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Today Microsoft is releasing a new book, The Future Computed: Artificial Intelligence and its role in society. The two of us have written the foreword for the book, and our teams collaborated to write its contents. As the title suggests, the book provides our perspective on where AI technology is going and the new societal issues it has raised. On a personal level, our work on the foreword provided an opportunity to step back and think about how much technology has changed our lives over the past two decades and to consider the changes that are likely to come over the next 20 years. In 1998, we both worked at Microsoft, but on opposite sides of the globe. While we lived on separate continents and in quite different cultures, we shared similar experiences and daily routines which were managed by manual planning and movement. Twenty years later, we take for granted the digital world that was once the stuff of science fiction. Technology – including mobile devices and cloud computing – has fundamentally changed the way we consume news, plan our day, communicate, shop and interact with our family, friends and colleagues. Two decades from now, what will our world look like? At Microsoft, we imagine that artificial intelligence will help us do more with one of our most precious commodities: time. By 2038, personal digital assistants will be trained to anticipate our needs, help manage our schedule, prepare us for meetings, assist as we plan our social lives, reply to and route communications, and drive cars. Beyond our personal lives, AI will enable breakthrough advances in areas like healthcare, agriculture, education and transportation. It’s already happening in impressive ways. But as we’ve witnessed over the past 20 years, new technology also inevitably raises complex questions and broad societal concerns. As we look to a future powered by a partnership between computers and humans, it’s important that we address these challenges head on. How do we ensure that AI is designed and used responsibly? How do we establish ethical principles to protect people? How should we govern its use? And how will AI impact employment and jobs? To answer these tough questions, technologists will need to work closely with government, academia, business, civil society and other stakeholders. At Microsoft, we’ve identified six ethical principles – fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability – to guide the cross-disciplinary development and use of artificial intelligence. The better we understand these or similar issues — and the more technology developers and users can share best practices to address them — the better served the world will be as we contemplate societal rules to govern AI. We must also pay attention to AI’s impact on workers. What jobs will AI eliminate? What jobs will it create? If there has been one constant over 250 years of technological change, it has been the ongoing impact of technology on jobs — the creation of new jobs, the elimination of existing jobs and the evolution of job tasks and content. This too is certain to continue. Some key conclusions are emerging. First, the companies and countries that will fare best in the AI era will be those that embrace these changes rapidly and effectively. This is because new jobs and economic growth will come to those that embrace the technology, not those that resist or delay adopting it. Second, while we believe that AI will help solve big societal problems, we must look to this future with a critical eye. There will be challenges as well as opportunities. We must address the need for strong ethical principles, the evolution of laws, training for new skills and even labor market reforms. This must all come together if we’re going to make the most of AI. Third, we need to act with a sense of shared responsibility because AI won’t be created by the tech sector alone. At Microsoft we’re working to democratize AI in a manner that’s similar to how we made the PC available to everyone. This means we’re creating tools to make it easy for every developer, business and government to build AI-based solutions and accelerate the benefit to society. All of this leads us to what may be one of the most important conclusions of all. Skilling-up for an AI-powered world involves more than science, technology, engineering and math. As computers behave more like humans, the social sciences and humanities will become even more important. Languages, art, history, economics, ethics, philosophy, psychology and human development courses can teach critical, philosophical and ethics-based skills that will be instrumental in the development and management of AI solutions. If AI is to reach its potential in serving humans, then every engineer will need to learn more about the liberal arts and every liberal arts major will need to learn more about engineering. While we don’t have a crystal ball that shows us the future, we do know that we’re all going to need to spend more time listening to and learning from each other. We hope that The Future Computed can contribute to this conversation. The Future Computed is available here and additional content related to the book can be found here. The post The Future Computed: Artificial Intelligence and its role in society appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

Hello Windows Insiders! Today we are releasing Windows Server Insider Preview Build 17074 to Windows Insiders. This build is a preview build of the next Semi-Annual Channel release of Windows Server. For more information on the Semi-Annual channel, please see the Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel overview Available Content Server Insiders have the choice of Server Core Edition in ISO or VHDX format. The images are pre-keyed – no need to enter a key during setup. Symbols are available on the public symbol server – see Update on Microsoft’s Symbol Server blog post and Using the Microsoft Symbol Server. As before, matching Windows Server container images will be available via Docker Hub. For more information about Windows Server containers and Insider builds, click here. This Server Insider pre-release build will expire on July 2nd, 2018. For the best experience, the Windows Server team recommends a clean install. What’s New in Build 17074 for Windows Server Storage Spaces Direct (S2D) In this preview build we continue to expand and simplify the hardware for Storage Spaces Direct. SCSI Enclosure Services (SES) is no longer required for Storage Spaces Direct to be compatible, this unlocks a breath of new hardware which was not capable of running S2D. Storage Spaces Direct now also supports Persistent Memory (aka. Storage Class Memory), this unlocks a new class of extremely low latency storage which is incredibly interesting in particular as a caching device. Storage Spaces Direct now also supports Direct-connect SATA devices to AHCI controller, again this will expand the hardware ecosystem compatible with S2D as well as unlock a new class of low cost hardware. In this preview we have also enabled the Cluster Shared Volumes (CSV) Cache is enabled by default, which delivers an in-memory write-through cache that can dramatically boost VM performance. [*]Failover Clustering In this preview we have introduced enhancements to Azure enlightened Failover Clusters, with enhanced eventing on host maintenance events and nodes about to be in host maintenance are excluded from placement. By making high availability software running inside of an Azure IaaS VM be aware of maintenance events of the host, it can help deliver the highest levels of availability for your applications. [*]Dedup support for ReFS and Storage Spaces Direct How to Download To obtain the Insider software downloads, registered Insiders may navigate directly to the Windows Server Insider Preview download page. If you have not yet registered as an Insider, see GETTING STARTED WITH SERVER on the Windows Insiders for Business portal. It’s all about your feedback! The most important part of a frequent release cycle is to hear what’s working and what needs to be improved, so your feedback is extremely valued. Use your registered Windows 10 Insider device and use the Feedback Hub application. In the app, choose the Server category and then the appropriate subcategory for your feedback. Please indicate what build number you are providing feedback on. Known issues with Windows Server build 17074 Testing of the Windows core may fail because of a timeout while attempting to load the test libraries. Terms of Use All pre-release software made available to you via the Windows Server Insider program are governed by the Insider Terms of Use, which takes precedence over any license agreement that may be in the product. No downtime for Hustle-As-A-Service, Dona <3 The post Announcing Windows Server Insider Preview Build 17074 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Quick access to your top people https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2017/10/7e522ef558823afd937b6bcc4b7783a8-1024x576.jpg Now you can pin the people you communicate with most to the taskbar for convenient, one-click access through apps like Mail and Skype. Tap on your pinned contact to send an email or chat using Skype without having to open the apps. People-first sharing https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2017/10/127d089d54ee214e5dca753c29756691.gif Sharing is as easy as dragging a file directly onto the pinned contacts in your taskbar. Or share directly via the ‘Share’ picker by choosing from the recommended list of your top people. See emoji from pinned contacts https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2017/10/2d3677998ad582ce6ae1f6d24bfa9464.gif Emoji from your pinned contacts can appear and animate right from the taskbar – an extra level of emotional connection and expression between you and the key people in your life. Head over here to read more about what’s new in the Fall Creators Update, and have a great week! *Cortana available in select markets; experience may vary by region and device. Cortana above the lock screen is hardware dependent. User must enable within Settings. Learn more at microsoft.com. The post Windows 10 Tip: Stay in touch with My People appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Simple, built-in Mixer streaming provides low-latency, interactive moments for viewers and streamers to watch or interact with other gamers–no extra hardware or software required, while Xbox Play Anywhere enables you to buy a game once and play it on both your Xbox One and Windows 10 PC. Stay connected with your gaming community through the Xbox app and the power of Xbox Live. Let’s take a closer look at the gaming PCs announced this week: iBUYPOWER Case Builder https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/a00cc52b53dfe365339440285755f644-847x1024.png Built with creativity in mind, the Case Builder project allows you to configure the look and structure of your computer case upon purchase. Paint your canvas and fuel your imagination with the Snowblind Element, featuring a transparent LCD monitor display embedded into the PC case. Designed and engineered by iBUYPOWER, the RGB Cable Combs serves as the final piece of the RGB puzzle, illuminating your exceptional cable management. MSI MSI launched three brand-new gaming products at CES: the new Optix gaming monitor line-up, new gaming desktops, a motherboard, a graphics card, and the new GT75VR Titan Pro with Killer Wireless-AC 1550. MSI introduces the new Optix MPG Series https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/85c6613ca72ea7caf39bcdcd79b068fd-783x1024.png MSI is proudly expanding its Optix gaming monitor line-up with the MPG curved gaming monitors. The new Optix MPG series will consist of two 27-inch monitors, the Optix MPG27C and Optix MPG27CQ. These mark the next level in MSI gaming monitors with a curved VA panel with an 1800R curve. Both models feature a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, and the MPG27CQ is equipped with a 1440p WQHD screen, while the MPG27C has a 1080p screen. Other features include: SteelSeries GameSense built-in Using the five RGB zones on the front of the monitor, gamers can easily program lighting effects in SteelSeries Engine to notify them of in-game timers or cooldowns, Discord notifications or other important information they want at-a-glance. The back of the monitor has RGB lighting as well. With its 178-degree viewing angles, the MPG series is perfect for use in a multiple monitor matrix display for an optimized gaming experience. The screen uses an anti-glare VA panel with 100 percent and 115 percent coverage of the NTSC and sRGB spectrums respectively. It features 2 HDMI (2.0) ports, 1 DisplayPort (1.2), 1 USB 3.0 Type B, an Earphone out port, Kensington Lock, 1 Mic in port, 1 audio combo jack and 2 USB 3.0 Type A ports. It also has an adjustable stand to maximize productivity and comfort and supports VESA mounting. MSI Gaming desktops dominate with incredible performance and sharp design https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/0ed3518796f9a3eb338b1d65e4b99a2e-623x1024.png The Trident 3 Arctic has gotten even better with an upgraded Intel 8th Generation processor and NVIDIA GTX 1080 graphics card. The Arctic is the perfect gaming solution for those with space constraints or design requirements and features the ultimate performance for a wide variety of applications. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/12fc457d0d75a1f19774d652599b32d3-811x1024.png The Infinite X features a more traditional tower design than the Arctic, but still hosts some unique features. The Infinite X uses either dual steel or dual tempered glass side panels, Mystic Light RGB LEDs, MSI’s award winning graphics cards, Intel’s 8th Generation CPU and MSI’s Silent Storm Cooling 3 Pro liquid cooling. MSI gaming desktops excel in gaming performance, audio quality and connectivity. MSI also adds gaming benefits such as Silent Storm Cooling, automatic overclocking with Game Boost, super-speed storage configurations, Audio Boost and Nahimic for an incredible in-game sound experience. Additionally, the Aegis Ti3 gaming desktop will be available with an Intel 8th Generation processor later this year. Z370 GODLIKE GAMING Motherboard https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/223d17d71ade8d55d37a6fe7f827d07c-856x1024.png MSI showcases the future of PC gaming technology based on the latest Intel® 8th generation platform. The Z370 GODLIKE GAMING motherboard is ready to take on any build a gamer throws at it. The Z370 comes with a variety of features to help gamers perform at the highest level. The Z370 GODLIKE GAMING handles internet connectivity lightning fast thanks to the Killer xTend. The Killer xTend combines a built-in switch with wireless extender. Killer allows for ultimate traffic prioritization. The motherboard supports Triple Turbo M.2 with M.2 Shield V2, Turbo U.2 with Steel Armor and has an Xtreme Audio DAC with Nahimic 2 to deliver breathtaking sound quality. The Z370 has four available slots for DDR4 RAM with Steel Armor. Steel Armor keeps the DIMM slots shielded to protect DDR4 modules and deliver pure data signals for the best gaming and overclocking performance. It also supports multiple GPUs via NIVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire, with optimal slot placement for the best possible airflow. MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Lightning Z Graphics Card The GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Lightning Z brings legendary overclocking potential to the desktop. Lighting cards are designed for the ground up for extreme overclocking and performance. It features a Tri-Frozr thermal design, using three award-winning TORX 2.0 fans with double ball bearings to prove itself as the pinnacle of air cooling. In addition to the thermal design, the Lighting Z uses close quarters heat pipe cooling. The heat pipes are infused into the Close Quarters Heatsink and Backplate for greatly improved thermal performance. The Lightning Z is built with military class four components for maximum stability and quality. MGT75VR Titan Pro with Killer Wireless-AC 1550 MSI also unveiled a new GT75VR Titan Pro with the all-new Killer Wireless-AC 1550. Developed in partnership with Intel, the Killer Wireless-AC 1550 is the world’s fastest 2×2 11ac wireless networking adapter delivering up to 1.73Gbps of throughput and is the ideal networking solution for gaming, streaming and downloading. The Killer 1550 features 160MHz channel support and can deliver twice the throughput of what standard 2×2 11ac adapters can deliver. To learn more about MSI’s complete line of products, visit us.msi.com. ORIGIN https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/ad167963b36a31b04fec54657a8f0a40-1024x684.png ORIGIN PC announced this week the launch of their next-generation GENESIS, MILLENNIUM, and L-Class desktops for gamers, artists, professionals, esports players and tech enthusiasts all over the world. Designed and built from the ground