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Renault-Nissan is first auto manufacturer to commit to platform to build connected cars Traditional automakers, many of whom ushered in an era of incredible disruption nearly a century ago, now face disruption themselves from four modern forces — connected, autonomous, shared and electric cars. The infrastructure and scale required to build a connected car is incredibly complicated, expensive and resource intensive. At its core, it’s a software challenge, and a chief obstacle for these brands is integrating the complex cloud technology required to deliver next-generation driving experiences. Today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, we announced the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform, a set of services built on the Microsoft Azure cloud and designed to empower auto manufacturers to create custom connected driving experiences. This is not an in-car operating system or a “finished product;” it’s a living, agile platform that starts with the cloud as the foundation and aims to address five core scenarios that our partners have told us are key priorities: predictive maintenance, improved in-car productivity, advanced navigation, customer insights and help building autonomous driving capabilities. Microsoft’s cloud will do the heavy lifting by ingesting huge volumes of sensor and usage data from connected vehicles, and then helping automakers apply that data in powerful ways. Available as a public preview later this year, it brings Microsoft’s intelligent services from across the company right into the car, including virtual assistants, business applications, office services and productivity tools like Cortana, Dynamics, Office 365, Power BI and Skype for Business. Today, the car is more than just a ride between two places — it is a hub of activity for daily life. People are looking to have truly connected experiences in their cars so that they can get more done, save time and make life easier. While safety and security are baseline requirements, our services can help make a person’s work day more efficient. For instance, imagine that Cortana seamlessly connects you whether you’re at home or in your car. Let’s say you’re on your phone at home and tell Cortana to set up a meeting for you and your colleague the next morning at a coffee shop. The next time you get in your car, Cortana reminds you of the morning meeting and starts navigation to get you to that coffee shop. Check out our video below to hear more about how the platform works and the benefits it offers to automakers and drivers. Auto manufacturers embrace Microsoft’s technology Our strength in building a global cloud at scale is the primary reason the Renault-Nissan Alliance chose to work with Microsoft, becoming the first auto manufacturer to commit to the Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform. Today in Nissan’s CES keynote, the company announced that through our partnership with the Renault-Nissan Alliance, our platform will power next-generation, connected vehicles with advanced navigation, predictive maintenance, remote monitoring of car features and more. Nissan also demonstrated on stage how Cortana can enhance a driver’s experience. In addition, Azure offers the flexibility and choice to build a common platform for Renault-Nissan to deploy services to both Alliance brands by supporting devices and vehicles that run on multiple operating systems, programming languages and tools. This partnership builds on our recent momentum with other automotive companies, such as our announcement this past week with Volvo to integrate Skype for Business in Volvo’s 90 Series cars, which will enhance productivity and make joining conference calls from the car a cinch. And we’ve partnered with BMW on BMW Connected, the automaker’s personal mobility companion service, to develop a scalable platform based on Microsoft Azure technologies to deliver in-car productivity services through Office 365, as well as intelligent personal assistance for drivers. Microsoft a partner instead of a competitor As you may have gathered, Microsoft is not building its own connected car. Instead, we want to help automakers create connected car solutions that fit seamlessly with their brands, address their customers’ unique needs, competitively differentiate their products and generate new and sustainable revenue streams. Our customers have shared that they want to work with a partner that not only offers the right tools, but also allows them to keep their data, has a secure and compliant cloud platform, and operates at a truly global scale (given that most automotive brands operate in more than one country). In fact, 85 percent of Fortune 500 companies already rely on Microsoft’s cloud for these reasons. Using our platform, automakers and suppliers can benefit from the billions of dollars we’ve already invested in the cloud. Azure offers more than 200 services available in 38 worldwide datacenter regions, with robust measures for security and the global compliance and privacy regulations that are required to support connected cars, letting automakers focus on innovation rather than building out their own cloud-based infrastructure. Ultimately, Microsoft aspires to empower automakers in their goals for fully autonomous driving, with sophisticated machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities, as well as advanced mapping services. In fact, just last month we announced that through new and existing relationships with TomTom, HERE and Esri, together we will create more intelligent location-based services across Microsoft. As a company, it’s our mission to empower all industries and businesses not only to survive disruption, but to seize it as an opportunity. The investments we’re making in the automotive space extend to countless other industries, such as financial services, manufacturing and smart cities. Wherever there’s a “connected signal,” Microsoft wants to be the partner that can help its customers improve people’s lives — on the road, in the cloud and everywhere in between. Happy New Year and happy driving! Peggy For more information about Microsoft’s Connected Vehicle platform strategy, download our white paper and infographic. The post Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform helps automakers transform cars appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

At the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Dell unveiled a series of innovations built with Windows 10 helping people maximize productivity and creativity while enjoying lifelike viewing experiences. The new products include the Dell Canvas, a horizontal smart workspace with touch, totem and pen capabilities; a 13-inch 2-in-1; XPS and Precision All-in-Ones; the Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K Monitor and Dell 27 Ultrathin Monitor; Dell’s most powerful VR-ready mobile workstation; a new Inspiron gaming line, a wireless charging 2-in-1 for the ultimate “no wires” experience and more. Here’s a closer look at what Dell announced today: Dell Canvas – work at the speed of thought Click to view slideshow. The Dell Canvas channels the innovative possibilities of Windows 10 and the upcoming Windows 10 Creators Update into a new category of smart workspace technology. The versatile 27-inch QHD smart workspace expands productivity for content developers and designers so you can create, communicate and express your ideas as naturally as you do with pen on paper. Through the use of touch, digital pen and totems or dials, the Dell Canvas allows you to turn drawings into part of the digital workflow with Windows Ink or by marking up webpages in Microsoft Edge. Powered by virtually any Windows 10 PC, Dell Canvas also plugs seamlessly into software solutions from partners including Adobe, Autodesk, AVID, Dassault Systems, SolidWorks and Microsoft to unleash the creative genius in everyone. Pricing and Availability: The Dell Canvas will be available March 30 on Dell.com in the U.S. starting at $1,799. Updates to the XPS lineup – XPS 13 adds convertible model; XPS 15 more powerful Click to view slideshow. Dell introduced a brand new XPS 13 2-in-1 that offers a 360-degree hinge for multiple productivity and viewing options, so you can use it as a laptop or flip the display to use it as a tablet. It also features up to 15 hours of battery life and eye-popping clarity with a gorgeous QHD+ (5.7M pixels) InfinityEdge touch display. The fanless design keeps it silent and it can be configured with 7th Gen Intel Core vPro processors and Dell BIOS and manageability software – all backed by Dell’s global ProSupport services. Other features include: The internal and external surface temperatures of the system ensure the XPS 13 2-in-1 keeps its cool while tackling your most challenging tasks. Superior materials and build quality – durable and stunning – machined aluminum, carbon fiber, bonded Gorilla Glass NBT and steel hinges wrapped in machined aluminum Leading edge connectivity with all USB Type C with one Thunderbolt 3 connector – charging and display functionality with either port; faster downloads and one-cable docking solutions for a clean desk setup; USB C to USB A adapter included