challenge of the decade. We need policies and technology tuned for flexibility, but policies and technology alone are not enough. Every leader must also ask: How do I rebuild social capital and connection back to mission, culture and team? How do I help people prioritize individual well-being and work in sustainable ways? As Satya has said: “Our new data shows there is no one-size-fits-all approach to hybrid work, as employee expectations continue to change. The only way for organizations to solve for this complexity is to embrace flexibility across their entire operating model, including the ways people work, the places they inhabit and how they approach business process.” All of this will be key to navigating this moment of change that our colleagues at LinkedIn are calling the “Great Reshuffle.” Leaders are rethinking their working models, cultures and company values, while at the same time, employees are rethinking not only how and where they work, but why. At the core of it all is the start of a new, more dynamic relationship between employers and employees. To better understand how employers are thinking about navigating this new world of work, LinkedIn surveyed more than 500 C-level executives in the U.S. and U.K. Top of mind for executives is the same thing on the minds of employees – flexibility. With 87% of people saying they would prefer to stay remote at least half the time, a majority of employers are adapting: 81% of leaders are changing their workplace policies to offer greater flexibility. Despite all the change, leaders feel like there are opportunities ahead – more than half (58%) are optimistic that flexibility will be good for both people and the business. Leaders have an opportunity to rewrite their playbook when it comes to hiring, skills development, engaging talent and more. Employers and employees have an opportunity to build new relationships grounded in shared values and a common mission. And more people will be doing work that best matches their skills and needs, leading to greater success for organizations that engage their employees with empathy and trust. But the data also underscores the imperative for business leaders to transform themselves to attract and retain top talent as employee expectations evolve. Taken together, the Hybrid Work Paradox and the Great Reshuffle are creating fundamental changes in the global labor market. Ultimately, no one can predict how things will shake out. But history has shown us that there is always opportunity in turbulent times. Companies that are adaptable and able to continuously innovate will have the advantage. To really compete, however, they’ll need to enable sustainable productivity for their employees. Right now, the power has shifted from employer to employee, and people will vote with their feet. As conditions change, this pendulum of power will continue to swing in both directions, but two constants remain: First: as Satya said above, every leader and every organization will need to create a new operating model across people, places and processes. And second: those companies with a better employee experience for all employees – from the virtual boardroom to the factory floor – will be the ones to attract and retain better talent. How technology can help Microsoft and LinkedIn are navigating the challenges and opportunities of hybrid work just like every other organization. We see the role of technology as an enabler – helping our employees and our customers as they transform for hybrid work and reimagine everything from meetings that transcend space and time to a digital employee experience that everyone can access from anywhere – right in the flow of their work. YouTube Video Click here to load media Helping every organization have better hybrid meetings Right now, every leader is grappling with how to have effective hybrid meetings, often with limited equipment and resources. Hybrid meetings are an entirely new kind of meeting and require rethinking how we approach and conduct them to ensure we’re putting every attendee on equal footing, no matter where they’re sitting. We can all start making hybrid meetings better today with a few good habits, like making sure in-person meeting rooms have a centralized audio device; encouraging everyone to join the Teams meeting – with the camera on – and appointing an in-room moderator to facilitate conversation by monitoring the chat, raise hands feature, and participants unmuting themselves to speak. New cultural meeting norms are key, but technology can help take the hybrid meeting experience to the next level. Today, we’re announcing new Microsoft Teams Rooms innovations, along with new Teams features, to help you have impactful, engaging hybrid meetings where everyone feels included. New Teams Rooms innovations The next wave in Teams Rooms innovation will include a new category of AI-enabled cameras. There are three unique technologies that power this new category of intelligent cameras. The first is AI-powered active speaker tracking, enabling in-room cameras to use audio, facial movements and gestures to detect who in the room is speaking – zooming in for a closer perspective. The next is multiple video streams that allow in-room participants to be placed in their own video pane. The third is people recognition, which will identify and display the profile name of enrolled users within their video pane. https://blogs.