up by ORIGIN PC and running Windows 10, the next generation GENESIS, MILLENNIUM, and L-Class desktops now feature an all-new aluminum exterior with tempered glass side panels, tool-less upgradeability, and ORIGIN PC’s patented Variable Mounting technology, which allows the motherboard to be mounted in four different orientations: Standard ATX, Inverted ATX, 90 degrees or Inverted 90 degrees and with no additional modifications needed. ORIGIN PC also gives you the ability to convert your MILLENNIUM or L-Class Full Tower into a GENESIS or L-Class Super Tower with an optional super tower expansion kit. With the optional super tower expansion kit, you can store additional dual 360mm radiators for improved system cooling, or add up to 12 (3.5 inch) or 24 (2.5 inch) storage drives for maximum storage. Other features include: Tool-Less Upgradability: The new ORIGIN PC GENESIS, MILLENNIUM and L-Class Desktops feature magnetic side panels and thumbscrews to give you the ability to change your most popular components without the need of any tools. Customizable and Swappable Tempered Glass or Aluminum Side Panels: The side panels of the GENESIS, MILLENNIUM or L-Class desktops are easily swappable and require no tools to open thanks to the all-new hinge design. Multiple PCI Cards in Any Orientation: ORIGIN PC’s GENESIS, MILLENNIUM, and L-Class desktops support any PCI based cards such as graphics cards, capture cards, or PCIe SSDs in any desired orientation. Interchangeable Aluminum Front Door: Configure your ORIGIN PC desktop to open the front door to the left or right for convenient access to your optical drives, media card reader and all of your bay devices. Top Panel Cover for Concealing Ports/Buttons: Gain instant access to your power and reset buttons or popular I/O ports such as (2) front mounted USB 3.0 Ports and (1) USB Type C Gen 2.0 ports by easily sliding the top panel cover up or down. Super Tower Bottom Expansion Kit: Convert your MILLENNIUM or L-Class Full Tower to a GENESIS or L-Class Super Tower with the Super Tower Bottom Expansion allowing space to add dual 360 radiators for increased cooling support or up to 24 (2.5 inch) additional storage drives. Remote Controlled LED Lighting w/Motherboard RGB support: Customize the beautiful internal LED lights with over 16 colors and four effects using ORIGIN PC’s RF remote control. Switch between your case lighting synced with your motherboard or remote control with the push of a button. Every GENESIS, MILLENNIUM, or L-Class Desktop can sync with optional motherboard lighting software so you can have universal lighting inside and out. You can learn more about everything ORIGIN announced here! In case you missed it, our partners, including Acer, ASUS and Dell also announced gaming laptops and desktops powered by Windows 10 earlier this week: Acer Nitro 5 Gaming laptop https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/d5587f7f76c130cbe288c1ae395bfc6f-1024x695.jpg The new Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop is powered by Windows 10 and designed for gaming enthusiasts seeking best-in-class performance in an attractive laser-textured design. The 15-inch Acer Nitro 5 packs in the latest-generation AMD Radeon RX560 graphics for faster rendering, improved lighting and texture, as well as the latest AMD Ryzen mobile processors for amazing performance, whether it be for gaming, content creation or multi-tasking applications. The lightning-fast speeds of DDR4 RAM of up to 32 GB combined with the SSD means fast booting, loading and restarting in mere seconds so players can get to the action immediately. Acer’s NitroSense utility allows the monitoring of the CPU/GPU, and adjustment of cooling fan speeds via Acer CoolBoost to keep them in optimal operation. The Nitro 5’s chassis features a top cover with elegant laser texturing that brings bold refinement to the gaming laptop. And with the power of Windows 10 and Mixer, enjoy easily broadcast games from the Game bar, with no extra hardware or software. Other features include: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display produces brilliant imagery with crisp details Front-facing HD web camera Internal solid-state drive is available up to 512 GB Finely tuned, high-quality speakers with Dolby Audio Premium and Acer TrueHarmony technology. Fast and reliable dual-stream 802.11ac wireless technology, a plethora of ports, including hyper-fast USB Type-C, HDMI 2.0, and Gigabit Ethernet to enable users to enter any arena prepared to execute every mission at the highest level. To read more about everything Acer announced this week, please visit this blog post. ASUS ROG G703 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/8b9bb9f386f691519f048559a1c9a735-1024x1021.jpg ROG G703 is a gaming laptop with an ultra-responsive 17.3-inch IPS-level display with NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, able to reach refresh rates of 144Hz. Built with Windows 10, these devices support connectivity with your friends through the Xbox app and the power of Xbox Live, support for Direct X12 and quick and simple game streaming through Mixer, with no extra hardware or software required. ROG G703 combines the best of laptop and console gaming with built-in Xbox Wireless technology that enables you to effortlessly connect up to 8 wireless Xbox One controllers, eliminating the need for multiple adapters. G703 has a gaming keyboard with 2.5mm travel distance and 0.3mm keycap curve for improved comfort; while N-key rollover and anti-ghosting technologies ensure each keystroke is logged, even when numerous keys are pressed simultaneously. The keyboard also features highlighted WASD keys, a durable anti-slip palm rest, and dedicated hotkeys for Xbox, ROG Aura, ROG Gaming Center and XSplit Gamecaster. Other features include: Powered by the factory-overclocked Intel Core i7-7820HK processor that reaches incredible speeds of up to 4.3GHz out of the box NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics with a maximum boost clock of up to 1974MHz ROG G703 features the innovative Anti-Dust Cooling (ADC) system that enables it to rid itself of harmful dust and particles. To read more about everything ASUS announced this week, visit our blog post. VR-ready Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/6ddcf683486ac39965e457371401432f-1024x1024.jpg Dell unveiled this week the new VR-ready Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop starting at just $799. Engineered for PC gamers, the new Inspiron Gaming Desktop features 8th Gen Intel quad- and hex-core processors and graphics. It comes with Windows 10 so you can stay connected with friends on Xbox Live with the Xbox app. It also supports Direct X12, and enables quick and easy game streaming through Mixer, without the need for extra hardware or software; solid-state drive options offer faster boot-up times and intelligent thermal design provide longer gaming sessions. Read more about everything Dell announced in our blog post. It’s great to see all of this hardware innovation from our gaming hardware partners. 2018 is shaping up to be a great year for PC gaming. To read more partner news from CES, please visit this link! The post CES 2018: iBUYPOWER, MSI and ORIGIN announce new gaming PCs powered by Windows 10 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Hello Windows Insiders! Today, we are releasing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17074 for PC to Windows Insiders in the Fast ring and for those who opted in to Skip Ahead. Please note that the same block for AMD processors as explained here is also in place for this flight. What’s new in Build 17074 Reimagined Windows Internationalization We have redesigned localization of Windows in this release. Now you can find your desired language (Local Experience Pack – or “Language Pack”) through the Microsoft Store and Region & Language section of the Settings app. The Settings app provides improved discoverability of features supported for each language. We have also started utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and neural network-based Machine Learning (ML) for Windows localization. Having the Local Experience Packs in the Microsoft Store allows us to take advantage of ML improvements and user feedback via Language Community App to release better translations more frequently. This will consistently improve the experience of our international customers with Windows. Microsoft Edge Improvements Hub improvements: We’ve revamped the Hub view in Microsoft Edge to show more content and to be easier and more intuitive to use. You’ll now find the different Hub sections listed with the full name visible in the Navigation view to the left of the content. This view can be collapsed to show icons only if you prefer to save space. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/c0908981fb9531e2bb5000b0bfccad61-1024x649.png Autofill cards on web forms: Microsoft Edge can now save and automatically fill your card information on payment web forms. On submission of a form with card information, Microsoft Edge will prompt you to save card information. In the future, you can simply select the preferred card from a drop-down menu to autofill necessary fields. Microsoft Edge securely saves your card information. CVV information is never saved. All cards linked to your Microsoft Account are also made available for automatically filling card information. New reading experience for EPUB, PDF, and Reading View: We’ve overhauled the look and feel of the reading and Books experiences in Microsoft Edge, bringing a new, consistent, more powerful experience across all your documents, whether they’re EPUB or PDF books, documents, or web pages in Reading View. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/0e0566c37e72bfa5b34d5242d56f4f48.gif The new reading experience uses Fluent Design System elements like motion and Acrylic material to provide a fluid, delightful experience that keeps the focus on the page. In Books, we’ve added a new pop-over menu for “Notes,” making it a snap to navigate between annotations, notes, or highlights. We’ve also updated the Seek bar, so you can scrub through your document more easily, including Go-to-page (Ctrl-G) to find a specific page in the document. Go-to-page supports PDF Page Labels or EPUB Page List, so the page numbers can correspond to a print source that may be numbered differently. Grammar Tools for EPUB books and Reading View: When viewing reflowable EPUB books or Reading View for websites, you can now use the new Grammar Tools button to enable new comprehension aids. Grammar Tools can break the words on the page into syllables, as well as highlight different parts of speech such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/a0460f2f64a7a05ba6a98a0b4595e421-1024x887.png New Full-screen reading experience: You can now take Books, PDFs, and Reading View pages full-screen, for a distraction-free reading experience. Improved roaming for progress and notes across devices: For Store books, reading progress, notes, bookmarks, and annotations will roamed much faster across devices on the same account in near-real-time via WNS. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/4307f0a8390171d90be1e79d5e51fd25-1024x683.png The new “Notes” and “Table of contents” let you navigate between chapters or highlights, notes, and annotations with ease. General Improvements: We’ve made many improvements to fixed layout EPUB books, so content should be arranged more predictably on the page. Users of assistive technology will also find several improvements to viewing PDFs or Books with a screen reader, including more explicit narration when opening, loading, and navigating books. Improved Library experience: We’ve built on the library improvements in Build 17035 with new changes in response to your feedback. Now, in addition to refreshing your library or pinning books to your Start menu, you can see recommendations for new books (when your library is empty) or filter expired rentals from the current library view. When you’re reading a book, we now show a Books icon and the title, rather than the URI, for a clearer and less cluttered presentation. Audio Narrated Books: We’ve added support for EPUB Media Overlays, enabling support for a tailored narration experience, including custom audio and highlight styles. On supported books, you can now hear the book read aloud with custom narration, with the publisher’s chosen style applied to the highlight as the book is read. We’ve also made accessibility improvements when using Narrator to browse, search, or load a book. Favorites bar improvements: The Favorites Bar will now automatically show on Start and New tab pages, if you have at least one favorite in it. When you navigate, the Favorites Bar will automatically hide to give you the most space for browsing. You may still choose to always show the favorites bar if you wish, via a context menu on the favorites bar “Show bar”, or via settings “Show the favorites bar”. The Favorites bar also now supports hiding names for individual favorite bar items, instead of having to either hide none or all names. Option to never save passwords for domains: One of the top pieces of Windows Insider feedback was to provide an option to never save password for certain sites. When you choose to never save passwords, you shall never be prompted with a save password notification for that site. Autofill passwords when InPrivate: Microsoft Edge now supports auto-filling of saved passwords when browsing InPrivate. To view list of available credentials for a site, click on the username field and it would populate all saved credentials for the website. No user credentials will be saved or updated when the windows is InPrivate. Use Extensions when InPrivate: We’ve heard your feedback and have added the ability to load extensions when Microsoft Edge is in an InPrivate window. You can grant individual extensions permission to run in InPrivate from the options menu for the extension. We’re working with extension developers to enable more features when InPrivate. Variable Fonts: Microsoft Edge now supports CSS extensions for OpenType Font Variations, which allows single “variable” font files to behave like multiple fonts, with a range of weight, width, or other attributes. You can see examples of variable fonts in practice at the Axis-Praxis Playground in Microsoft Edge. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/1a2d33f2ef2327b66868f07c9c0f20a7.gif Demo page from Axis-Praxis showing an animation of a horse using OpenType Variable Fonts. Vertically dock the Microsoft Edge DevTools: The Microsoft Edge DevTools can now be docked vertically, fulfilling a a top web developer feature request. Click the new “Dock Right” button in the top-right corner of the tools to toggle the location. In a future update, we plan to improve the UI and flow of DevTools content when docked vertically. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/9bdf97334b2af471789c021068753546-1024x649.png Windows Shell Improvements Quiet Hours: Are there certain times when you don’t want to be interrupted or just need to stay focused on what you’re doing? Be more productive with Quiet Hours. With this build you can automatically choose those times when you don’t want to be bothered with Quiet Hours automatic rules. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/2fcfb61a3e7abb804453ed5f7b2c856e-1024x576.png Quiet Hours will automatically turn on when you are duplicating your display. Never get interrupted during presentations again! Quiet Hours will turn on automatically when you are playing a full screen exclusive DirectX game. You can set the schedule that works for you so that Quiet Hours are always on when you want them. Go to Settings > Quiet Hours to configure your schedule. Customize your own priority list so that your important people and apps always breakthrough when Quiet Hours are on. People pinned to your task bar with always break through! See a summary of what you missed while you were in Quiet Hours. If you’re using Cortana, you can also have Quiet Hours turn on while you’re at home. Making your folders more discoverable: In response to your feedback, especially for those upgrading to Windows 10 for the first time, we’re making it easier to navigate to the things you care about by showing links to the Documents and Pictures folders in the Start menu by default. If you’d like to customize the folders that appear here, just right click an item and there’s now a link directly to the customization settings. We love the feedback! Let us know if this helps and continue to tell us if there are ways we can make it easier for you to quickly get to the stuff you care about in Windows! https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/1c299ade0a92680c5d6afa72f0cacbe9-1024x870.png Near Share Improvements: Thanks everyone who’s shared feedback about Near Share – we’ve made some important reliability fixes to the feature with this build, so please give it a try once you upgrade. For those who haven’t seen Near Share already, here’s a demo: #demo Here's a look at how Near Share works – sharing a URL vs sharing a local image ???? #WindowsInsiders #FastRing pic.twitter.com/JhbOPEvhy4 — Jen Gentleman ???? (@JenMsft) November 27, 2017 Note: Please update all of your Insider PCs to the latest flight to nearby share between them. PCs running older Insider Preview builds won’t be discoverable by those running the latest flight. Windows Settings Improvements Improved Storage Settings: If you head to Settings you’ll find that Disk Cleanup functionality has been rolled over into Storage Settings as part of our efforts to consolidate our settings experience. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/685c79e6e61db91aba413029fbfd2052-1024x823.png Sound Settings Improvements: Continuing our work to make the new Sound Settings page a one stop shop for your audio needs, we’ve made some more design tweaks and have added some more helpful links. We’ve also added a brand new “App volume and device preferences” page to help you customize your audio experience to best fit your needs and preferences! Please explore these pages and share your feedback as we continuously work on improving them. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/b778a6935bf191ee9dd7eefb6f1d432a-1024x655.png About Settings Improvements: We’ve updated About Settings so you can now select and copy your device name. We’ve also added a link to System info and updated our search strings so that if you search for “computer name” you’ll now see a link that takes you to About Settings. Manage app execution aliases from Settings: UWP apps can declare a name used to run the app from a command prompt – we’ve added a new page under Apps & Features Settings where you can turn these execution aliases on or off (particularly in the case where multiple apps use the same alias, and you want to choose which to give preference to). Input Improvements Introducing the Embedded Handwriting Panel: In this Insider release, users get to experience a new way to handwrite on Windows. Typically handwriting is done in a panel that’s separate from the text field and requires users to split their attention between the handwriting in the panel and the text in the text field. Our new handwriting experience brings handwriting input into the text control! https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/74937193a1de3fbcfd7827d00b51a3a4.gif To invoke the experience, just tap your pen into a supported text field and it will expand to provide a comfortable area for you to write in. Your handwriting will get recognized and converted into text. If you run out of space, an additional line will be created below so you can continue writing. Once you’re done, simply tap outside the text field. If something gets misrecognized or you’d like to edit what you’ve written, the same gestures that are available through the handwriting panel are also available, like the new insert gesture we added recently. Overall, we believe moving handwriting into the same location as the text will create a more comfortable, confident, and direct experience. Try it out and let us know what you think! If you’d like to turn this experience off, there’s an option to do so in Pen & Windows Ink Settings, although if you do, please take a moment to log feedback about why you made this decision. Note: This experience currently works in all XAML text fields except the Microsoft Edge address bar, Cortana, Mail, and the Calendar app. These teams are working on making the experience more tailored to their applications. This embedded experience will *only* appear if you’re using a pen to tap the text field – if you use touch, the existing handwriting panel will be invoked. Handwriting Recognition Updates  Windows can now recognize Hindi handwriting: We’ve expanding our handwriting capabilities to new languages including Hindi, Welsh, Sesotho, Wolof and Maori! To install one of these languages, go to Settings > Time & language > Region & Language and click “Add a language”. Select the language name and click Next. Make sure to select the “Handwriting” checkbox and select “Install.”. Reboot the machine for the changes to take effect. Now switch to the input language of your choice – Hindi for example. Writing in that language will show handwriting recognition results in that language and convert it to text. If you speak these languages, please give it a try and share feedback in the in the Feedback Hub, under Input and Language > Handwriting Recognition. As a reminder, if you’d like to use the handwriting panel with touch, you’ll need to enable it – it’s an option in Pen & Windows Ink Settings. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/865410cc9a9629a6d64f0b40b88e47f6-1024x639.gif In addition to the handwriting panel, any app that uses the Ink Analysis APIs will now be able to recognize ink in these new languages without any additional changes! XAML Improvements We wanted to take a moment to walk through some of the changes you’ll see with apps using the next Insider SDK that is published. You’ll also see this across various elements in the system that use XAML. Reveal in Light theme: Reveal will now show up by default with dark borders in light theme, but will continue to have a white hover Reveal: https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/e2a211d7525b619724f84ccb66310bd1-1024x440.jpg Improved NavigationView: We’ve stabilized and added animations for item headers, pane opening, and item selection events. We’ve fixed several bugs with the Back Button in NavigationView. Border Reveal in Lists: Based on feedback we’ve made the decision to removal Border Reveal in lists. It will be removed for ListView and TreeView. It will still be visible in NavigationView. That means that ListView and TreeView will now only have the borders on hover, but no approach behavior will be applied to them. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/a2b262abe486c8180682ba7343860a9d.jpg CommandBar Margins: We’ve added a 2px margin between AppBarButtons by default when they are in a CommandBar. This also applies to the AppBarButtonRevealStyle. This can be seen below: https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/c2dd0b505476cf5b19daaa59e7dcd0ef.gif Important note about the Camera app Some Insiders may have noticed changes in the Windows Camera app. You will get a more personalized behavior, like remembering the last camera and scene used. Handling two cameras simultaneously and more resolution options are available too. We also made some core architecture changes to the product to remove a lot of complex handling for unsupported devices and functionality that is now duplicated in core Windows operating system functionality. These changes will help us to innovate, fix bugs, and deliver new features. We think that this set of changes will long term yield a much higher quality Camera experience for all users! General changes, improvements, and fixes for PC We have rolled out Sets to more Insiders – if you see it show up, please try it out and do the Quests in Feedback Hub! This build includes mitigations to protect Insiders from the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities. For more information on this topic, please see this blog post from Terry Myerson. Additionally, if you are running 3rd party antivirus software on your PC you will need to ensure you are running the latest most up-to-date version of your antivirus software with the latest antivirus definitions to avoid having your PC get into a bad state. Windows now fully supports Adobe-style “.otf” OpenType Variable Fonts, like the Acumin Variable Concept font and others recently released by Adobe. Insiders running Windows 10 S may have noticed that after upgrading to the latest builds, their PC appears to be running “Windows 10 Pro In S Mode”. This change is by design and these PCs will continue to function as Windows 10 S PCs and will continue to be able to take Insider Preview builds as part of testing RS4. We’ll have more to share as we get closer to the next Windows 10 release. For Insiders who reported that Windows needs activation after upgrading to Build 17063, this build includes the fix that caused the issue however you will need to use the Activation Troubleshooter to get your activation back into a good state once you’re on this build. We have added a new PowerShell cmdlet to retrieve decoded logs for Delivery Optimization (Get-DeliveryOptimizationLog). We’ve updated the reveal effect in the Taskbar’s Clock and Calendar flyout such that the day with focus now has a lighter background. Now that it’s had some time to receive your feedback, we’ve updated to be the default keyboard for the Tamil language. We fixed an issue where Settings might crash if the window was too small. We fixed an issue where Windows Update Settings unexpectedly displayed two horizontal lines. We fixed an issue where in certain cases USB devices with unreliable connections might cause bugchecks (GSOD) on PCs. We fixed an issue from the previous flight where touch and pen weren’t working on the non-primary display. This might also have resulted in mouse, touch, and pen input not happening in the right place after an orientation change or when using a non-native aspect ratio. We fixed an issue where if you were using any EUDC fonts Microsoft Edge, Cortana, and other apps that use a webview wouldn’t launch. We fixed an issue resulting in Microsoft Edge crashing when deleting favorites. We fixed an issue where Microsoft Edge might crash when trying to copy text or login on certain websites. We fixed an issue where Microsoft Edge might crash when opening PDFs on the previous flight. We fixed an issue in Microsoft Edge resulting in images on flickr.com going blank after a follow/unfollow user action. We fixed an issue resulting in a white line being visible on the right side of screen when certain videos are watched full screen in Microsoft Edge. We fixed an issue where while navigating through OOBE, some of the buttons in the pages might not display correctly. We fixed an issue resulting in Themes appearing in Start after they’d been downloaded from Store. We’ve updated the reveal effect in the Taskbar’s Clock and Calendar flyout such that the day with focus now has a lighter background. We fixed an issue where the feedback message (like from Windows Hello) could end up overlapping Spotlight text on the lock screen. We fixed an issue where Windows Update Settings unexpectedly displayed two horizontal lines. We fixed an issue where when transparency effects were turned off the Virtual Desktops pane in Task View would overlap Timeline with no background. We fixed an issue resulting in an explorer.exe crash when using WIN + Tab to open Task View on the previous flight. We fixed an issue resulting in an explorer.exe crash when trying to use control.exe to open app defaults. We fixed an issue where the Taskbar might render completely transparent on secondary monitors. We fixed an issue resulting in certain apps, like Firefox, might not have audio after upgrading to the previous flight. This issue also impacted the ability to record audio in Microsoft Edge. We fixed an issue where surround sound gaming headsets would revert to stereo after rebooting. We fixed an issue in the audio service around app impersonation which was breaking audio recording from apps like Firefox which intentionally run with a restricted token. We fixed a couple of issues resulting in crashes in the “audiosrv” and “audioendpointbuilder” audio services which would cause audio not to work, or new audio devices not to be recognized. We fixed an issue resulting in Hearthstone not launching on the previous build. We fixed an issue that could result in fullscreen games getting stuck minimized or exiting fullscreen status unexpectedly. We fixed an issue where the emoji panel search wasn’t working in desktop (Win32) apps. We fixed an issue where the input flyout wouldn’t appear the first time you pressed WIN + Space. We fixed a memory leak in NisSrv.exe from the previous flight. We fixed an issue where MsMpEng.exe might unexpectedly use a high number of disk I/Os per second for a long time. We fixed an issue where WerFault.exe might spike to 50%+ CPU for an unexpectedly long time. We fixed an issue from the previous flight where touch and pen weren’t working on the non-primary display. This might also have resulted in mouse, touch, and pen input not happening in the right place after an orientation change or when using a non-native aspect ratio. We fixed an issue when using the Arabic touch keyboard where pressing Ctrl wouldn’t show the directional markers on the Shift keys. We fixed an issue where the emoji panel search wasn’t working in desktop (Win32) apps. We fixed an issue where the input flyout wouldn’t appear the first time you pressed WIN + Space. We fixed an issue where the OneNote app wasn’t being included in Cortana’s ”Pick up where I left off” notifications. We fixed an issue on certain PCs where using the fingerprint scanner wouldn’t wake the PC up from Connected Standby. We fixed an issue where you might show as connected to the network, but you wouldn’t actually be connected to use the Internet. We fixed an issue where in certain cases USB devices with unreliable connections might cause bugchecks (GSOD) on PCs. We fixed two issues that could result in some PCs bugchecking (GSOD) when entering into Connected Standby. If you had a laptop that encountered this, the experience would have been that you’d open your laptop and unexpectedly be logging into a new session, rather than continuing the one open before closing the lid. We fixed an issue where some Bluetooth devices weren’t working and Device Manager showing error 43 for those drivers. Known issues When users try to create a Microsoft Edge InPrivate window from inside a Mixed Reality headset, a regular window will get created instead. Users won’t be able to use InPrivate inside Mixed Reality in this build. InPrivate on desktop is not affected. We’re preparing for the inclusion of OpenSSH Server as a deployment mechanism in Developer Mode. However the UI code got checked in ahead of the components, and so while there is a “Use OpenSSH (Beta) for remote deployment” switch in the UI under Settings, it won’t work, and turning it on will break remote deployment to that device until the switch is turned off. When you open Task View immediately after an upgrade, Timeline may not be visible. If you encounter this, wait 15-30 minutes and try launching Task View again. The Windows Defender icon is missing from the systray, even if it shows as enabled in Settings. Certain devices may hang on the boot screen after upgrading. If this happens to you, go into the BIOS and disable virtualization. Apps that come preinstalled with Windows may fail to update in the Store with error 0x80073CF9. Audio playback from Microsoft Edge is sometimes unexpectedly muted. A workaround is to minimize Edge, count to three, and then unminimize. Upgrading to 17063 or later builds sometimes causes Settings / Privacy / Microphone, Camera, etc. to flip to “disabled”, which breaks camera and microphone access. A workaround is to manually turn them back on. Developer Notes Deploying an x86 app to a x64 PC remotely result in “FileNotFound” deployment failures if the target PC is running Build 17040 or higher. Deploying an x64 app to a x64 PC remotely or a x86 app to a x86 PC will work fine. This build has an issue running Linux containers with Docker Community Edition for Windows (edge) on many PCs. The docker pull or docker run commands will fail with an error “Not enough memory resources are available to complete this operation”. We’re working on a fix for an upcoming Windows Insider build but you can work around the problem now with these steps: Be sure “Docker for Windows” is running, then right-click the whale icon in the notification area and choose “settings”. On the General tab, uncheck “Enable Linux containers on Windows”. Next a dialog “Switch to Standard mode (Linux VM / Windows daemon” will pop up. Click OK. Wait for the whale icon to turn white. Insider Stories Starting a new year, we are especially grateful for the global Windows Insiders who make our community so vibrant, sharing their suggestions, feedback, and enthusiasm. In celebration of all Insiders with heart, we shared this story about one special Insider that we will always remember. No downtime for Hustle-As-A-Service, Dona <3 The post Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17074 for PC appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

We hope you enjoyed this week’s episode of This Week on Windows! This week, we’re talking all about partner news at CES – head over here to read more! And, learn more about the Harman Kardon Invoke with Cortana, or check out our Windows 10 Tips on browsing full screen in Microsoft Edge and getting started with the Mixed Reality Viewer app. In case you missed it: Have a great weekend! The post This Week on Windows: CES, the Harman Kardon Invoke with Cortana and more appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