in the box Superior usability with standard backlit keyboard and precision touchpad, as well as a fingerprint reader that allows you login securely and easily with Windows Hello https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/667b443ac17bf1336b655a04928d3beb.jpg Dell has also updated the XPS 15, which offers powerhouse performance and a stunning display in a 15-inch laptop, with 7th Gen Intel Core processors, NVIDIA Pascal architecture – GeForce GTX 100 graphics and a fingerprint reader that enables Windows Hello for password-free logins with the swipe of a finger. Pricing and Availability: The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is available exclusively on Dell.com and at Best Buy in the U.S. starting at $999.99. The Dell XPS 15 notebook is available on Dell.com in the U.S. starting at $999.99. XPS & Precision all-in-ones with Windows 10 Click to view slideshow. The new XPS 27 AIO takes sound to a whole new level with built-in audio quality that previously required an external sound bar. With full-frequency range high-fidelity audio built in, they deliver the best sound available in an AIO with 10 speakers pumping out sound at 50W per channel. The viewing experience is equally impressive with a beautiful 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) edge-to-edge touch display supporting 100 percent Adobe RGB color gamut. With Windows Hello, you can login with a look using the infrared camera, or ask Cortana for things from across the room using the device’s far-field processing from waves + quad array mics. The Precision AIO delivers more performance options with Intel Xeon processors, AMD Radeon Pro graphics capable of powering VR and outstanding reliability with ISV certifications for top programs like AVID and SolidWorks, as well as leading security and manageability software. Pricing and Availability: Dell XPS 27 AIO is available on Dell.com in the U.S. starting at $1,499.99. The Dell Precision AIO (5720) will be available April 6 on Dell.com in the U.S. starting at $1,599. Dell’s first VR-ready mobile workstation – the Precision 7720 https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/d2e080bac4d602289a9ffe097c6ba165.jpg The world of virtual reality is expanding in near-infinite directions and the creative pioneers driving all this content need the best tools. Enter the Dell Precision 7720 mobile workstation—Dell’s first VR-ready mobile workstation designed specifically for VR content creation. It’s Dell’s most powerful mobile workstation, thanks to the latest 7th Gen Intel Core and Intel Xeon processors and NVIDIA Pascal Quadro professional graphics. Like all Dell Precision workstations, it’s developed specifically to work with and optimize the latest software suites, and – since it’s a mobile workstation – you can now develop VR content from anywhere you find inspiration. Pricing and Availability: Dell Precision 7720 VR-ready mobile workstation will be available on Dell.com in the U.S. starting at $1,699. Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K monitor and Dell 27 Ultrathin monitor Click to view slideshow. The Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K Monitor is a near-borderless 32-inch 8K resolution display. With more than 1 billion colors, 33.2M pixels of resolution, 100 percent Adobe RGB and sRGB color gamut and an unprecedented 280 ppi, the Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K monitor delivers four times more content than Ultra HD 4K resolution and 16 times more content than Full HD. Additionally, Dell is announcing several new monitors with its new HDR feature to enhance the visual experience through a wider range of colors for exceptionally vivid images, higher clarity with visibly vibrant textures and increased contrast to capture a multitude of natural shades and hues. New monitors with the HDR feature include: the Dell 27 Ultrathin Monitor featuring the world’s overall thinnest profile, a sleek, modern design aesthetic, Quad HD technology and USB Type-C connectivity as well as the Dell 24 and 27 InfinityEdge Monitors, which also feature dual 6W external speakers professionally tuned by award-winning Waves Maxx Audio. Pricing and Availability: Available March 23 on Dell.com in the U.S., the Dell 27 Ultrathin Monitor (S2718D) starts at $699.99, and the Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD 8K Monitor (UP3218K) starts at $4,999. Available Feb. 23 on Dell.com in the United States, the Dell 24 InfinityEdge Monitor (S2418HX) starts at $289.99, and the Dell 27 InfinityEdge Monitor (S2718HX) starts at $379.99. The ultimate “no wires” experience coming soon with a wireless charging 2-in-1 https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/1ce378249df8c10d23b9ed5f6512435c.jpg With WiTricity magnetic resonance wireless charging technology, Dell will deliver a truly wireless experience in the 12-inch Latitude 7285 2-in-1, available later this year. When combined with a charging mat and WiGig wireless dock, you can take the Latitude 2-in-1 with you without disengaging any wires or a physical dock. And when you get back to your desk and set the 2-in-1 on the charging mat, it begins charging, automatically reconnects to the WiGig dock and content appears on the external display. No wires involved! Pricing and availability: The Latitude 7285 2-in-1 featuring wireless charging capabilities will be available summer of 2017. Pricing will be announced during Dell EMC World in May. Dell consumer and commercial devices refresh https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/aa6b707ee7d199694b2d4fe562f7402c.jpg Dell’s line of XPS, Inspiron and Alienware consumer devices and OptiPlex, Latitude and Precision commercial products are being upgraded with performance enhancements, thanks to 7th Gen Intel Core processors, USB-C with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity options and updated professional graphics from NVIDIA and AMD. Precision and Latitude products built for business also feature 7th Gen Intel Core vPro and Xeon processors and new ultrathin notebook and 2-in-1 designs— thin and light professional products that don’t compromise on productivity, security and manageability. The Latitude 7000 Series Ultrabooks and an award-winning 12-inch Latitude 5000 Series 2-in-1 are also added to the lineup. The detachable Latitude 5285 2-in-1 weighs less than two lbs, features a unique auto-deploy kickstand that extends up to 150 degrees for multiple viewing angles and has multiple connectivity options. For desktop lovers looking for space-saving designs, Dell has redefined the desktop experience with the new OptiPlex 5250 AIO and an updated line of OptiPlex small and micro form factor desktops. Great for pairing with a desktop or laptop, new monitors also include the Dell 24 Monitor for Video Conferencing perfect for Skype, which features a two megapixel Full HD IR camera with privacy shutter, noise-canceling microphone and dual 5W speakers built in, and the Dell 24 Touch Monitor, which features 10-point touch with an anti-glare touch screen and height-adjustment, tilt and swivel capabilities for an ideal touch experience. Pricing and Availability: New Latitude notebooks, including the Dell Latitude 5285 2-in-1, will be available on Dell.com in the U.S. The Latitude 5285 2-in-1 starts at $899. Available Feb. 7 on Dell.com in the U.S., the OptiPlex 5050 Micro starts at $599 and the OptiPlex 5250 AIO starts at $879. Available Jan. 12 on Dell.com in the U.S., the Dell 24 Touch Monitor (P2418HT) starts at $399.99, and the Dell 24 Monitor for Video Conferencing (P2418HZ) starts at $329.99 It’s great to see partners like Dell push the limits of what’s possible to offer customers innovative devices that light up Windows 10. To learn more about Dell’s news from today, visit dell.com/CESpressroom. The post CES 2017: Dell adds convertible XPS 13 model, unveils 8K monitor and more appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/2172947dcef7a72f7a480c10a32e6f96.jpg Ahead of CES 2017 this week Samsung unveiled their new portable gaming PC powered by Windows 10, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey featuring a high performance and dynamic display. Available in 17.3-inch and 15.6-inch models, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey packs power in a beautiful design with premium features to offer a premium gaming experience. Together with Windows 10 the Samsung Notebook Odyssey offers gamers a great gaming experience with features like the Xbox app, Xbox Play Anywhere and the ability to stream Xbox One games to the device. Samsung is also showcasing their recently updated Samsung Notebook 9 at CES this week. The Notebook 9 is equipped with the latest 7th Generation Intel Core i7 Processor, as well as faster storage and memory. Samsung Notebook Odyssey Product Specifications https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/20cda88eda7977208b5147004ee55921.jpg Samsung Notebook Odyssey – high performance that packs a punch Click to view slideshow. The Samsung Notebook Odyssey includes exclusive features built specifically for intense and casual gamers alike. With advanced technology, such as the HexaFlow Vent, which is an advanced cooling and ventilation system