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/2021/09/Intelligent-camera-1024x576.png A new category of AI-enabled cameras is among the Teams Room innovations. New hybrid meeting features To make remote presentations more engaging, we’re announcing cameo, a new PowerPoint experience that integrates the Teams camera feed into a presentation to allow the presenter to customize how and where they want to appear on the screen with their slides. As we work to create an inclusive hybrid work culture, where all voices can be heard, speaker coach in Microsoft Teams uses AI to privately share guidance on your pace, notify you if you are interrupting someone and remind you to check in with your audience. Planning and understanding who will be attending and how they will attend is also key, and today we are announcing a new Outlook RSVP feature that lets people specify whether they will attend in person or remotely. The redesigned Working hours will allow you to include work schedule specifics directly in your calendar, so others can know when and where you’ll be working as we adjust to more flexible work hours and locations. https://blogs.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/2021/09/Cameo-1024x577.png New PowerPoint experience, cameo, allows the presenter to customize how and where they want to appear on the screen with their slides. A digital employee experience – right in the flow of work Going forward, the digital employee experience is the employee experience. Today, we are announcing the public preview of the Microsoft Viva Connections mobile app, available later this month. Viva Connections provides a single employee app for company communications, news and announcements – all in a personalized feed right in Teams, powered by Microsoft 365. Organizations can customize the dashboard with additional apps to empower employees, making it easier to find useful resources and complete tasks like submitting expense reports, requesting time off from work, or clocking in and out. Powered by adaptive cards, dashboard items can be targeted to specific groups of employees so everyone can stay connected and engaged wherever and however they work. Our already available Return to the Workplace solution, built on the Power Platform, gives organizations a set of Power Apps and Power BI dashboards to keep employees safe – including vaccine attestation, case management, health screening, facility safety management and more. It’s a turnkey solution that can also seamlessly integrate with existing third-party apps an organization may already have in place. All these solutions are easily incorporated into the Viva Connections experience. Flexible, safe workspaces for a hybrid workforce With an increasingly mobile workforce, it’s important for organizations to be able to offer a space for employees who need workspaces where they can touch down either for the day or just a couple of hours to get work done. We’re announcing a new hotdesking experience on Microsoft Teams displays that allow people to locate and reserve flexible workspaces in the office. Employees can book a space from the device or in advance using Outlook or Teams and access their personal Teams calendar, chats, meetings and more. Teams displays can be used as a stand-alone device or as a second screen when hot desking. When an employee signs out, all personal information will be removed from the device. For more of today’s Teams announcements, please check out the Microsoft 365 blog. Giving people more choices in how they want to work To help employers and hiring managers adapt to this new world of work, LinkedIn is rolling out new fields within job postings where organizations can now signal if the open job is remote, hybrid or on-site, helping job seekers search and discover jobs that align with how they want to work. And coming soon, LinkedIn will also have a way for companies to share how they are approaching the future of work on their company page including vaccination requirements, if they plan to go back to an office, stay remote or go hybrid. Free LinkedIn Learning courses Investing in new skills is crucial to thriving in today’s workplace – be it in-person, remote or hybrid. To help, LinkedIn has made nearly 40 LinkedIn Learning courses free until Oct. 9, 2021 so that LinkedIn members and HR pros can build critical skills. Whether you’re looking to support your team through the transition to hybrid work or be the kind of manager no one wants to leave, these courses can help you lead through change. An intelligent skill-building platform to help employers invest in their greatest asset – their people People are rediscovering how they find meaning and purpose in their lives and at work, and responding by seeking out new opportunities. Leaders, meanwhile, are facing new challenges in retaining and reskilling their people to meet the demands of our new world of work. To navigate these changes, LinkedIn’s skill-building platform, LinkedIn Learning Hub, will be generally available in two weeks. It will help companies build their employees’ skills through personalized content, community-based learning and skill-development insights that will inform their overall learning and development strategy. https://blogs.microsoft.com/wp-content/uploads/prod/2021/09/LinkedIn-Learning-Hub-1024x595.jpg LinkedIn Learning Hub Our commitment to customers around the world Meeting employee expectations, not just to attract and to retain talent, but to enable personal well-being, will be a challenge for every leader and every organization. But if we embrace the data, listen to our employees and customers and incorporate flexibility into everything we do, we believe we can create a better future of work. At Microsoft and LinkedIn, we’ll continue to use what we’re learning to build and improve products designed to empower people for the ways we work today and the ways we’ll work in the future. And we’ll continue sharing what we learn along the way. 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