I’m happy to announce the Fall Creators Update (version 1709) is fully available for all compatible devices running Windows 10 worldwide! Full availability is the final phase of our rollout process. When a new feature update is released, we begin by targeting a select set of devices that we believe will have the best update experience based on device characteristics and testing done by us and our device partners. We then monitor feedback for issues around application and device compatibility and make adjustments along the way, if necessary. Actively listening for and responding to issues as they emerge helps us confidently expand the release to additional devices while maintaining a quality experience. We’re pleased to announce that the Fall Creators Update was the fastest Windows 10 release to reach 100M devices, all while achieving higher customer satisfaction ratings compared to prior updates! Enterprise customers following this same targeted approach for the Semi-Annual Channel can also fully deploy when ready. As an IT administrator, you decide when to broadly deploy once you have validated the apps, devices, and infrastructure in your organization work well with this release. You no longer need to wait for our signal – deployment control and choice is yours.* IT admins can leverage Windows Analytics tools that help you plan, test and deploy Windows 10 to your organization, and help accelerate Windows 10 migration. You can learn more about Windows Analytics tools and best practices for deployment and servicing the Semi-Annual Channel releases. We’re thrilled to be offering the Fall Creators Update to all our customers, and we expect commercial customers to have the same level of confidence based on quality from their own broad deployments. As always, we will continue to evolve our releases based on your feedback. Windows updates help keep systems current and safer Protecting your device and your information is critical. Recent reports about “Meltdown” and “Spectre,” a new class of critical vulnerabilities disclosed last week, underscore how rapidly the global security landscape is evolving. These threats highlight the importance of having devices running the latest Windows 10 feature update and the latest monthly quality updates. We build the latest security technology deep into the Windows operating system to provide defense-in-depth features that prevent evolving malware and other vulnerabilities from impacting your device, and layer on monthly quality updates that help your machine keep pace with the evolving threat landscape. For these new vulnerabilities, we’ve provided updates to customers with the latest security protections available. Because these vulnerabilities start at the processor level, however, having the latest Windows operating system (OS) updates is not sufficient to be fully protected; you will also need to install related firmware updates from your device manufacturer. Lastly, ensuring your antivirus products are up-to-date (for example, Windows Defender is available in-box for free and updates automatically) and that you are backing up critical files to the cloud remain best practices. The most secure device is an up-to-date device For those with automatic updates enabled, Windows 10 will continue to provide the latest monthly security updates to help keep your information and your device protected. Windows 10 is configured for automatic updates except over metered connections (where charges may apply), in which case we’ll only download those updates required to keep Windows running smoothly. To enable automatic updates, go to Windows Update> Advanced options> Choose how updates are installed to make sure they are turned on for you. In order to help you get the latest defense-in-depth security protections that come in the Fall Creators Update, we’ve improved the experience to allow you to update your device faster and with greater confidence. If you’re running the Anniversary Update (version 1607) or Creators Update (version 1703), we’ll send you a reminder that the feature update is ready to install. You can schedule the right time: just pick a time that works best for you or set a new reminder for tomorrow. If you’re running an even older version of Windows 10, you’ll need to install the Fall Creators Update using Update Assistant on our Software Download site. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/a95731767277003d690a64fee12247e9.jpg If you choose not to update your device when notified, your system will try to identify a time outside of your device’s active hours to install the update when you’re not actively using your machine. If you’ve already scheduled an installation date and time, the update will install automatically at your specified time. A final reminder alerts you 15 minutes before your device is scheduled to reboot, so you can properly save and close out of what you are doing. If you’re still not quite ready to take a break at that time, you can choose to restart later. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/9fbdc81d130560bf8a7e4066b317b7be-1024x305.jpg To ensure devices in enterprise environments are running the most current and secure version of Windows with the latest security updates, any device on Windows 10 Enterprise edition or Windows 10 Pro edition that is configured to receive updates automatically from Windows Update will be automatically offered Windows 10, version 1709 after January 18, 2018. This does not apply to long-term servicing editions. Start the new year more safe and secure Bring your devices up to date with the Fall Creators Update, now available for all customers globally – consumer and commercial alike. If you haven’t yet updated, simply click the Update Now button on the Software Download Site to manually update your device. You can also update your device or personalize your settings including your active hours, restart options and other advanced options in the Windows Update settings menu. As always, we’re actively listening. If you have feedback, please share it with us via the Feedback Hub app. *Refreshed media will be published to Windows Update, Windows Update for Business, WSUS, and VLSC starting the week of January 22, 2018. The post Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (1709) fully available appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

It’s exciting to kick off the new year with our incredible partners at CES, the world’s gathering place for people who love consumer technology. As I walked the floor and met with our partners, it’s been amazing to see the amount of innovation in the Windows ecosystem and the trends that will unlock creativity and empower a new culture of work in 2018 and beyond. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/feb926c6292f74e6e41ab093207aea9e-1024x576.jpg In line with our mission to empower every person and organization to achieve more, creators, students, and gamers continue to inspire us. Over the course of this week, we showcased new devices and experiences in five key areas: 1. Beautiful devices ranging from premium to affordable to fit every lifestyle PCs are increasingly a lifestyle statement. People want beautiful and powerful devices that fit their style. Surface Laptop is a great example. It packs performance, versatility, and over 14 hours of battery life into a sleek design. Starting at $999, Surface Laptop is available in four colors to fit your style. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/1eed5fcf76061ce8cbc5bb7e023e5556.png Surface Laptop available in four colors At CES this week, our partners announced incredible new devices ranging from premium to affordable. We believe affordability should not come at the cost of elegant design and access to innovation – and no ecosystem offers more choice than Windows. Examples of new Windows 10 PCs unveiled at CES this week include: Acer Swift 7 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/11fa1b77ebd0ce0b43e0896c37cfa6a5-1024x601.jpg Acer Swift 7 At just 8.98 mm thin, the new Acer Swift 7 is designed for mobility, with an ultraportable design, all-day battery life, and a personal, trusted 4G LTE connection. The Acer Swift 7 also comes with a built-in fingerprint reader to unlock Windows Hello. The Acer Swift 7 starts at $1,699. ASUS Zenbook 13 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/ed76230290be938524fceaf403d49823.png ASUS Zenbook 13 The ASUS Zenbook 13 UX331UAL features a feather-light 985g all-metal chassis and all-day 15 hour of battery life for $999. Dell XPS 15 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/ecde4d7904c73339b9af9bc9e3d2efec-1024x1024.jpg Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 The Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 offers an eye-catching next-generation InfinityEdge 4K Ultra HD display with vivid color and cinematic immersion in a slim 16mm design. It’s built with the new 8th Generation Intel Core processor combining a high-performance Intel CPU and discrete Radeon RX Vega M graphics in a single package. It’s also built with far-field microphone capabilities that let you talk to Cortana even when you’re across the room from the PC. The XPS 15 2-in-1 starts at $1,299.99. HP Spectre x360 15″ https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/0c310385304d7bbd94bcbeb22cca5406-1024x870.jpg HP Spectre x360 15″ The HP Spectre x360 15″ is a great device with a starting price of $1,369 that will offer a beautiful convertible design, 4K screen, fast performance with 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor or quad-core 8th Generation Intel Core processors and powerful graphics that allow you to effortlessly create, edit, and stream content while delivering up to 13.5 hours of battery life. Lenovo ThinkPad L580 series https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/73dab9dd50e0787910988d923b02e7a9-1024x577.png Lenovo ThinkPad L580 series The Lenovo ThinkPad L580 series include 8th Generation Intel Core processors and optional discrete AMD graphics in a thin and light form factor. The Lenovo ThinkPad L series ranges from $449 – $779. Samsung Notebook 7 Spin (2018) https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/9dd6384d4625abf35a7f25d776486a07.jpg Samsung Notebook 7 Spin (2018) The Samsung Notebook 7 Spin (2018) has a 360-degree rotating touch screen, is Active-Pen enabled for Windows Ink (Pen sold separately) and offers secure fingerprint login with Windows Hello. Samsung will share pricing and availability of this device in Q1. 2. A new category of Always Connected PCs with up to 20 days of standby power In December, along with our hardware partners HP and ASUS, we showed the world the first full-featured Always Connected PCs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset running Windows 10. These Qualcomm-powered devices deliver instantly on, always-connected experiences that seamlessly switch between LTE and WiFi connections and up to 20 days of standby power. Also in December, we started shipping Surface Pro with LTE Advanced to business customers. Surface Pro with LTE Advanced provides seamless connectivity with unmatched versatility and performance. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/4dd70437dcc74ce1f61d24b0ea36cddc.jpg Surface Pro with LTE Advanced for business customers This week at CES, Lenovo announced the Miix 630, a 2-in-1 detachable that gives you the power and productivity of a laptop with the always-on, always-connected mobility of a smartphone. It offers up to 20 hours of battery life in a thin and light fan-less design and supports Windows Hello with a built-in infrared camera. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/6094802c601c0c94a85aae7f8f2594c6.jpg Lenovo Miix 630 HP also announced their Always Connected PC running on Intel chips: the HP ENVY x2. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/e8eda23cecfaa980b790cc65aaff9f85-1024x576.jpg HP ENVY x2 The new HP ENVY x2 is purpose-built for an always-on, always ready to work experience. The thin, light and durable device offers mobile flexibility to stay connected with an instant-on experience with optional 4G LTE and a brilliant touch display that supports Windows Ink. 3. Voice powers an increasing number of new PCs and devices We built Windows 10 to be the most advanced platform for the most natural of input methods, including voice. From Windows Hello facial recognition to voice input with Cortana, AI is deeply incorporated into Windows 10 to make your experience more personal and more secure. Thanks to far-field microphones arriving in more than a dozen new Windows 10 PCs, you can ask Cortana on your PC to check the score of the game, the weather, or hear the news. New devices from Dell and ASUS recently announced are great examples of what’s possible with this far-field capability and we will continue to see this number grow. We’ve seen Cortana expand to the Harmon Kardon Invoke voice-activated speaker, and we’re looking forward to more from HP, who will unveil a new device featuring Cortana, combining connectivity and voice activation in a beautiful, compact, and stylish design later this year. Not only have we invested in deeply integrating Cortana for these advanced experiences, Windows also provides the most robust platform for our partners to offer additional voice capabilities. This week, device makers including Acer, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo announced that Amazon Alexa will be available on some of their Windows 10 PCs in 2018 through an app. It’s great to see Amazon building an Alexa app for Windows 10 ahead of other platforms that leverage the far-field technology our hardware partners are building into their devices. Finally, partners like Johnson Controls and Kohler have unveiled new smart home devices powered by the Windows and Azure platforms: https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/c015fb49e4b76bc7ab7083d14397dc59-1024x521.jpg GLAS from Johnson Controls smart thermostat featuring Cortana Johnson Controls announced the first in-home voice-controlled thermostat, using Cortana and powered by Windows 10 IoT and Azure IoT. Kohler selected Azure IoT as its cloud platform to power its new line of connected products, KOHLER Konnect. KOHLER Konnect allows personalized bath and kitchen experiences that automate everyday tasks. 4. Mixed reality gains momentum https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/74cf5df2b6144c897951079625cdbe24-1024x576.jpg Windows Mixed Reality headsets from Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung Last year, we welcomed the launch of Windows Mixed Reality headsets from our partners Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung, and unveiled highly immersive VR experiences, highlighted by many of the most popular VR games and experiences, including more than 2,000 titles from the Steam®VR library. This week at CES, ASUS announced that their Windows Mixed Reality headset will be coming to customers in North America in the first quarter of this year. When we unveiled Microsoft HoloLens, we knew mixed reality had the potential to change the world. Today, we’re inspired by industry leaders like Ford, thyssenkrupp, and Case Western Reserve University who are reimagining the possibilities of product design, remote assistance, and healthcare with HoloLens and mixed reality. With HoloLens now available in 39 markets and more on the way, we can’t wait to see what our partners will do in the coming year. 5. Gaming PCs that deliver more immersive and social experiences PC gaming is booming, driven by innovation in VR, the incredible popularity of multiplayer games like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), the excitement of esports, and game streaming services like Mixer. We continue to see PC gaming innovation from partners such as Dell, HP, NVIDIA, Lenovo, msi, iBUYPOWER, and Corsair. This week, ASUS unveiled the ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) G703, a gaming laptop with an ultra-responsive 17.3-inch IPS-level display with NVIDIA G-SYNC technology that can reach refresh rates of 144Hz. It’s Mixed Reality Ultra Badged which means it’s powerful enough to run Windows Mixed Reality experiences when combined with a compatible headset and includes support for up to eight Xbox One controllers, eliminating the need for multiple adapters. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/c3414f0d1959451fb8d4444b9f4c3a5f-1024x1021.jpg ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) G703 Continuing to push gaming display technology boundaries, NVIDIA just announced Big Format Gaming Displays, along with supporting hardware partners Acer, ASUS, and HP. BFGDs are high-end, 65-inch, 4K, 120Hz HDR displays – complete with NVIDIA’s G-Sync technology and integrated NVIDIA SHIELD set-top streaming box – that they are calling ‘buttery-smooth’ for gaming. With all this innovation, it’s no surprise that gaming on Windows 10 PCs has increased 500 percent in the last year, with nearly 200 million monthly active users gaming on Windows 10 devices. This is just the beginning We are just scratching the surface of what’s possible—and what’s to come in the Windows device ecosystem. With the relentless pursuit of new categories and new experiences on modern devices, innovation and ecosystem collaboration doesn’t stop at CES. For us, this is just the beginning. Terry LinkedIn | Twitter The post CES 2018: Five trends to watch – and new Windows 10 devices that power them appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Meet the new Always Connected Lenovo Miix 630 2-in-1 Detachable Meet the new Miix 630, Lenovo’s latest Windows 10 S 2-in-1 detachable that gives you the power and productivity of a laptop with the always on, always connected mobility of a smartphone.1 With integrated 4G LTE, you don’t have to just rely on slow, public Wi-Fi hotspots. The Miix 630 is built with Qualcomm’s innovative Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC Platform and Windows 10 S, so you can get work done on the go. Its full-sized backlit keyboard with precision touchpad gives you a comfortable and convenient typing experience to compile reports, design presentations or crunch numbers. It’s also equipped with a Lenovo digital pen with 1,024 levels of sensitivity so you can draw, sketch or annotate with Windows Ink for a natural pen-on-paper experience. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/90bfcb8f0ff9f06817a2a60b73c9a0ca-1024x577.jpg Other features include: Even with its keyboard, the Miix 630 is just 15.6mm (0.6 in) and featherlight weighing just 1.33kg (2.93 lbs). Battery life of up to 20 hours2, letting you leave the power cord at home. Fan-less design packs more power with efficient heat processing into a smaller Snapdragon 835 mobile chipset. Infrared camera enables Windows Hello for faster and more secure log-in Pricing and availability: The Miix 630 (keyboard and Lenovo digital pen included) starts at $799.99, expected to be available beginning in 2nd quarter 2018 on lenovo.com3 and will be compatible with select local carriers (prices may vary per market). Eye-Popping Laptops from Lenovo’s Latest ThinkPad X1 Series ThinkPad X1 Tablet https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/e4767e2c50d345268bacece7ece8e187-1024x576.jpg The redesigned 3rd generation ThinkPad X1 Tablet brings full PC performance and function into an all new detachable form factor powered by Windows 10 and Intel 8th Gen Intel Core processors. A new vibrant 13-inch 3K display compatible with HDR, an improved full-function ThinkPad keyboard experience and optional global LTE-A connectivity offer uncompromised productivity and mobility. It’s designed to withstand nearly any work environment with MIL-SPEC testing for ruggedness and durability, and supports natural interactions with a new pen, and secure login with Windows Hello through the built-in infrared camera. ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Gen https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/30b059ba57bcde3584d1a2dd5fbc9d64-1024x577.jpg The latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon merges beauty and legendary durability to create a laptop packed with distinctive engineering. New USB-C mechanical side docking make office connectivity a breeze and your productivity soars with Glance eye tracking as you navigate around your multi-monitor configuration, if you can tear your eyes away from the stunning premium Dolby Vision HDR compatible display. The new microphones with 360o Far Field Communication that support Cortana Wake on Voice function can reach you up to four meters away, so voice control and web calls remain productive while multi-tasking. When you leave the office, it gets even better. Global LTE-A wireless connectivity option keeps you in touch virtually everywhere and up to 15 hours of battery life will keep you powered throughout the day. With the Rapid Charge battery, a brief one-hour charge adds up to 12 more hours of productivity if you really need it. It’s also built with a fingerprint reader to unlock Windows Hello. World Class Docking Solutions: ThinkPad X1 Carbon supports a docking portfolio, including a new side mechanical dock using standard USB-C connectors giving you maximum flexibility and keylock security. You can also opt for alternative docking solutions including USB-C and Thunderbolthttps://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/2.3/72x72/2122.png 3. You’ll get quick access to remote resources, high-speed Input/Output and dual 4K display capability, all while your ThinkPad battery continues to be charged. ThinkPad X1 Yoga 3rd Gen 2-in-1 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/f9f32001db07d1650dcaa8337f296216.jpg The X1 Yoga offers 8th Gen Intel Core processors and the all-new Dolby Vision capable display in a flexible form-factor. The new 360o Far-Field Communication microphones support Cortana Wake on Voice function and offer superior audio and video conferencing. Stay agile and connected on the road with Global LTE-A wireless and rest assured that 12 Mil-Spec tests and more than 200 quality checks means the X1 Yoga is built to survive daily business battles. Pricing and Availability: All Lenovo products will be available on lenovo.com. ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Gen will be available from January 2018, starting at $1709 ThinkPad X1 Yoga 3rd Gen will be available from January 2018, starting at $1889 ThinkPad X1 Tablet 3rd Gen will be available from March 2018, starting at $1599 ThinkPad X Series Click to view slideshow. Highlights of the ThinkPad X Series include: Mil-Spec tested for durability, the ThinkPad X series can work in some of the world’s most inhospitable places Rapid Charge delivers 80 percent battery in 60 minutes with X280 offering up to 16.6 hours and X380 Yoga offering up to 13.6 hours of battery life X280 is 20 percent lighter (2.5 pounds) and 15 percent thinner (17.4mm) compared to its predecessor X380 Yoga enhances end-user experience with Active Pen and secure access made easy with the built-in infrared camera that enables Windows Hello. ThinkPad X280 starts at $999 (USD), X380 Yoga starts at $1,459, both available from January 2018 ThinkPad T Series Click to view slideshow. Highlights of the ThinkPad T Series include: Performance is boosted with powerful 8thGen Intel Core processors Optional discrete graphics power premium displays up to UHD on ThinkPad T580 Extraordinary longevity with extended battery options delivering up to 27 hours of battery life Pricing and availability: ThinkPad T480 starts at $989, T480s starts at $1,269 and T580 starts at $1,079, all available starting January 2018. ThinkPad L Series Click to view slideshow. Highlights of the ThinkPad L Series include: New 13-inch form factors and redesigned thinner and lighter 14 and 15-inch laptops offer customers greater choice Optional multi-touch displays, complete docking solutions and powerful 8thGen Intel Core processors offer great performance and exceptional value Pricing and availability: Available from February 2018, ThinkPad L380 Yoga starts at $549, L380 starts at $449, L480 starts at $779 and L580 starts at $769. Lenovo Tablet 10 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/ffd16cf39b7d2de2cfce31e4261678ad-1024x577.jpg The Lenovo Tablet 10 is a new detachable powered by Windows 10 and Intel Celeron N Series processors designed to benefit vertical applications such as healthcare and retail. It arrives with an integrated rechargeable pen, and delivers up to nine hours of battery life and Wireless WAN. Pricing and availability: Lenovo Tablet 10 will be available from March 2018, starting price will be available shortly. Discover more about everything Lenovo announced today at lenovo.com/ces, and head over here to read more partner news out of CES! 1 Requires separately purchased cellular data plan that may vary by location. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges apply. Connection speeds will vary due to location, environment, network conditions and other factors. 2 Up to 20 hours based on local video playback requires unit configured with Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC, 4gb RAM, 128gb UFS storage. Battery life tested using continuous FHD video playback, 1080p (1920×1080) resolution, 150 nits brightness, system audio level at 17%, player audio level at 100%, played full-screen from local storage, headphone attached, wireless on but not connected. All battery life claims are approximate. Actual battery performance will vary and depend on numerous factors including product configuration and usage, software, operating conditions, wireless functionality, power management settings, screen brightness and other factors. The maximum capacity of the battery will naturally decrease with time and usage. 3 Prices do not include tax, shipping or options and are subject to change without notice; additional terms and conditions apply. Reseller prices may vary. On-shelf dates may vary by geography and products may only be available in selected markets. All offers subject to availability. Lenovo reserves the right to alter product offerings, features and specifications at any time without notice. LENOVO is a trademark of Lenovo. The post CES 2018: Lenovo unveils Always Connected Miix 630 detachable, ThinkPad X1 Series, Lenovo Tablet 10 and more appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

These new devices light up some of the best of Windows 10 — including the Paint 3D app and Remix3D.com community, your digital personal assistant Cortana*, Windows Hello for fast and secure login, Windows Ink for drawing on photos or marking up webpages in Microsoft Edge, comprehensive protection with Windows Defender and more. Let’s take a closer look: XPS 15 2-in-1 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/06fe9526e96ec636f20107d5a1b33067-1024x1024.jpg Balancing high performance with a sleek design, the first XPS 15 2-in-1 delivers the CPU and graphics horsepower to run content creation apps, process huge files and play AAA games while featuring touch, pen, an innovative maglev keyboard and the screen real estate that creators crave. Expert craftsmanship, premium materials and finishes including machined aluminum, carbon fiber and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 make this a functional, futuristic design. Features of the XPS 15 2-in-1 include: Built with Windows 10, it arrives equipped with the Xbox app, support for DirectX12, and enables gamers to easily and quickly stream their gameplay using Mixer, without any added hardware or software New 8th Gen Intel Core processor combines a high-performance Intel CPU and discrete Radeon RX Vega M graphics in a single package Eye-catching next-generation InfinityEdge 4K Ultra HD display Pricing and availability: Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 will be available in the U.S. on Dell.com in April starting at $1,299.99. XPS 13 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/3968593bdcffa2953bb09de11406110f-1024x1024.jpg In case you missed it, Dell also announced the XPS 13 earlier this week at CES – a device powered by Windows 10, featuring a Rose Gold exterior and Alpine White woven glass fiber interior as an option to traditional silver and black, with narrower borders, higher 4K Ultra HD resolution and GORE Thermal Insulation to keep the system cool while it works hard. Read more in our blog post: Pricing and availability: Dell XPS 13 is available on Dell.com, Microsoft.com and your local Microsoft Store starting at $999 with an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. VR-ready Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/6ddcf683486ac39965e457371401432f-1024x1024.jpg Dell also unveiled today new VR-ready Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop starting at just $799. Engineered for PC gamers, the new Inspiron Gaming Desktop features 8th Gen Intel quad- and hex-core processors and graphics; Windows 10 so you can stay connected with friends on Xbox Live with the Xbox app, support for Direct X12, and enables quick and easy game streaming through Mixer, without the need for extra hardware or software; solid-state drive options offer faster boot-up times and intelligent thermal design provide longer gaming sessions. New monitors and a performance uplift for Dell’s Latitude portfolio https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/3f3b44b948af2741cb190bd5f10637ee-1024x1024.jpeg Designed for the mobile workforce, Dell’s Latitude portfolio of secure and manageable commercial notebooks and 2-in-1s has been fully refreshed with the latest 15W dual-core and quad-core 8th Gen Intel Core vPro processors, delivering significant performance improvement. The Latitude product line also has been updated with several exciting new hidden innovations. For example, the Latitude 7490 notebook features an exclusive active steering antenna that delivers better WiFi range, and a new Full HD super low power display that reduces power consumption by up to 50 percent, resulting in several hours of additional battery life. Pricing and availability: Dell Latitude 7490 Notebook is available on Dell.com starting at $1,049 Dell Latitude 5490 Notebook is available on Dell.com starting at $779 Dell Latitude 7390 2-in-1 is available on Dell.com starting at $1,149 Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1 is available on Dell.com starting at $899 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/0161dbab1df7f185543bdec7c7b182c7-1024x1024.jpg With the new Dell 27 Ultrathin Monitor (S2719DM) and Dell 24 Ultrathin Monitor (S2419HM), pictures come to life in luminous, vivid color and both monitors support HDR-content playback for a CinemaColor experience, producing beautiful color depth, clarity and contrast in a virtually borderless InfinityEdge display for strikingly realistic images. With a sleek profile at only 5.5mm at its thinnest, both monitors deliver peak brightness of 600 nits. Pricing and availability: Dell 27 Ultrathin Monitor (S2719DM) will be available globally Jan. 30 on Dell.com starting at $499.99. Dell 24 Ultrathin Monitor (S2419HM) will be available globally Jan. 30 on Dell.com starting at $299.99. Dell Portable Thunderbolt 3 SSD in 500GB ($439) and 1TB ($799) will be available globally Feb. 28 on Dell.com. Immersive experiences with Dell Cinema Now more than ever, people watch movies and TV shows on their PCs with the expectation of a full cinematic experience, including studio sound and visual quality, as creators intend. That experience is now available on XPS and select Inspiron PCs through Dell Cinema, an immersive audio and visual experience. CinemaColor: Powered by Windows HD Color, decodes and displays high dynamic range (HDR) streamed content with enhanced detail, more vivid hues, sharper brightness and a wider color gamut CinemaSound: A Dell exclusive audio innovation powered by Waves MaxxAudio Pro that delivers clearer highs, enhanced bass and higher volume for a true cinematic audio experience CinemaStream: powered by Killer and SmartByte, a software-based that optimizes online streaming and interactive video resulting in less buffering, more bandwidth and better resolution Visit the Dell CES 2018 press site for in-depth product info, images, releases and more; watch Dell’s CES 2018 news conference live or replay visit; and head over here for more of our news out of CES! *Cortana available in select markets. The post CES 2018: Dell announces XPS 15 2-in-1, Inspiron gaming desktop, monitors and more appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Today at CES, ASUS announced exciting new laptops and all-in-one PCs powered by Windows 10, and showed their Always Connected PC announced last month: the ASUS NovaGo, designed to deliver impeccable connectivity to keep you in touch around the home, at the office and on-the-go. Let’s take a look at these devices: ZenBook 13 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/aeda3169ca01470179836fa8d4eacbc3.jpg The revolutionary ZenBook 13 is a laptop that’s ultralight, ultrathin and ultrapowerful. It’s the first-ever ZenBook to be constructed from magnesium-aluminum alloy, a super-strong and super-light material that’s 33% lighter than the standard alloy used in laptops. It’s built to give you the ultimate mobility, featuring a feather-light 985g all-metal chassis and all-day 15-hour battery life. Powered by Windows 10, it arrives with features built-in such as Windows Hello and your digital personal assistant Cortana** for more efficient and productive computing. ASUS X507 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/0312da89d6258d1aeb6e023d12e99a9e-1024x776.jpg ASUS X507 is a 15.6-inch laptop with backpack-friendly dimensions and an overall weight of just 1.68kg. It’s powered by up to an Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce MX110 graphics for smooth visuals. Its NanoEdge bezel design and Full HD display with wide 178° viewing angles ensure you get the very best visual experience. X507 has a dual-storage design that offers a choice of flexible and convenient storage options, combining a blazing-fast 256GB SSD with a large 1TB HDD. Ultrafast dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi provides speeds of up to 867Mbps — that’s up to 6X faster than 802.11n! Vivo