that helps the device remain cool at all times, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey allows gamers to play games for long periods of time without worrying about the device overheating and shutting down unexpectedly. Created for maximum performance and endless play, gamers can also open the HexaFlow Vent, which is located on the bottom panel of the device, to upgrade the storage and memory. For optimal gameplay, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey is equipped with an intelligent and robust processer. Powered by a 7th Generation Intel Core i7 processor (Quad Core 45W), both models of the Samsung Notebook Odyssey offer lightning fast performance with premium graphic technologies. New advanced display for high-quality vivid images In addition to its high-performing engine, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey 15-inch offers a beautiful viewing experience including a backlight that goes up to 280 nits in brightness for crystal clear images. Its mesmerizing screen also includes an anti-glare surface treatment to minimize reflection, allowing gamers to focus on their next move without distractions. The Samsung Notebook Odyssey transports gamers into faraway lands and exciting scenes with life-like color contrast and wide-view angle display. It also offers high-quality vibrant images to provide an immersive and dynamic cinema-quality HDR video experience. Innovative design and function with enhanced usability Without comprising on function, the Samsung Notebook Odyssey features an innovative design that’s both functional and refined to provide users with optimal usability. The Samsung Notebook Odyssey is easily portable, allowing gamers to take their game with them on the go. Beyond its sleek design, The Samsung Notebook Odyssey’s keyboard includes advanced features including ergonomically curved keycaps (0.5mm volcano keycaps on the 17.3-inch, 0.3mm crater keycaps on the 15.6-inch,) and backlit WASD keys (WASD keys are available on the 15.6’ model only) to provide users with optimal interaction. For personalization and easy access to crucial keys, users can also choose the backlit color of individual keycaps on the Samsung Notebook Odyssey 17.3-inch. More details on this new device will be unveiled later this Spring. Updates to the Samsung Notebook 9 15’ Samsung recently announced updates to the Samsung Notebook 9 15’ that will be available in the US this year, and this week it’s on display at their booth, #15006, in the Las Vegas Convention Center to check out. Click to view slideshow. The 15” Samsung Notebook 9 combines powerful performance, and the best viewing experience into a sleek and light design. It’s powered by Windows 10 and offers great features like Cortana, your personal digital assistant, Microsoft Edge for faster more secure browsing and comprehensive security with features like Windows Hello. Whether you’re at home or on the road, the Notebook 9 makes for the perfect companion for any situation. The Notebook 9 15’ is equipped with the latest 7th Generation Intel Core i7 Processor, features a vibrant full HD display, has a built-in fingerprint reader that unlocks password free sign in with Windows Hello, and is packed with a battery that can last as long as 15 hours on a single charge (based on data from MobileMark 14). This device starts at $1399.99 — for more information, visit news.samsung.com. Other features include: Powerful graphics: equipped with a NVIDIA 940MX graphics card and a 2.0 GPU boost, the Samsung Notebook 9 provides a powerful graphics experience. Ultra-light and portable at 2.73lbs: the Samsung Notebook 9 15’ is effortless to carry, and easy to travel with. It’s the perfect combination of performance and portability. Vibrant full-HD display: the Samsung Notebook 9 was created with a stunningly immersive full-HD display with bright, vivid and accurate colors. Featuring Samsung RealView Display, the Samsung Notebook 9 elevates the viewing experience to new heights with support for a high level of brightness, true-to-life colors and a wide viewing angle. Also, with Outdoor Mode, instantly boost the clarity of the display with a quick shortcut command when working under direct sunlight. Security is always top-of-mind which is why the Samsung Notebook 9 includes a built-in fingerprint sensor as well as support for Windows Hello, which enables secure sign in with a single touch. USB Type-C: the latest USB Type-C port enables charging of the Samsung Notebook 9 through a cell-phone charger, and enables quick data transfer and connectivity to displays and other devices. Samsung’s news today is nothing short of exciting. It’s great to see our partners like Samsung create hardware that offers customers premium Windows 10 experiences. All of their new Windows 10 devices will be on display at their booth #15006 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. To learn more about Samsung’s news today, head over to news.samsung.com. The post CES 2017: Samsung unveils new gaming PC — the Samsung Notebook Odyssey appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Brand-new VR-ready gaming laptops, gaming motherboards, ultimate gaming graphics cards equipped with TWIN FROZR VI, gaming desktop PCs and Gaming Gear peripherals will bring gamers all over the world the latest and greatest technologies. With Windows 10, these devices have your personal digital assistant, Cortana, built-in, are equipped with the Xbox app and Direct X12 and can take advantage of Xbox Play Anywhere. Let’s take a closer look at what MSI announced today: MSI gaming laptops with performance, resolution and multimedia Click to view slideshow. Thanks to the new the Intel 7th generation CPU and NVIDIA GeForce GTX1050 Ti & GTX1050 gaming graphics cards, the gaps between laptops and desktops are further shortened, delivering the faster and smoother VR experience to all gamers. All of MSI’s gaming notebooks equipped with the latest NVIDIA PASCAL graphics cards are VR-ready, and Intel 7th generation CPU will be added to all of MSI’s gaming product lines, allowing VR users to run their VR applications even faster and smoother. MSI also enhances the audio experience with ESS SABRE HiFi technology. Now, MSI GT83VR, GT73VR, GS73VR, GS63VR and GS43VR gaming laptops are ready to support the finest audio quality through SABRE HiFi DAC to your high-end headsets. Nahimic VR sound enhancement in MSI Gaming https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/02b393b63c0c8955567ab2dcfbe2c286.png Now, with Nahimic VR with 7.1 sound provided exclusively on MSI gaming notebooks (on selected models), you can enjoy VR like never before. The Nahimic 2+, which will be available for all new gaming notebooks announced at CES, will support more features and higher compatibility for VR games. It has refined profile interface and, together with Nahimic VR by Nahimic 2+ technology, will be optimized for HTC VIVE kits in early 2017. MSI GAMING Motherboards – Personalize your gaming rig with RGB Mystic Light Click to view slideshow. The next-generation MSI GAMING motherboards are packed with unique features such as M.2 Shield to protect against thermal throttling on super-fast M.2 SSDs and VR Boost to deliver a smooth VR experience with lower latency and less chance of motion sickness. The Z270 GAMING M7 gaming motherboard is an incredibly versatile and complete foundation for a high-end gaming system. Features such as Audio Boost 4 PRO, with Nahimic 2, provides gamers the purest sound experience and a competitive edge on the battlefield. All the heatsinks and covers on the Z270 GAMING M7 motherboard feature RGB Mystic Light, which lets you change the colors and effects with a single click of the mouse. The Z270 GAMING PRO CARBON motherboard is sure to offer gamers a true personalized experience with RGB Mystic Light. Using the Gaming App, gamers can easily control the LEDs by smartphone. Mystic Light Sync ensures any additional LEDs on cases, keyboard or other accessories synchronize colors and effects. The Z270 TOMAHAWK gaming motherboard is built to ensure perfect performance during long gaming sessions with features such as twin Turbo M.2, GAMING LAN and Audio Boost. Mighty Imposing Gaming Desktop PCs – Aegis, Nightblade and Trident Series Click to view slideshow. Unmatched in performance and extraordinary in design, the Aegis Series are at the top of MSI’s gaming desktop line-up. Built on the legacy of the first Nightblade gaming desktop series, the new Nightblades feature both an updated exterior and interior design. The Trident series has made its mark as the world’s smallest VR-ready PC to date. Now upgraded with the new Intel 7th generation CPU, Trident 3 is the pinnacle of small form factor, yet high-performance PC gaming. MSI GAMING Graphics Card Series https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/793e0eca33a5e3f456aa7a130e557b98.png Core Frozr is the best choice for gamers looking for a complete MSI-style setup with top-notch acoustic performance. For gamers looking to gain more graphics power while staying with their current laptop, MSI GUS (Graphics Upgrade Solution) is the answer to elevate the graphics performance to the highest level. Using a Thunderbolt interface, both latest generation NVIDIA GeForce and AMD Radeon graphics cards are supported. Immerse GH70 GAMING Headset, Clutch GM70 GAMING Mouse, Vigor GK80 and GK70 GAMING Keyboards Recognizing the importance of true detailed Hi-Fi sound reproduction in games, the upcoming Immerse GH70 GAMING Headset features certified Hi-Res drivers with Virtual 7.1 Surround sound and color effects through MSI Mystic Light Sync. The Clutch GM70 GAMING mouse, combined with an incredibly precise 18000 DPI optical sensor and full RGB Mystic Light, can be used both wired and wireless by simply disconnecting the cable on the mouse for ultimate comfort. Finally, two new high-end mechanical gaming keyboards featuring Cherry MX Switches, RGB Mystic Light and a multitude of hotkeys. Standing out from the crowd, Vigor GK80 and GK70 GAMING Keyboards are designed to offer comfort and all the tools a true gamer needs. Pricing and availability will be announced at a later date. MSI continues to push the limits of what’s possible to offer PC gamers. To learn more about today’s news, visit us.msi.com. *Cortana available in select markets The post CES 2017: MSI launches VR-ready gaming PCs appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