AiO V272 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/5bdb537a4c7b9ec536d6ab4aa1dd01ba-1024x616.jpg ASUS Vivo AiO V272 delivers uncompromising performance and is powered by up to an 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics. Its 27-inch display features a 100% sRGB color gamut and 178˚ wide-view technology to provide truly engaging visuals. On top of that, capacitive 10-point multitouch and intuitive multifinger gesture input makes navigation and control quick and easy. Bass-reflex speakers, together with ASUS SonicMaster, provide superb and immersive audio. The ASUS ZenAnywhere app gives you secure, remote access to the webcam and personal data stored in Vivo AiO V272. You can even wake the computer, put it in sleep mode, or shut it down — all remotely. With Windows 10, this device provides a secure and familiar computing experience, including your digital personal assistant Cortana’s voice recognition capability for more efficient and productive computing. Vivo AiO V222 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/e36ff89a4af9e692b9c6f24bc514bcdb-1024x821.jpg ASUS Vivo AiO V222 has a frameless 22-inch Full HD display with an incredible 87% screen-to-body ratio for edge-to-edge visuals. ASUS Splendid and Tru2Life Video technologies ensure you enjoy games and movies in amazing detail, with vivid colors and contrast. To complete the ultimate entertainment experience, bass-reflex speakers and ASUS SonicMaster provide superb, immersive audio. The Vivo AiO V222 is powered by Windows 10 and works with the ASUS ZenAnywhere app, so you have secure, remote access to the webcam and personal data stored in your device. ROG G703 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/8b9bb9f386f691519f048559a1c9a735-1024x1021.jpg ROG G703 is a gaming laptop with an ultra-responsive 17.3-inch IPS-level display with NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, able to reach refresh rates of 144Hz. Built with Windows 10, these devices support connectivity with your friends through the Xbox app, DirectX12 and quick and simple game streaming through Mixer, with no extra hardware or software required. ROG G703 combines the best of laptop and console gaming with built-in Xbox Wireless technology that enables you to effortlessly connect up to 8 wireless Xbox One controllers, eliminating the need for multiple adapters. G703 has a gaming keyboard with 2.5mm travel distance and 0.3mm keycap curve for improved comfort; while N-key rollover and anti-ghosting technologies ensure each keystroke is logged, even when numerous keys are pressed simultaneously. The keyboard also features highlighted WASD keys, a durable anti-slip palm rest, and dedicated hotkeys for Xbox, ROG Aura, ROG Gaming Center and XSplit Gamecaster. Other features include: Powered by the factory-overclocked Intel Core i7-7820HK processor that reaches incredible speeds of up to 4.3GHz out of the box NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics with a maximum boost clock of up to 1974MHz ROG G703 features the innovative Anti-Dust Cooling (ADC) system that enables it to rid itself of harmful dust and particles. ASUS NovaGo https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/d6d1b6a48651a3b4da39038c7335e8f1-1024x683.jpg This week at CES, ASUS is also showing the NovaGo they announced last month in Hawaii – a gigabit-LTE-capable laptop designed for truly connected mobility, providing you with an always-on, always-connected experience with Windows 10. This ultrathin and light convertible laptop is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC platform, and features a gigabit Snapdragon X16 LTE modem for lightning-fast download speeds of up to 1Gbps — 3X to 7X-faster than average broadband speeds. It has up to a 22-hour battery life with over 30 days of modern standby, and a built-in eSIM* or Nano SIM that ensures seamless connectivity across borders. The latest premium-tier Snapdragon 835 Mobile PC platform is designed to provide blazing-fast connectivity and exceptional on-the-go power efficiency. NovaGo runs Windows 10 S natively and provides you with a secure and familiar Windows experience, including the Start menu and features such as Windows Ink, fast and secure password-free login with Windows Hello and your digital personal assistant, Cortana. Windows 10 S runs verified apps from Microsoft Store, which provide a seamless and secure experience. Please visit press.asus.com to learn more about everything ASUS announced today, and read more of our news out of CES here! *eSIM availability may vary by countries. **Cortana available in select markets. The post CES 2018: ASUS announces new laptops, all-in-one PCs and a gaming laptop powered by Windows 10 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Acer Swift 7 Click to view slideshow. At just 8.98 mm thin, the new Swift 7 is powered by Windows 10 and designed for mobility, with an ultraportable design, all-day battery life, and a personal, trusted 4G LTE connection. The Acer Swift 7’s unmatched slim design is only the beginning of the new features available with the device. Blazing-fast 4G LTE connectivity keeps you productive; it’s especially useful for professionals who want to eliminate tedious wireless connection problems on the road so they can stay focused on the task at hand. In addition to a Nano SIM card slot, the Swift 7 features eSIM technology, allowing download and activation of eSIM profiles. The Swift 7 ships with a Transatel profile provisioned with up to 1 GB of free data to help you get started immediately, while additional data plans can be easily purchased as needed through the Mobile Plans application while travelling around the world. 802.11ac wireless with 2×2 MIMO provides reliable and fast connections to the office or home network. Powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, the Swift 7 provides incredible performance, a seamless Windows 10 experience and up to 10 hours of battery life. 256 GB of PCIe SSD storage offers plenty of room to keep important files at your fingertips, while 8 GB of LPDDR3 memory keeps multitasking smooth and responsive. A fingerprint reader allows password-free and more secure sign-in through Windows Hello. The Swift 7’s unibody aluminum chassis is perfect for modern professionals seeking a sophisticated look. Its new high-resolution display has been upgraded to 14-inches, and sports a Full HD IPS display, Acer Color Intelligence for lifelike clarity at every angle, as well as Corning Gorilla Glass touchscreen and touchpad. Typing has never been easier thanks to the Swift 7’s backlit keyboard, which is handy in low-light conditions such as long-haul international flights or train journeys. Acer Spin 3 Laptop with a 360° dual-torque hinge Click to view slideshow. Acer has also announced its refreshed Spin 3 laptop with a durable 360° dual-torque hinge that enables it to function as a laptop, tablet, display and even provides a space-saving tent mode, all in a single device. A powerful 8th Gen Intel Core processor and impressive storage options makes the Spin 3 an ideal laptop combining performance and portability. It provides up to 12 hours of battery life for digital work and play on the move, with two front-facing speakers with Acer TrueHarmony technology. The Spin 3’s display supports vivid imagery in Full HD with IPS technology, allowing on-screen content to shine through in exceptional detail. Acer unveils new Nitro 5 Gaming laptop Click to view slideshow. The new Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop is powered by Windows 10 and designed for gaming enthusiasts seeking best-in-class performance in an attractive laser-textured design. The 15-inch Acer Nitro 5 packs in the latest-generation AMD Radeon RX560 graphics for faster rendering, improved lighting and texture, as well as the latest AMD Ryzen mobile processors for amazing performance, whether it be for gaming, content creation or multi-tasking applications. The lightning-fast speeds of DDR4 RAM of up to 32 GB combined with the SSD means fast booting, loading and restarting in mere seconds so players can get to the action immediately. Acer’s NitroSense utility allows the monitoring of the CPU/GPU, and adjustment of cooling fan speeds via Acer CoolBoost to keep them in optimal operation. The Nitro 5’s chassis features a top cover with elegant laser texturing that brings bold refinement to the gaming laptop. And with the power of Windows 10 and Mixer, enjoy easily broadcast games from the Game bar, with no extra hardware or software. Other features include: 6-inch Full HD IPS display produces brilliant imagery with crisp details Front-facing HD web camera Internal solid-state drive is available up to 512 GB Finely tuned, high-quality speakers with Dolby Audio Premium and Acer TrueHarmony technology. Fast and reliable dual-stream 802.11ac wireless technology, a plethora of ports, including hyper-fast USB Type-C, HDMI 2.0, and Gigabit Ethernet to enable users to enter any arena prepared to execute every mission at the highest level. Pricing and Availability: Exact specifications, prices, and availability of Acer’s Swift 7, Spin 3 and Nitro 5 vary by region. To find out about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer via acer.com. Please visit this site to learn more about the Swift 7 Acer announced today, and head over here to read more of our news out of CES! The post CES 2018: Acer unveils new Swift 7, Nitro 5 Gaming laptop and more appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

As part of our mission to bring 3D and mixed reality to everyone, we launched Mixed Reality Viewer with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update in October. With Mixed Reality Viewer, you can see 3D objects – either from the Remix3D.com community or your own creation from Paint 3D – mixed into your actual surroundings through your PC’s camera. It’s easy and fun, and all you need to get started is a device with a camera running the latest Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. With the Mixed Reality Viewer, you can experience the power of 3D and mixed reality, no headset required. Mixed Reality Viewer is a perfect tool when you need to visualize space and dimension, experience something up close, or when you just want to inject some fun into your photos. Whether it’s a friend’s birthday and you want a photo of them alongside a personalized 3D birthday cake, or you’re a home decorator helping a client to visualize what a couch would look like in their living room, or a teacher demonstrating to students the size and scale of the Mars Rover, this application will help you bring all your ideas to life! Use the app to just play and learn by overlaying 3D objects in your world or snap a photo to save it as a memory and share with friends – read on to learn how. You have a couple ways to get started: To get started, head to the Mixed Reality Viewer app, free with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. You’ll find a 3D character already created for you, or click the Remix 3D button to search the extensive 3D catalogue to browse for inspiration. Next, Select the Mixed reality button and your computer’s camera will turn on. Tap the screen to indicate where you’d like to place your object. And just like that, your 3D creation is in your real world and you’re experiencing mixed reality. From there, you can rotate the 3D object, zoom in, zoom out and capture the image in a photo. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/d47cc621c196e24a085a0ce12fa7d7c6.gif You can also experience mixed reality from within the Paint 3D application. Simply create something in Paint 3D or pull in a creation from Remix 3D and then select Mixed reality to view it in your real world. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/4fe3b3701fb2a14fcaf830fb1fe63d3d.gif Mixed Reality Viewer is one of the multiple ways we’re empowering people to blend their physical and digital worlds to create, play and learn in new dimensions. We’re so inspired and excited by what we’ve seen people do with the Mixed Reality Viewer already – can’t wait to see more! If you want to experience Mixed Reality Viewer, and you don’t have the Fall Creators Update yet, please visit this blog post to learn how to get it! The post Windows 10 Tip: Get started with the Mixed Reality Viewer app appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

HP ENVY x2 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/a97fd6feb59904052abd951cba6d75e5-1024x870.png The new HP ENVY x2 is a premium detachable powered by Intel and Windows 10 that gives you versatility, performance, and long battery in a thin, light, and durable design. It offers mobile flexibility to stay connected with an instant-on experience with optional 4G LTE, so you can enjoy entertainment on the go and stay connected in and out of the home or office without having to find a Wi-Fi hotspot. Other features include: The fanless CNC Machined Aluminum tablet is 7.9 mm and 1.69 lbs. Features a brilliant 12.3-inch diagonal touch WUXGA+ display8 with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 for increased durability and scratch resistance when on the go. The leather-like textured case in Oxford Blue integrates an adjustable stand to transform the device into laptop, reading and tablet modes. The backlit keyboard has a 1.3 mm key travel for a smooth typing experience in any lighting condition. The pen offers a natural drawing and writing experience with simultaneous pen and touch with Windows Ink. Up to 16.5 hours of battery life and Windows 10, stay productive on Wi-Fi, in sync with Connected Modern Standby, and connect with an LTE-Advanced support option. 7th generation Intel Core Y-Series processors and optimized thermal design boosts performance and is equipped with up to 256 GB PCIe SSD Storage to store presentations and multi-task with up to 8GB LPDDR3 memory. Pricing and availability: HP ENVY x2 will be available Spring 2018. Pricing and mobile carriers will be disclosed closer to product availability. HP Spectre x360 15 https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/dc0d2fbe5205eb387c59f7a2cfeeaa8d-1024x870.jpg The HP Spectre x360 15 is designed with impressive performance and high discrete graphics capabilities featuring 8th generation Intel Core quad-core processors with Radeon RX Vega M to handle the most intensive tasks. You can effortlessly produce, simulate, edit large 3D photo and video renders, edit 4K video, create artwork designs, develop apps, stream movies, and play games without slowing down. Imagination is the limit with 4K UHD 15.6-inch diagonal touch display and HP Tilt Pen to set ideas in motion on the digital canvas with Windows Ink. The durable, brilliant Corning Gorilla Glass 4 display is strong and scratch-resistant for when on the go and using a touch display. Other features include: Responsive performance and graphics capabilities with the choice of: 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8705G processor with Radeon RX Vega M graphics offering up to 12 hours of battery life with Fast Charge Technology – 50 percent in 30 minutes 8th generation Intel Core quad-core processors with NVIDIA GeForce MX 150 graphics with up to 13.5 hours of battery life with Fast Charge Technology – 90 percent in 90 minutes. Built from an aluminum CNC machined chassis with a new angular profile at 19.5 mm enable 2.5 times faster performance and weighs 4.72 lbs. Speakers now sit above the keyboard for an improved audio experience in any mode while allowing the keyboard to offer numeric keypad ideal for Adobe short-cut keys. The 4K UHDX 15.6-inch diagonal touch display and optional HP Tilt Pen set ideas in motion on the digital canvas. The durable and brilliant Corning Gorilla Glass 4 display is strong and scratch-resistant for when creating on the go and using a touch display. Packed into this powerful PC includes an IR camera supporting Windows Hello and a fingerprint reader to log in safely and seamlessly. Available in Dark Ash Silver with Copper Luxe accents Pricing and availability: HP Spectre x360 15-inch starting pricing is $1,369.99 and will be available at HP.com and Best Buy on March 18. Sprout 3D Camera by HP https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/7ba182d72b356f3f6d9e4bc9d58a6da7-1024x1024.png The Sprout 3D Camera by HP reinvents creative workflows and sparks spontaneous collaboration. The down-facing camera simply attaches to your display to capture and digitize 3D objects, 2D documents, and live video. Other features include: Minimum footprint, maximum compatibility: With a unique design, it attaches to your display, minimizing desktop space for real-time capture and visualization. 