With near edgeless touch screens to unlock experiences like Windows Ink and built in finger print readers to take advantage of Windows Hello, these new laptops are built to deliver superior portability in ultra-lightweight designs. Click to view slideshow. The newest LG Gram laptops come in three different screen sizes – the 13.3” and 14.0” models weigh in at a miniscule 940 grams and 970 grams, respectively (that’s around 2.1 pounds each), while the largest model only weighs 1,090 grams (only 2.4 pounds) despite its impressive 15.6” screen. The LG Gram screen is framed by super slim bezels to create a sophisticated, near-edgeless touchscreen that’s great for using Windows Ink to make notes and annotate directly on webpages in Microsoft Edge. With a built-in fingerprint reader that unlocks Windows Hello, you can log in easily and more securely with a scan of your fingerprint in place of memorizing passwords. The 2017 LG Gram models feature a 60W battery – the highest capacity in the industry to-date – for a long battery life between charges making it an ideal companion for busy people on the go. The LG Gram is available in three premium metallic colors, dark silver, shiny white and metal rose. Designed with more than just portability in mind, the LG Gram’s 7th generation Intel Core i7 processors maximize productivity. Equipped with state-of-the-art CPUs, the LG Gram can simultaneously run multiple memory-intensive programs without a hitch. In addition, the latest LG Gram models boast plenty of space to save a library of important multimedia files, with up to 512GB SSD and max 16GB DDR4 Dual Channel Memory. The 15.6” LG Gram comes with a Thunderbolt port, as well as additional USB Type-C ports which allow simultaneous video signal, data transfer, and charging via a single cable. The versatile LG Gram has features designed to enhance usability at all hours of the day, such as its backlit keyboard for putting in extra hours of work at night. On the 13.3” and 14.0” LG Gram laptops, you can use Daylight Mode, which enhances screen brightness so that it is viewable even under bright sunlight. Pricing and availability will be announced at a later date. It’s exciting to see partners like LG officially unveil and publicly demonstrate these new Windows 10 laptops that offer high performance in a sleek new portable design. To learn more about LG’s news from head over to LG’s CES 2017 newsroom. The post CES 2017: LG showcases new Gram laptops powered by Windows 10 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Ahead of the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, Toshiba announced the new Portégé X20W, a premium 2-in-1 convertible PC running Windows 10 Pro. The New Portégé X20W features a 360-degree, dual-action hinge that allows this device to easily transform from a powerful, performance-oriented notebook into a premium digital inking tablet by simply rotating the display. Measuring 15.4mm thin and weighing less than 2.5 pounds, the Portégé X20W has a battery life of up to 16 hours and is designed for mobile professionals, educators and students. The Portégé X20W is designed to take advantage of the best of Windows 10 and includes multi-directional microphones to support Cortana, a pair of IR cameras to allow you to login easily and securely with your face or fingerprint using Windows Hello and a touchscreen for digital inking with Windows Ink or marking up webpages in Microsoft Edge. Click to view slideshow. Here’s a closer look at the Portégé X20W: To meet the demands of the modern workplace, the Portégé X20W encompasses a 7th Generation Intel Core Processor, Windows 10 Pro, 12.5-inch diagonal Full HD multi-touch wide viewing angle display, Intel 802.11ac Wi-Fi and a solid state drive all inside its durable magnesium casing. A sturdy 360-degree dual-action hinge enables smooth transitions into five core viewing modes—Laptop, Tablet, Tabletop, Presentation and Audience. Tackle the day with a slim, high-performance laptop, flip the screen to conduct presentations or create through an engaging tablet and digital inking experience. When changing modes, the laptop smartly switches system settings and uses a smart-locking feature to protect the keyboard and prevent mishaps. Other features of the Portégé X20W include: Premium audio experience via Harman Kardon stereo speakers and DTS Sound software. Toshiba’s exclusive custom-tuned speakers adapt to the rotational view of the display, delivering a robust, crisp and natural audio from every angle A USB Type-C port, USB 3.0 port and headphone/mic combo port. As the industry’s new universal standard, the USB Type-C port on the Portégé X20W features reversible plug orientation and supports Display, Power Delivery and Thunderbolt 3 with speeds up to 40Gbps All-new Corning Gorilla Glass 4, offering higher levels of damage resistance as it’s better able to withstand the shock of accidental bumps A 12.5-inch diagonal, Full HD (1920 x 1080), multi-touch wide viewing angle display packs over 2 million pixels onto the screen Included TruPen using Wacom Feel technology, which can detect 2,048 levels of pressure, perfect for taking notes, drawing on webpages in Microsoft Edge and using Windows Ink Compatibility with two advanced docking solutions– the Toshiba WiGig Dock and Toshiba Thunderbolt 3 Dock, which will be available later his quarter Pricing and Availability: The pre-configured Portégé X20W (Slate Gray) will be available soon at Microsoft Store and microsoftstore.com. To learn more about today’s news from Toshiba, visit this site. *Cortana available in select markets The post CES 2017: Toshiba debuts new Portégé X20W 2-in-1 convertible with Windows 10 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Ahead of CES 2017, Acer announced an impressive new lineup of Windows 10 PCs focused on performance and entertainment. These new devices feature stunning 4K screens, optional Tobii eye tracking for a more immersive gaming experience and facial recognition cameras that unlock Windows Hello. The new devices Acer announced today include three new Aspire Series devices, comprised of two high performance laptops the Aspire V Nitro Black Edition and the Aspire VX 15, and one desktop the Aspire GX, as well as the highly-anticipated, curved-screen notebook, the Predator 21 X gaming laptop, shipping early this year! Here’s a closer look at what Acer announced: The Aspire V Nitro Black Edition & Aspire VX powered by Windows 10 Click to view slideshow. Both the Aspire V Nitro Black Edition and the Aspire VX come with up to a 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor that is designed to bring incredible performance and responsiveness, immersive 4K entertainment and longer battery life. The chipset is the perfect match for the notebooks’ equally impressive GPUs, the latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or 1050 graphics. Whether a movie buff or a gamer, you will be able to fully enjoy the latest movie releases in the Windows Store and Xbox games like Xbox Play Anywhere titles without compromise. The sleek Aspire V Nitro Black Edition is the ideal device for those seeking high-quality entertainment on a notebook. Under the aluminum cover, Acer combined 7th Generation Intel Core processors to drive performance and the latest NVIDIA technologies, starting with up to a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card with 6GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM and up to 16GB of DDR4 system memory, upgradable to 32GB using two soDIMM modules. A built-in finger print reader also comes with the Aspire V Nitro Black Edition that enables Windows Hello for a more secure, password free sign in. It also comes with a NVMe PCIe Gen 3 or SATA SSD for fast, solid-state storage, and a HDD of up to 2TB capacity for additional storage. The Aspire V 17 Nitro Black Edition is available with an optional Tobii eye-tracking module that makes the device more responsive through the use of eye movements. Combined with the Precision Touchpad, it enhances