3D scanning as easy as recording video: Create life-like digital images by rotating any object in your hands or positioning under the camera – SLAM tracking and scanning technology constructs the 3D model in real time. Made for PBR and VR workflows: Scan objects with computer-graphics-friendly resolutions that maintain separate texture maps for physical-based rendering (PBR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications. Picture-perfect remote collaboration. Share captures or live videos of notes and sketches directly from your desktop. OMEN Game Stream https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/cb793fb4af5b250a5274d0ca28cbbc63-1024x427.jpg OMEN Game Stream allows gamers to play top AAA games anytime and anywhere by leveraging the power and performance of their OMEN PC on any Windows 10 device with a high-speed internet connection. Please visit HP.com to learn more about everything HP announced today, and head over here to read more partner news out of CES! The post CES 2018: HP announces the HP ENVY x2, HP Spectre x360 15, HP Z 3D Camera, and more appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Today at CES, Samsung announced the Samsung Notebook 7 Spin (2018) and showed the Notebook 9 and Notebook 9 Pen – new devices powered by Windows 10 that provide you with the tools you need to remain productive in today’s digital world. Let’s take a look: Samsung Notebook 7 Spin (2018) Click to view slideshow. The Notebook 7 Spin (2018) arrives with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update to offer modern features that light up touch, inking, 3D, including a 360-degree touchscreen that enables digital drawing, writing and note taking with Windows Ink; an Active Pen (sold separately) for quick and easy note-taking; as well as the power and performance for more efficient multi-tasking. Other features include: A 360-Degree Rotating Touchscreen – Provides the flexibility to view content as preferred, whether it be as a tablet or as a traditional PC in landscape mode Active Pen-enabled (sold separately)– Perfect for attending meetings, conference calls or lectures, the Active Pen lets you create a sketch or jot down notes on the fly with Windows Ink Secure Fingerprint Log-in – Through simple fingerprint scanning, you can quickly log-in with Windows Hello and keep files secure in your own Privacy Folder Power and Performance – Powered by Windows 10 and equipped with an Intel i5 processor and 256GB SSD drive that allows for quicker startups and advanced multi-tasking capabilities Voice Note – Advanced smart recording featuring an integrated far field microphone to capture every detail of important meetings or lectures, which can be stored and shared easily via Samsung Cloud Battery– Larger battery capacity to keep you connected throughout the day Studio Plus –Studio Plus allows you to produce personalized movies featuring your favorite photos and videos Availability: The Samsung Notebook 7 Spin (2018) will be available in select countries starting in the first quarter of 2018 in the U.S. Samsung Notebook 9 Pen https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/5d831d344df9db6c98ac2d280527f62d-1024x683.jpg The Notebook 9 Pen brings a thoughtfully refined design to the 2-in-1 PC. Its full metal chassis with premium magnesium aluminum – lighter than aluminum – alloy called Metal12 provides durability while keeping it super light at 2.2 pounds. The 360-degree hinge allows you to convert to a tablet from a laptop with ease by rotating the keyboard behind the screen for convenience. The Notebook 9 Pen provides ultimate convenience with a built-in, refined S Pen that gives you the freedom to doodle, write, sketch, paint and more with Windows Ink. The S Pen is battery free, built into the device and designed for immediate use. The S Pen can recognize 4,096 levels of pressure with a fine 0.7mm tip and convenient tilt detection to allow a more natural writing and drawing experience. Samsung Notebook 9 (2018) https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/587c2fdb80f0fbac9987ea26cd94bb4c-1024x683.jpg With three different versions offering a 13.3” to a 15” screen and enhanced graphics capabilities, the Notebook 9 (2018) weighs up to 2.84 pounds and measures 15.4mm. The bezel around the screen measures 6.2mm providing a more immersive experience. This means great portability without sacrificing screen size, as well as a stronger, more durable metal body featuring Metal12 which provides durability while keeping it super light. The new line-up lights up some of the best of Windows 10 — including your digital personal assistant Cortana*, Windows Hello for fast and secure login, Windows Ink for drawing in the Photos app or adding notes to your map, comprehensive protection with Windows Defender and more. Other features include: Designed for mobility: Made from Metal12 complemented by Micro Arc Oxidation (MAO) technology, both devices are lighter than most metal laptops, yet durable with the advanced MAO treatment of oxide coating on the surface. Built-in security: Windows Hello is built-in with Windows 10 for secure authentication through the fingerprint sensor without having to type in a password, while the Notebook 9 Pen also features an IR front-facing camera for facial recognition login through Windows Hello. Stunning visuals: The RealView display brings a bright and accurate premium image, with lifelike colors and incredible brightness ideal for using the device both indoors and out. High-quality performance: Both devices also feature the latest 8thgeneration Intel Core i7 processor and Samsung Dual Channel Memory for speed without reduced performance or speed. Availability: The Samsung Notebook 9 Pen and Notebook 9 is available in select countries starting in December 2017 in Korea, and in the first quarter of 2018 in the U.S. Please visit this site to read more about the new Notebook 7 Spin (2018) that Samsung announced today, and head over here for more of our news out of CES! *Cortana available in select markets. The post CES 2018: Samsung shows the new Notebook 7 Spin, Notebook 9 and Notebook 9 Pen powered by Windows 10 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/f750955eb2d6f131506d9344dea35619-e1515115599474-1024x602.jpg Powered by Windows 10 and the latest Intel 8th Generation Quad Core processor, the XPS 13 delivers superior mobile performance with fast booting SSDs up to 1TB in a sleek form factor. Its stunning InfinityEdge display fits this 13-inch laptop in an 11-inch frame. It’s a full 30 percent (3.4mm) thinner as well as lighter, starting at just 2.67 pounds, with a higher resolution display – incorporating 2.5 million more pixels with 4K Ultra HD compared to the previous QHD+ for great, saturated and accurate color. CES 2018: Dell unveils the new XPS 13 powered by Windows 10 Tweet This https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/3968593bdcffa2953bb09de11406110f.jpg Activated by voice, touch, or facial recognition, access to the new XPS 13 comes through a triad of biometric doorways. Log in with a look or a touch with the infrared camera and optional fingerprint reader in the power button for Windows Hello, or talk to your device from across the room, with four integrated digital microphones and your built-in digital personal assistant, Cortana.* https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/a2a849416ff80316e3dcce56980053f1.jpg Other features include: Up to 19 hours of battery life on FHD, and up to 11 on UHD New rose gold aluminum shell with an alpine white woven glass fiber that’s stain-resistant and stays cool GORE Thermal Insulation: A thin, flexible material that directs heat out of the device, keeping your system cool while it works hard Dell Power Manager lets you customize your balance of battery life, performance, thermals, and acoustics, and Dynamic Power Mode intuitively delivers maximum power as needed, for tasks including video rendering applications and advanced spreadsheets Pricing and availability: The new XPS 13 is available globally beginning today on Dell.com, Microsoft.com and at your local Microsoft Store, starting at $999.99. Dell is also offering an Ubuntu-based developer edition with Linux preloaded starting at $949.99 beginning today on Dell.com in the US and Europe as well. *Cortana available in select markets. The post CES 2018: Dell unveils the new XPS 13 powered by Windows 10 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

We hope you enjoyed this week’s episode of This Week on Windows! Head over here to learn more about how Microsoft technology is expanding the smart thermostat category, check out our Windows 10 Tips on getting started with Continue on PC on your phone and browsing full screen in Microsoft Edge, or, visit this post to read more about what’s new in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update – including 3D in Office. In case you missed it: This Week on Windows: Productivity tips for 2018, 3D in Office and more Tweet This Have a great weekend! The post This Week on Windows: Productivity tips for 2018, 3D in Office and more appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Heating and cooling account for more than 40 percent of the energy use in a typical home and makes for the largest energy expense for most families. In the commercial building sector, the cost for energy is approximately 40 percent of their expenses. We’re excited to share that today, Johnson Controls (JCI), the inventors of the first room thermostat, revealed details of GLAS, the first smart thermostat featuring Cortana and powered by Windows 10 IoT Core. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/42fe611475d152b888ca66267a1a5636-1024x819.jpg The simple to use, elegant thermostat features a translucent OLED touchscreen display for you to control temperature, monitor indoor and outdoor air quality, check the weather and more so you can live and work comfortably in your home or office. When connected to the internet, GLAS continuously monitors air quality and intelligently adjust settings to help create a comfortable home environment. GLAS can also adapt to your schedule and save energy, blending seamlessly with a home or building’s environment when not in use. After adopting your preferred settings and routines, the thermostat can intelligently detect when you’re home and can adjust settings accordingly to keep your space comfortable and energy efficient. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/30ca20f62d212336fa59a1428f6651c4-1024x556.jpg To ensure GLAS stays up to date with important feature and security updates while providing a simple and interactive experience, Johnson Controls turned to Microsoft technologies to bring GLAS to life, including its most secure, trusted and cutting-edge IoT platform, and its personal assistant, Cortana. Cortana is integrated into the thermostat so you can use your voice to easily adjust your space, in addition to understanding indoor and outdoor temperature and learning about the current weather forecast. For example, just say, “Hey Cortana, set the temperature to 68 degrees,” and GLAS will adjust the temperature in your space accordingly. Moreover, Cortana can help you manage your calendar, inform you of traffic, answer questions, and more, so all of this information is on display in one place to help jumpstart your day before leaving the door. You can access GLAS on mobile, tablet or web browser, with mobile apps currently available to download for iOS and Android, and a Windows 10 app expected soon in the Microsoft Store. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/a8148c4f493d9af28e518442492d304e-1024x906.jpg GLAS is the latest personal device built using the Cortana Devices SDK, much like the Harmon Kardon Invoke with Cortana. Cortana delivers intelligence and deep integration with Microsoft’s suite of knowledge and productivity tools. Coupled with JCI’s deep experience in building automation and controls, GLAS will provide a seamless and interactive experience you can control with your voice or any of your connected devices to help ensure your home is comfortable. https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/45b965aaa8cb99cae2169f007d7c8160-e1515077779150-1024x715.jpg Windows 10 IoT simplifies the process of bringing together all the pieces and technologies needed to make a full solution. JCI chose to build GLAS on Windows 10 IoT Core and utilize Azure IoT Hub device management capabilities, which was released with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update. Because GLAS is powered by Windows 10 IoT Core and Azure IoT, the smart thermostat keeps getting better by delivering the latest feature and security software updates. Johnson Controls utilizes Microsoft technology to expand the smart thermostat category Tweet This GLAS is available for pre-order in March 2018 at glas.johnsoncontrols.com. For more information, visit glas.johnsoncontrols.com. The post Johnson Controls utilizes Microsoft technology to expand the smart thermostat category appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

The human immune system is an astonishing diagnostic system, continuously adapting itself to detect any signal of disease in the body. Essentially, the state of the immune system tells a story about virtually everything affecting a person’s health. It may sound like science fiction, but what if we could “read” this story? Our scientific understanding of human health would be fundamentally advanced. And more importantly, this would provide a foundation for a new generation of precise medical diagnostic and treatment options. https://mscorpmedia.azureedge.net/mscorpmedia/2018/01/Peter-Lee-Microsoft-08-150x150.jpg Peter Lee, Corporate Vice President of AI + Research (Photo by Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures) Amazingly, this isn’t just science fiction, but can be science fact. And so we’re excited to announce a new partnership with Seattle-based Adaptive Biotechnologies, coupling the latest advances in AI and machine learning with recent breakthroughs in biotechnology to build a practical technology for mapping and decoding the human immune system. Together, we have a goal that is simple to state but also incredibly ambitious: create a universal blood test that reads a person’s immune system to detect a wide variety of diseases including infections, cancers and autoimmune disorders in their earliest stage, when they can be most effectively diagnosed and treated. We believe deeply in the potential for this partnership with Adaptive and have made a substantial financial investment in the company. We have also begun a major research and development collaboration that involves Adaptive’s scientists working closely with our top researchers to use Adaptive’s innovative sequencing technology and Microsoft’s large-scale machine learning and cloud computing capabilities to make deep reading of the immune system a reality. Adaptive CEO and co-founder Chad Robins said in a press release today this announcement comes at a time of inflection in healthcare and biotechnology, as we now have the technology to be able to map the immune system. The potential to help clinicians and researchers connect the dots and understand the relationship between disease states could eventually lead to a better understanding of overall human health. Imagine a world with an “X-ray of the immune system.” This would open new doors to predictive medicine, as a person’s immunological history is believed to shape their response to new pathogens and treatments in ways that are currently impossible to explore. The impact on human health of such a universal blood test that reads a person’s exposure and response to disease would be, in a word, transformational. https://mscorpmedia.azureedge.net/mscorpmedia/2018/01/Adaptive_LabPhotography_LabBench-1.jpg The immune system’s response to the presence of disease is expressed in the genetics of special cells, called T-cells and B-cells, which form the distributed command and control for the adaptive immune system. Each T-cell has a corresponding surface protein called a T-cell receptor (TCR), which has a genetic code that targets a specific signal of disease, or an antigen. Mapping TCRs to antigens is a massive challenge, requiring very deep AI technology and machine learning capabilities coupled with emerging research and techniques in computational biology applied to genomics and immunosequencing. A challenge of this nature hasn’t been solved before, but with the collective team we’ve formed with Adaptive, we believe we have the experience, technical capability and tenacity to deliver. The result would provide a true breakthrough – a detailed insight into what the immune system is doing. Put simply, sequencing the immune system can reveal what diseases the body currently is fighting or has ever fought. A blood sample, therefore, contains the key information needed to read what the immune system is currently detecting. The basis of this approach is to develop a universal T-cell receptor/antigen map – a model of T-cell receptor sequences and the codes of the antigens they have fought. This universal map of the immune system will enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis of disease and eventually lead to a better understanding of overall human health. Microsoft and Adaptive expect this universal map to be the key for the research and development of simple blood-based diagnostics that are broadly accessible to people around the world. We’re incredibly excited to collaborate on this project with our partners at Adaptive, who have developed unique immunosequencing capabilities and immune system knowledge, along with very large data sets of TCR sequences. Classifying and mapping this data represents a large-scale machine learning project for which we’ll lean heavily on Microsoft’s cloud computing capabilities and our elite research teams. We know this partnership and the resulting work represent a big challenge. But we believe in the impact technology can have in healthcare, specifically how AI, the cloud and collaboration with our partners can come together and transform what is possible. This project is a cornerstone of our Healthcare NExT initiative, with a goal to empower innovators and pair leading capabilities in life and computer sciences to dramatically accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune disorders, cancer and infectious disease. At Microsoft, we believe that AI and the cloud have the power to transform healthcare – improving outcomes, providing better access and lowering costs. The Microsoft Healthcare NExT initiative was launched last year to maximize the ability of artificial intelligence and cloud computing to accelerate innovation in the healthcare industry, advance science through technology and turn the lifesaving potential of next discoveries into reality. We’ll share more details at the upcoming JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, including a fireside chat at 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday, Jan. 10 with Chad Robins and myself called “Decoding the Human Immune System: A Closer Look at a Landmark Partnership.” The post Microsoft and Adaptive Biotechnologies announce partnership using AI to decode immune system; diagnose, treat disease appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2018/01/e52345ba1168fd057ac9143d4e2aba22.gif Simply select the Settings and more menu and click the “Full screen” arrows icon, or press “F11” on your keyboard. Full screen mode hides things like the address bar and other items from view so you can focus on your content. To exit full screen mode, move your mouse near top of the screen or swipe down with your finger and select the “restore” icon in the top-right, or press “F11” again. Head over here to read what’s new in the Fall Creators Update, and have a great week! The post Windows 10 Tip: Browse full screen in Microsoft Edge appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

The cloud is providing the foundation for the digital economy, changing how organizations produce, market and monetize their products and services. Whether it’s building animations and special effects for the next blockbuster movie or discovering new treatments for life-threatening diseases, the need for high-performance storage and the flexibility to store and process data where it makes the most sense for the business is critically important. Over the years, Microsoft has made a number of investments to provide our customers with the most flexible, secure and scalable storage solutions in the marketplace. Today, I am pleased to share that Microsoft has signed an agreement to acquire Avere Systems, a leading provider of high-performance NFS and SMB file-based storage for Linux and Windows clients running in cloud, hybrid and on-premises environments. https://mscorpmedia.azureedge.net/mscorpmedia/2017/12/Avere-Logo-4C-large-300x100.jpgAvere uses an innovative combination of file system and caching technologies to support the performance requirements for customers who run large-scale compute workloads. In the media and entertainment industry, Avere has worked with global brands including Sony Pictures Imageworks, animation studio Illumination Mac Guff and Moving Picture Company (MPC) to decrease production time and lower costs in a world where innovation and time to market is more critical than ever. High performance computing needs however do not stop there. Customers in life sciences, education, oil and gas, financial services, manufacturing and more are increasingly looking for these types of solutions to help transform their businesses. The Library of Congress, John Hopkins University and Teradyne, a developer and supplier of automatic test equipment for the semiconductor industry, are great examples where Avere has helped scale datacenter performance and capacity, and optimize infrastructure placement. By bringing together Avere’s storage expertise with the power of Microsoft’s cloud, customers will benefit from industry-leading innovations that enable the largest, most complex high-performance workloads to run in Microsoft Azure. We are excited to welcome Avere to Microsoft, and look forward to the impact their technology and the team will have on Azure and the customer experience. You can also read a blog post from Ronald Bianchini Jr., president and CEO of Avere Systems, here. The post Microsoft to acquire Avere Systems, accelerating high-performance computing innovation for media and entertainment industry and beyond appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

We hope you enjoyed this week’s episode of This Week on Windows! You can visit this blog post to learn more about how you can find the perfect last-minute gift or treat yourself during the Countdown to 2018 sale at Microsoft Store, check out our Windows 10 Tips on how to get started with Windows Hello on your PC, choosing your performance and battery balance, or saving disk space with OneDrive Files OnDemand – or, keep reading for more of this week’s news! In case you missed it: Here’s what’s new at Microsoft Store: Countdown to 2018 It’s too late to ship gifts to arrive in time for Christmas, but digital content and great deals are always ready to go in an instant in the Countdown sale. Check out this amazing collection of favorite games, movies, TV, ebooks and more, all in the Microsoft Store and on sale through Jan 4, 2018. Read more about all the deals in our blog post! Netflix – Bright https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2017/12/c8f18fdbf1e935d09c19d7d17ed4b87d-1024x576.png A Los Angeles rife with interspecies tension is the setting for Bright, debuting today exclusively on Netflix (Free app, subscription service). As an LA cop, Will Smith and his orc partner stumble upon a powerful object and are soon embroiled in a prophesied turf war. Watch the action unfold today – and get the soundtrack on Spotify (Free app, subscription service). Have a great weekend! The post This Week on Windows: The Countdown to 2018 sale at Microsoft Store, Windows 10 tips and more appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Did you know that with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, you have a currency converter built right into the calculator on your Windows 10 PC? https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2017/12/600fff8883181d51f0c2b936cf7e0346.gif It’s true – in fact, it also includes converters for things like time, power and temperature – so you can easily, quickly convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius and back again. Simply open Calculator, click on the menu button on the left, and select what you’d like to convert. Head over here to read more about what’s new in the Fall Creators Update, and have a great week! The post Windows 10 Tip: Travel easier with the built-in currency converter appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

We hope you enjoyed this week’s episode of This Week on Windows! Beginning today, find the perfect last-minute gift or treat yourself during the Countdown to 2018 sale with deals of up to 50% off popular PC games, up to 65% on select Xbox Digital Games, up to 60% off popular movies and TV shows, up to 75% on must-have software and apps for Windows 10, great deals on Surface and Xbox One bundles, entertainment and more! You can shop the sale now at Microsoft Store online, on your Windows 10 PC, and on your Xbox. Below we’ve rounded up some of the best Countdown deals, available now at Microsoft Store: Game On There are numerous adventurous options on sale now for PC and Xbox gamers alike: PC Games Save up to 50% on popular PC games for Windows 10, including these favorites: Disneyland Adventures – 35% off The Disneyland theme park comes alive like never before. Each adventure is based on the park’s real-life attractions, with opportunities to interact with beloved Disney characters. Forza Motorsport 7 Standard Edition – 35% off Gorgeous graphics and more than 700 Forzavista cars to collect bring you the danger and beauty of competitive racing at its limit. Super Lucky’s Tale – 35% off A delightful platformer for all ages that follows Lucky, the ever-optimistic, energetic, and lovable hero, on his quest to help his sister rescue the Book of Ages. Xbox Consoles For a limited time, buy an Xbox One X and get PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, the game named “Best Multiplayer Game” at this year’s Video Game Awards. For Minecraft fans, save $100 on the Xbox One S Minecraft Limited Edition Bundle (1TB), and enjoy $20 off select Minecraft Edition Xbox Wireless Controllers with purchase of the Minecraft Explorers Pack. There are also several limited-time deals happening now inside Minecraft. Or save up to $80 on Xbox One S 500GB bundles, now starting at $199, plus get a free select game. Xbox Digital Games & Subscriptions Save up to 65% on select Xbox Digital Games. Plus, if you’re an Xbox Live Gold member, you can save up to 10% more! Not a Gold member? Get your first month of Xbox Live Gold membership for just $1. And while you’re at it, try Xbox Game Pass for just $1 for the first month. Here are a few of our Xbox Digital Game favorite deals: Call of Duty WWII – 17% off; 25% off with Gold The popular franchise returns to its roots in this edition, a breathtaking experience that redefines World War II for a new gaming generation. Star Wars Battlefront II – 30% off; 40% with Gold Enter a Star Wars multiplayer universe where up to 40 players fight as iconic heroes and authentic-to-era troopers, all in a massive array of vehicles on land and in the air. Cuphead – 15% off on Windows 10 and Xbox Inspired by cartoons from the 1930s, this game is a classic run-and-gun actioner with visuals and audio painstakingly recreated to be authentic to the feel of the era. Entertainment Not a gamer but still want to be entertained? Find great deals on Movies & TV and ebooks during the Countdown sale, too. Star Wars: The Force Awakens + Bonus – 25% off Relive this epic adventure and see tons of deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage and amazing bonus features, too – including an hour-long featurette. Spider-Man: Homecoming + Bonus – 50% off Following his sensational debut in Captain America, a young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland) begins to navigate his newfound identity as a web-slinging superhero. Kingsman: The Golden Circle + Bonus – 25% off When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the Kingsman’s journey leads them to discover an allied spy organization in the U.S. ebooks If a good read is more your speed, you’ll enjoy flipping through and choosing from the numerous ebooks on sale, up to 80% off, including: The Bourne Objective by Robert Lundum – 50% off No matter how the plot twists and turns in a Jason Bourne novel, the thrills are always first-rate. In this installment, he’s facing down mercenaries in Africa when he witnesses the death of an art dealer named Tracy Atherton. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson – 80% off The holidays are a stressful time of year, but keeping life’s little things from driving you crazy is what this book is all about. Today Will Be Different – 50% off A brilliant novel from the author of Where’d You Go, Bernadette, about a day in the life of Eleanor Flood, forced to abandon her small ambitions and awake to a strange, new future. Gear up for the best you in 2018 It’s not all fun and games – we’ve got great deals on Surface, PCs, and apps to help ring in the new you in the New Year! Surface and PC Deals Save $200 on select Surface Pro and Surface Laptop i5 devices, designed for the way you work, play and all of the moments in between. Save up to $650 on PC and Windows Mixed Reality headset bundles and immerse yourself in a wide range of epic experiences. Or save up to $500 on select new Windows 10 PCs. Software and apps Save up to 75% on must-have software and apps for Windows 10, including: Affinity Photo – 20% off The latest version of this professional photo editing software is faster, smoother and more powerful than ever so you can do more than you imagined with your photos. Dolby Access – 20% off Music, games, and movies have never sounded this sweet! Whatever you watch, listen to or play, enjoy the rich, deep sound they deserve with Dolby Access. djay Pro – 40% off Hosting a New Year’s party or just need a new soundtrack for your life? Use djay Pro to access millions of tracks, including millions on Spotify, and put your own unique spin on music. You can also still get your gifts in time for the holidays by picking up your online purchase or visiting your local Microsoft Store, and get a Limited-Edition Xbox Holiday Ornament with any in-store purchase while supplies last. Plus, experience the Microsoft Wish Machine by sharing an inspiring wish for your local community while you’re there. Wishes are already being granted so follow #MicrosoftWishMachine and get yours in today through December 31! If you’re still looking for that perfect gift to give this Holiday season, we have the answer: This year, give the gift of choice with a Microsoft or Xbox Gift Card. Or, give the gift of games through Xbox digital gifting. It’s simple and fast, no shipping required. Explore more deals We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Countdown deals from Microsoft Store here, but there’s so much more to explore – PC games, Xbox digital games, Movies & TV, ebooks, software, and apps galore! And just to keep things interesting, be sure to visit the Microsoft Store on Xbox, on Windows 10, or follow Microsoft Store on Twitter, for even more, one-day-only Daily Deals on Xbox games, Movies & TV, and ebooks! Happy shopping! *Available 12/22/2017 to 1/4/2017 on select items available through Microsoft Store while supplies last. Offers and content vary by market and may change at any time. Not valid on prior orders or purchases. May not be combinable with other offers. Other exclusions and limits may apply. The post This Week on Windows: Celebrate the countdown to 2018 with great deals at Microsoft Store appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Hello Windows Insiders! Today we are releasing Project Honolulu Technical Preview 1712 Build 05002 to Windows Server Insiders. Project Honolulu is a flexible, lightweight browser-based customer-deployed platform and solution for Windows Server management scenarios for troubleshooting, configuration and maintenance. Project Honolulu Technical Preview 1712 Build 05002 is now available to Insiders before the public. What’s New in Project Honolulu Technical Preview 1712 Build 05002 We’ve added a couple top requested features in Virtual Machines and continued with the performance enhancements that lead to faster load times and page rendering. Virtual Machines Based on high customer request, we now support viewing and changing VM settings while a VM is running, similar to how you can in Hyper-V Manager. On Generation 2 VMs, you can change general settings, memory setting, checkpoint setting and add disks and network adapters. You can also enable nested virtualization when creating a VM, or from the processor settings of an existing (stopped) VM. This is functionality that was previously only accessible from the command line. Events Administrative events are now displayed. Performance improvements The new data grid control has been added to all tools except the HCI solution and Storage Replica. We have started rolling out a new tree control with the same scale and performance improvements as the new data grid. The new tree control is implemented in the Files and Registry tools. How to Download To obtain the Insider software downloads, registered Insiders may navigate directly to the Windows Server Insider Preview download page. If you have not yet registered as an Insider, see GETTING STARTED WITH SERVER on the Windows Insiders for Business portal. Known Issues with Project Honolulu Technical Preview 1712 Build 05002 There are no new known issues specific to this release. You can find the complete list of known issues in Project Honolulu here. If you encounter bugs please post on the Project Honolulu space on Windows Server Tech Community. Terms of Use All pre-release software made available to you via the Windows Server Insider program are governed by the Insider Terms of Use, which takes precedence over any license agreement that may be in the product. No downtime for Hustle-As-A-Service, Dona <3 The post Announcing Project Honolulu Technical Preview 1712 Build 05002 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...