productivity, allowing you to more quickly and conveniently navigate across apps and programs with a simple glance. Gaming is also enhanced with eye tracking, creating deeper immersion and allowing you to aim, shoot and explore freely using your eyes. The Aspire VX 15 features large cooling vents and an edgy red chassis, clearly showing its determination for gaming. The iron red backlit keyboard makes sure gamers are always striking the right notes during gameplay. The 5.5lbs (2.5kg) Aspire VX 15 also comes with up to a 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ processor, offering significant improvements in performance over preceding generation processors, all the while providing lower battery consumption. The notebook also comes with up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics with GDDR5 VRAM (delivering up to 32GB/s bandwidth). Speed is also a notable attribute of the memory system, offering up to 16GB DDR4 memory out of the box and can be user-upgradeable to a maximum of 32GB. Storage is provided by a 512GB SSD and 1TB HDD. Pricing and Availability: The Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro Black Edition will be available in North America in February starting at $1,199; in EMEA in February with prices starting at €1,299; and in China in February starting at ¥8,999. The Acer Aspire V 17 Nitro Black Edition will be available in North America in February starting at $1,399; in EMEA in February with prices starting at €1,299; and in China in February starting at ¥8,999. The Acer Aspire VX 15 will be available in North America in January starting at $799; in EMEA in January with prices starting at €899; and in China in January starting at ¥5,499. The Aspire GX desktop PC Series powered by Windows 10 Click to view slideshow. For those seeking out additional capabilities that only a desktop model can offer, Acer created the Aspire GX series desktop PC. These VR-ready PCs come equipped with up to 7th Generation Intel Core processors, up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics, making them powerful enough for demanding VR applications. What’s more, they’re capable of delivering stunning 4K resolution visuals and support up to four displays at once for maximized gaming experiences. Pricing and Availability: The Aspire GX series will be available in EMEA in February with prices starting at €799; and in China in February starting at ¥5,999. The Predator 21 X gaming laptop powered by Windows 10 Click to view slideshow. The highly anticipated, curved-screen gaming laptop features Windows 10 and was designed for ultimate gaming enthusiasts who only want the best. The Predator 21 X features the latest 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7820HK processor, 5 cooling fans and dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 GPUs in SLI for unmatched graphics performance. It offers a curved 21-inch IPS display and delivers a truly immersive gaming experience, especially when combined with the notebook’s Tobii eye-tracking technology. The curved screen also features NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, ensuring smooth and sharp gameplay. The Predator 21 X’s Tobii eye-tracking camera works with Windows Hello, supporting secure and password-free sign-in by recognizing your face. Skype for Business Certification ensures you can communicate with crisp and lag-free quality, and also allows for clearer, higher quality audio and a great Cortana with Voice experience. Other features include: Full-sized mechanical keyboard featuring Cherry MX Brown switches, with individually programmable backlit keys, offering 16.7 million color options. A unique numeric keypad allows it to be flipped over and turned into a Precision Touchpad. A new 3-way (tweeter, midrange, woofer) audio design which produces Hi-Fi quality sound and is powered by 4 speakers (2 tweeters, 2 midrange) and 2 subwoofers to produce a full spectrum of sound. Making each Predator 21 X unique, Acer lets customers add a design, flag and laser engraved name to the notebook’s maintenance panel Thunderbolt 3 brings Thunderbolt to USB-C at speeds up to 40 Gbps. Advanced cooling architecture of 5 system fans, 9 heat pipes and Acer Dust Defender Pricing and Availability: The Predator 21 X will be available in North America in February with prices starting at $8,999; and in EMEA in February with prices starting at €9,999. Predator 17 X with Windows 10 gets an upgrade with higher performing CPU and GPU Click to view slideshow. The Acer Predator 17 X gaming notebook also received both a CPU and GPU upgrade, and will now include models with a 7th Gen Intel Core i7-7820HK processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 GPU with 8G GDDR5X video memory. Featuring overclocking, desktop grade components, a custom triple-fan cooling system with front air intake and a server-class vapor chamber, it is ideal for the most demanding games and running virtual reality (VR) devices. Its overclocking lets gamers experience turbo speeds of up to 4.3GHz for the CPU; up to 1732MHz for the GPU; and up to 5.4GHz for VRAM. Immersive game play is delivered with buttery smooth visuals via the notebook’s 17.3-inch G-SYNC Full HD IPS (1920 x 1080) or UHD IPS (4K 3840 x 2160) display. It features a Precision Touchpad supporting Windows 10 gestures and also Skype for Business certification for crystal-clear audio communications. Pricing and Availability: The refreshed Predator 17 X will be available in the North America in January with prices starting at $2,599; in EMEA in January with prices starting at €2,999; and in China in February with prices starting at ¥39,999. Acer’s announcements today are truly exciting to see as their new devices offer great gaming experiences on Windows 10! To learn more about today’s news from Acer, head over to Acer.com. Be sure to keep it right here on the Windows Blog for more news coming out of CES 2017! *Cortana available in select markets The post CES 2017: Acer announces new PCs for gaming, immersive 4K entertainment and virtual reality appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Ahead of CES 2017, HP announced exciting new PC innovations built for Windows 10 that will change the way people interact with their PCs, including the next-generation Sprout Pro by HP that boasts a new sleek and streamlined design with new hardware and software such as Windows 10 Pro to power 3D experiences. In addition, HP’s latest updates to its premium portfolio celebrates ingenuity and power in beautifully crafted designs, while a new curved gaming display takes game play to the next level. These new devices will start to become available for pre-order as early as today. Here’s a closer look at what HP announced: The new Sprout Pro by HP powered by Windows 10 Click to view slideshow. The new Sprout Pro by HP, the second-generation, immersive all-in-one PC now incorporates advanced technologies and new features that empower you to create highly visual content and interactive experiences by blending the physical and digital worlds. HP has evolved Sprout Pro’s software to make it easy to interact between Windows 10 Pro and Sprout’s unique HD resolution projector, touch mat and 2D/3D cameras. The touch mat is a secondary horizontal display and enables a more natural interaction with the Sprout system. HP has made it easier to interact with Windows 10 Pro and developed streamlined software that gives easy access to Sprout’s key features, including faster 2D scanning and — for the first time — high-precision 3D scanning. You can simply hold and rotate a physical object beneath the camera for a much more intuitive experience. HP also added more powerful graphics capabilities to drive visualization apps for interactive 3D, making creations come to life. Sprout Pro now features a hefty Intel Core i7 processor, 1TB of SSHD storage, up to 16GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M graphics for faster 3D scanning and Windows 10 Pro with its innovative and secure experience. Pricing and availability: Sprout Pro by HP pricing and availability for commercial consumers is expected in March 2017 in select countries. Redesigned premium PCs powered by Windows 10 For work, home or on the go, HP premium PCs raise the bar to exceed expectations for what can be done on a PC. New premium products debuting today include: Click to view slideshow. HP EliteBook x360 is an extremely thin business convertible at just 14.9mm thin. It combines HP Spectre’s powerful thin and light design, HP EliteBook Folio’s collaboration capabilities and HP Elite enterprise security and durability with Windows 10 Pro. It features an incredibly long battery life for a convertible, at up to 16 hours and 30 minutes. Its integrated collaboration capabilities enhance productivity and bring new life to meetings with dedicated conferencing keys, powerful audio and an optional 13.3” diagonal 4K UHD display. Its IR camera enables easy and secure login with Windows Hello and the touchscreen with pen support is perfect for Windows Ink. It also protects the office of the future with HP WorkWise, the most advanced Smartphone App for PC Management and first to offer Tamper Protection. Pricing and Availability: The HP Elitebook x360 is expected to be available at the end of January 2017 in the US. Click to view slideshow. HP Spectre x360, following the global success of HP’s 13.3” diagonal model, the second generation of HP’s 15.6” diagonal revolutionary x360 is the most powerful in the Spectre portfolio. A bigger battery allows for up to 12 hours while powering a micro-edge 4K display, maintaining close to the same battery life compared to last year’s Full HD model. It features the latest Intel Core processors, high performance NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphics, adds two new front facing speakers expertly tuned by Bang & Olufsen for a great audio experience and an IR camera that enables fast and secure login with Windows Hello. Pricing and Availability: The HP Spectre x360 15.6” is expected to be available for pre-order in the US starting on Jan. 3, 2017 and purchase on Jan. 15, 2017 via BestBuy.com starting at $1,499. The HP Spectre x360 15.6” is expected to be available via HP.com in the US on February 26, 2017 starting at $1,279.99. Click to view slideshow. HP ENVY Curve AIO 34 the next edition of HP’s award winning and wide curved all-in-one, now adds more computing power for immersive media experiences. The new curved all-in-one features a 34” diagonal Technicolor Color Certified Ultra WQHD micro-edge display that floats over an integrated four speaker sound bar tuned by Bang & Olufsen. For evening use, the display can easily switch to a low blue light mode for improved eye comfort and a better night’s sleep. This device also includes 7th Generation Intel CoreTM i5 and i7 desktop processors, the HP Privacy Camera with IR support for Windows Hello and a microphone that is hidden when not in use. It offers wireless charging support for mobile devices and optional NVIDIA GFX discrete graphics and storage options up to 256GB SSD + 2TB HDD. Pricing and Availability: The HP ENVY Curved All-In-One 34 is expected to be available on HP.com on January 11, 2017 and select retailers on February 26, 2017 starting at $1,729.99 The new OMEN X 35 Curved Display Click to view slideshow. First launched in August, OMEN X by HP is now bringing gamers closer to their respective virtual worlds with the immersive experience of the new OMEN X 35 Curved Display. As the first OMEN display with NVIDIA G-Sync technology, you don’t need to worry about stutter and lag when paired with a NVIDIA compatible GPU, providing higher refresh rates that result in a more natural, realistic, true-to-life gaming experience. HP continues to expand the OMEN by HP portfolio to meet the need of gamers everywhere. The latest addition of a 35-inch diagonal curved display to the OMEN lineup adds a whole new level of immersion for gamers engaging enemies on the battlefield or maneuvering against the competition on the racetrack. Pricing and Availability: The OMEN X 35 Display is expected to be available on HP.com and select retailers in March 2017 starting at $1,299.99. It’s exciting to see HP deliver these incredible new devices that will unlock new innovations and experiences powered by Windows 10. Be sure to keep it right here on the Windows Blog for all the hardware news coming out of CES, and head over here to learn more about HP’s news. The post CES 2017: HP announces redesigned Sprout Pro, 4K PCs and curved gaming display appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

The new year has arrived and Forza is celebrating 2017 in the best way we know – with amazing cars ready to hit the open roads in the Forza Horizon 3 Rockstar Car Pack! Whether you’re cruising the wine country of Yarra Valley or tackling the most extreme elevations of Blizzard Mountain, the Forza Horizon 3 Rockstar Car Pack features seven cars that will kick your year off to a high-speed start. This pack features everything from classic Japanese power to a Ford trophy truck that’s ready to conquer anything Australia can throw at it. Then there’s the awesome BMW i8, making it production car videogame debut here in Forza Horizon 3. And that’s just the start of this incredible pack. The Rockstar Car Pack is included in the Forza Horizon 3 Car Pass, which is available for separate purchase or as part of the Ultimate Edition of Forza Horizon 3. Players can also get the car pack standalone for $6.99 in the Xbox Store. For a closer look at all of the cars in the pack, head over to Xbox Wire! The post Ring in the New Year with the Forza Horizon 3 Rockstar Car Pack appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Each of these new devices was thoughtfully designed to meet your needs and habits, whether at home, in the office or on-the-go. These devices also take advantage of great Windows 10 features, including Windows Hello with built-in face recognition cameras and fingerprint readers, and touch screens that light up Windows Ink. Also, built into these new devices are noise-cancelling microphones to support Cortana*, your personal digital assistant. Here’s a closer look at what Lenovo announced today: A premium PC experience with the ThinkPad X1 family ThinkPad X1 Carbon https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/d80da5ea329a9625b15d92c99fee52b5.png The 2017 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon available in a new Silver color The next generation of ThinkPad X1 products are committed to uncompromised innovation. The 2017 ThinkPad X1 Carbon, available in classic ThinkPad Black and a new Silver color, offers more than 15 hours of battery life, weighs just 2.5 pounds and packs a 14-inch high quality IPS display into a new sleek 13-inch form factor. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/1b6b2725f7f3a8b0eaeba4fcd4b5078f.png You can login easily and securely with Windows Hello using either the fingerprint sensor or the new face recognition Infrared camera. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/7c1779eb6132dc386700db5a2b25f8a7.png Now offering more than 15 hours of battery life, the X1 Carbon has been redesigned to include Thunderbolt 3 ports, which allows for super-fast and slim port connection that lets you transfer data quickly, super-fast LTE-A Wireless WAN and WIFI CERTIFIED WiGig options that deliver superlative performance and connectivity. ThinkPad X1 Yoga and the ThinkPad X1 Tablet Also, available in the new Silver color, the updated ThinkPad X1 Yoga is flawlessly flexible and adapts to your needs offering true multi-mode capability and can deliver stunning colors and absolute blacks in its 14-inch notebook size with an OLED screen. If you’re not familiar with OLED, an OLED screen is one of those things you must see to believe, it’s higher resolution than 4K. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/652eb014b72732776fddfaef0edc601a.png Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga A redesigned rechargeable pen and improved ‘rise and fall” keyboard complete the improved experience. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/9ca28cf8fe20e28440be6253bb5e610d.png Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet Alongside the ThinkPad X1 Yoga is the ThinkPad X1 Tablet, continuing to impress with its lightweight, modularity and serviceability. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/a71dc9fc9204eb930dbebb7c08e2839b.png The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet features an integrated projector option making it easier to go from creation to presentation The ThinkPad X1 Tablet has unique modules that offer port expansion and up to 5 hours of additional battery life, and an integrated projector option making it easier to go from creation to presentation. It also comes with new Intel Core processors for better performance and graphics than ever. Pricing and availability The ThinkPad X1 Carbon starts at $1,349, and will be available beginning in February 2017. The ThinkPad X1 Yoga starts at $1,499, and will be available beginning in February 2017. The ThinkPad X1 Tablet starts at $949, and will be available beginning in March 2017. All available in the US. Work-life integration with the Miix 720 The ultra-chic Miix 720 detachable includes the features needed to work smarter. You can simply remove the keyboard to instantly transform the Miix 720 into a feature-rich touchscreen tablet. Paired with a Lenovo Active Pen 2 and Windows Ink, the Miix 720 is ideal for effortless note taking with OneNote or Microsoft Edge. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/dffb73811f3dba40a3a6e477dc8bdc2d.png Lenovo Miix 720 The integrated infrared camera unlocks Windows Hello facial recognition which allows you to login without the hassle of having to recall or re-type your password, and the up to 150-degree tablet kickstand easily adjusts to any angle. Other features include: An ultra-crisp 12-inch QHD+ display for super crisp screen resolution and precision high end touchpad-enabled keyboard that makes for an awesome input experience Up to 7th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and Thunderbolt 3, the fastest port available on a PC today Pricing and availability The Miix 720 (keyboard included) starts at $999.99, and will be available in two color options Champagne Gold and Iron Gray beginning in April 2017. The Lenovo Active Pen 2 starts at $59.99, and will be available beginning in February 2017. All available in the US. Two new powerful gaming laptops designed for PC gamers: the Lenovo Legion Y720 Laptop and Lenovo Legion Y520 Laptop with Windows 10 This year, Lenovo is launching a dedicated sub-brand for Lenovo gaming PCs – called Lenovo Legion. The new gaming sub-brand offers gamers powerful gaming devices and community engagement. In their quest to provide gamers the most immersive PC gaming experiences, Lenovo spent time building and listening to a community of gamers to better understand what they value most. Lenovo’s first new Legion offerings come in the form of two powerful gaming laptops designed for PC gamers: the Lenovo Legion Y720 Laptop and Lenovo Legion Y520 Laptop, powered by Windows 10. Lenovo Legion laptops are outfitted with up to the latest NVIDIA graphics cards and Intel’s latest 7th Gen Core i7 processors for the speed needed to win. More RAM also means better gameplay, and boosting up RAM specs delivers that extra edge as the second most desired upgrade based on gamers’ feedback. Gamers can run and stream their favorite game, respond to chat questions and play music all at the same time without a hitch – powered by the two laptops’ 16 GB DDR4 memory. With Windows 10, both of these new laptops are equipped with the Xbox app and can take advantage of Xbox Play Anywhere. The Lenovo Legion Y720 Laptop also features: https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/364a265617371533c483b09f41af879a.png The Lenovo Legion Y720 Laptop Lenovos’ first laptop with integrated Xbox Wireless Controller Receiver built-in https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/90fa91c8114eccef92a19b12e2c2abf3.png The Lenovo Legion Y720 Laptop VR-ready with up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB DDR5 graphics World’s first Windows based Dolby Atmos PC1 with two 2W JBL speakers and a 3W subwoofer for incredible sound Thunderbolt 3, the fastest port available on a PC today to plug and play at lightening speeds and the option of an integrated Xbox One Wireless controller, which is able to support up to four controllers simultaneously for gaming with friends. High-quality screen resolution with up to UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS anti-glare display An optional RGB keyboard for more precise gaming in the dark The Lenovo Legion Y520 Laptop also features: https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/cf9fca3e2663518b4d4ce4ba31b4185e.png 6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) display for an amazing visual experience Immersive Dolby Audio Premium sound with two 2W Harmon Kardon speakers Optional red backlit keyboard for gaming in the dark Pricing and availability The Lenovo Legion Y720 Laptop starts at $1,399.99, and will be available beginning in April 2017. The Lenovo Legion Y520 Laptop starts at $899.99, and will be available beginning in February 2017. All available in the US. Taking Control with the Lenovo 500 Multimedia Controller Click to view slideshow. Want to browse the web from your couch? Or turn on your favorite playlist from the dining table? The Lenovo 500 Multimedia Controller is not only wireless a mouse and keyboard in one, it’s also a remote control that fits in the palm of your hand and dramatically improves the way you connect to your PCs, the web and displays. The keyboard area doubles as a Windows 10 gesture-supported, multi-touch capacitive touchpad – simply press it to type, or slide your fingers to navigate. The entire keypad surface is your touchpad, and its lightweight design won’t weigh you down. Lean back on the couch and browse the web, stream movies and more. Pricing and availability The Lenovo 500 Multimedia Controller starts at $54.99, and will be available beginning in March 2017. It’s great to see partners like Lenovo pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and creating beautiful hardware that lights up Windows 10. You can learn more about Lenovo’s news at lenovo.com/ces. *Cortana available in select markets. 1Based on Lenovo’s internal analysis as of Dec 9, 2016 of PCs using Windows sold by major competitors shipping >1 million units worldwide annually. Requires the Windows 10 Creators Update coming in early 2017. The post CES 2017: Lenovo updates the ThinkPad X1 family and introduces new gaming PCs appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Today, we’re showing you how you can enable “Hey Cortana” so you can simply ask Cortana for whatever it is you need with your voice! “Hey Cortana” lets you interact with Cortana hands-free so you can master multitasking. You can even use “Hey Cortana” to interact with Cortana above your lock screen so you don’t even have to login to your computer to have Cortana help you out. Here’s how to enable “Hey Cortana:” https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/5fc7fd4b8c63df4adfd9c08782c25a3e.gif To get started, click on the Search bar, then click on the Settings icon and find the button to enable Hey Cortana. Here are a couple things you can ask for when you say, “Hey Cortana:” Ask Cortana to set a reminder for a specific time Ask Cortana about local services, such as the nearest Thai restaurant Ask Cortana to add something to your grocery list Ask Cortana for your next meeting or what’s on your schedule Ask Cortana questions about just about anything, such as how many ounces are in a cup To enable Cortana above the lock, go to settings and enable “Use Cortana Even When My Device is Locked”. You can also train Cortana to recognize your voice so she can better understand you: https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/41636534df37dc917f895ba58f4f0340.gif Once you have “Hey Cortana” enabled, you can click on “Try to respond only to me.” Then just underneath that, click on “Learn how to say, ‘Hey Cortana.’” Cortana will prompt you to repeat six phrases out loud. Then you’re all set! For more Windows 10 tips on Cortana, head over to these blog posts to read about using Cortana above your lock screen or searching your PC and the web with Cortana, and have a great week! *Cortana available in select markets The post Windows 10 Tip: Enable “Hey Cortana” and teach Cortana to recognize your voice appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

If you got a new Windows 10 PC this holiday, we’re here to show you the latest features to keep you productive and having fun! Here are a few ways you can get started with Windows 10: Head over here to read more about the Get Started app Learn more about all the current features available on Windows 10. Set up Windows Hello on your PC Get the most out of Microsoft Edge and write on the web with Microsoft Edge. Learn how to search your PC and the web with Cortana. Read up on everything you need to know about getting started with Xbox Play Anywhere. Get started with Windows Ink Workspace. Check out our weekly tips for more on getting started with Windows 10 with Cortana, Microsoft Edge, Windows Ink and more. Here’s what’s new in the Windows Store this week: Getting Started Collection https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/920790c0a6d8f46124ec259161179679.jpg The holidays are almost over, but the adventures with your new Windows device are just beginning. Our Getting Started Collection brings together titles chosen specifically to get you up to speed and having fun right from the start, including Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, Dropbox and more! Countdown Collection We’re counting down to the New Year with a collection in the Windows Store*! For a limited time, save up to 30% on the hottest games, get apps, software and chart-topping music, find movies as low as $8.99, today’s hit TV shows up to 50% off and more. The Accountant https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/d4d3a1ffc7e45e697559ccb4212a908b.jpg Math savant and CPA Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) works as an accountant for the world’s most dangerous criminal organizations – but when he takes on a new client, the body count begins to rise as the government closes in. Get The Accountant ($19.99 HD, $14.99 SD) two full weeks before it comes to Blu-ray in the Movies & TV section of the Windows Store. Follow your favorite College Football team to the championship on Sling TV https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/b2f2310cce215ae1affa2cac00e16f84.jpg For college football fans, this week is the most wonderful time of the year, and with Sling TV (free download, subscription or trial required) you won’t miss a playoff or Bowl game. Get ready for gridiron glory and a not-to-be-missed lineup of college football action, and get it all on Sling TV. Have a great weekend! *Available through Jan. 9, 2017, on Windows 10 devices in the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia. Offers and content varies by market. Limited availability; offers may change at any time. The post This Week on Windows: tips, tricks & the best of Windows 10 for your new PC! appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Artificial intelligence (AI) made incredible strides in 2016, and the growth appears set to accelerate as we enter the New Year. A team of Microsoft researchers has released a dataset of 100,000 questions and answers that other AI researchers can use – for free – in their quest to create systems that can read and answer questions as well as a human. The MS MARCO dataset is based on anonymized real-world data from Bing and Cortana queries and is part of an attempt to spur the breakthroughs in machine reading that are already happening in image and speech recognition. The move is also aimed at facilitating advances toward “artificial general intelligence,” or machines that can think like humans – and can read and understand a document as well as a person. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/59c26bfd1277ef76d87fbbea0559385b.jpg Rangan Majumder, partner group program manager with Microsoft’s Bing search engine division. Meanwhile, AI helped a musician in Norway sing a new tune for the holidays this year: a Christmas carol that was created by Microsoft’s AI technology. Thomas Holm, a contestant on Norway’s popular musical talent show “The Voice,” performed the computer-written “Joyful Time in the City,” whose melody and lyrics were written through detailed AI analysis over two weeks of more than 50 classic Christmas carols. Machine learning tools identified patterns in the tunes and used those to predict what should come next, for a final result that mixes Christmas songs from decades past and popular modern ones. The piece still needed a human touch, though – Holm put the final creative refinements on the lyrics, together with Turbonegro drummer, Tommy “Manboy” Akerholdt. “I’m not afraid that AI will take over music,” Holm said. “It could be a great band member, though.” In the business world, conversational bots built on cloud-based AI are enabling new frontiers in customer intimacy, simplifying access to information and helping businesses and consumers make more informed decisions. The transformation of conversational computing is just beginning in business, as bots are connected to corporate databases and are starting to simplify tasks through conversational actions. A recently announced Microsoft feature will allow companies to turn their websites’ FAQ sections into chat bots that can speak different languages, thanks to Microsoft Translator. AI also is being used to help eliminate blindness that can be avoided, through work done by Microsoft India in collaboration with the L V Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, India. The Microsoft Intelligent Network for Eyecare (MINE) is a global consortium of commercial, research and academic institutions working to use artificial intelligence to combat certain eye diseases and to scale delivery of eyecare services worldwide. Get a Windows 10 device as a holiday gift this year? Get the most out of it through the new “Getting started” collection that brings together apps chosen specifically to get you up to speed, such as Dropbox for storing and sharing your holiday photos and The Weather Channel (Free) for delivering ultra-local weather forecasts. The Pandora and Netflix apps and more are all available in the Windows Store’s “Getting started” collection. Windows 10 is packed full of features to make sure you’re more productive and have more fun in the New Year. Check out the tips for getting started so you can make the most of your new PC. And if you got a device in your stocking but nothing to go with it, there’s still time to treat yourself with great deals in the Windows Store, including up to 30 percent off the hottest games and discounts on apps, software, music and movies. You can also get a free gift with the purchase of a new Xbox One or Xbox One S console, through Dec. 31. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/42f919170bf15337207f241157efafa7.gif College football fans are enjoying the most wonderful time of the year this week with a bonanza of playoff and bowl games, and with Sling TV, they won’t miss any of the action. The Orange Bowl, Peach Bowl and Rose Bowl can all be seen this weekend on ESPN with this app. Try it out for free for two weeks through Jan. 11. And “Final Fantasy XV” fans can double their fun with two holiday packs released last week, along with access to the New Game+ mode that lets you carry all your gear, abilities and Ascension tree through the game again after you’ve beaten it. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/415b6e33a81b6cb92b1c9db5c8384d3d.png Be sure to check back next Friday for another edition of Weekend Reading. We’ll see you next year! Posted by Susanna Ray Microsoft News Center Staff The post Artificial intelligence takes on machine reading, Christmas carols and eye disease – Weekend Reading: Dec. 30 edition appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

Windows 10 is packed full of features that will help you be more productive and have fun. With Windows 10, you have your very own digital personal assistant in Cortana, who you can count on to help you find things, complete tasks, set reminders and work across your devices more productively; a browser called Microsoft Edge that provides you with a web experience that’s faster and safer; Windows Hello, password-free sign-in that gives you the fastest, most secure way to unlock your Windows device, compatible apps and Microsoft Edge websites; the Windows Store, which gives you access to great content across apps, games, movies and music; and awesome gaming features with the Xbox App and Xbox Play Anywhere. First up, check out the “Get Started” app. You can access the app by typing “Get Started” into the Cortana Search Box on the bottom left of your screen. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/ddf24ca9a944f3904587a5b991997a92.gif Check out the welcome tab for quick navigation in the app: https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/052c7d074ae5197ccf28de07dfbbb351.gif The Browse topics tab has great information based on topics, including setting things up, Cortana, Windows Hello, Gaming and Xbox and more! https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/58d98953ca1e51110db605b65b2d98f3.gif Here are some other helpful resources for getting started with Windows 10: Visit this link to learn more about all the current features available on Windows 10. Learn how to set up Windows Hello on your PC. Learn how to customize your Start menu in a few easy steps. Learn how to get the most out of Microsoft Edge and how to write on the web with Microsoft Edge. Take a tour of the Windows Store. Learn how to search your PC and the web with Cortana. Personalize your PC by enabling the dark theme. Read up on everything you need to know about getting started with Xbox Play Anywhere. Learn how to get started with Windows Ink Workspace. Learn how to use Windows Ink in the Photos and Maps apps. You can also find a new Windows 10 tip every Monday on the Windows Blog. Those are just a few resources for you to check out to get started with Windows 10. If you have questions about getting started, you can tweet to @Windows. Have a great week! The post Windows 10 Tip: Getting started with Windows 10 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

This Week on Windows, we’re taking a look at some of the biggest Windows news of the year, including the Windows 10 Anniversary Update and the things you can do with it, Xbox Play Anywhere, HoloLens and much more. This year was a big one for Windows 10, from game-changing updates to Windows Holographic. Let’s take a look at some of this year’s highlights: The launch of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update The Anniversary Update gave us several key features and brought us easy notetaking and screen sketching with the Windows Ink Workspace. It also improved the power and efficiency of Microsoft Edge and introduced us to extensions – the web add-ons designed to help you get the most out of your internet experience. Our favorite digital assistant, Cortana, also got in on the update game with new above-lock functionality. The anniversary update also brought us tools to help educators, such as “take a test” – true innovations for a modern classroom. Xbox Play Anywhere begins with ReCore The launch of ReCore also marked the launch of Xbox Play Anywhere—a big day for Xbox gamers, everywhere. As an Xbox Play Anywhere title, ReCore (along with titles including Gears of War 4 and Forza Horizon 3) launched simultaneously on both Xbox One and Windows 10 PC, allowing you to play on both platforms when you at no additional cost. Plus, you can pick up where you left off on another Xbox One or PC, bringing all your game saves, add-ons, and achievements with you. A new wave of creativity with the Windows 10 Creators Update and Surface Studio At the Microsoft Event, we showcased some of the most exciting devices coming to market – including Surface Studio, Surface Dial and the new Surface Book – an update to Windows 10 with tools to make 3D and mixed reality accessible to everyone, as well as ways to empower gamers to easily stream their gameplay and connecting people faster to those they care about most. Device innovation at WinHEC 2016 https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/f0deacd97e0b952709018f36f8ab8f7f.jpg Windows Hardware Engineering Community event (WinHEC) – a conference all about Microsoft’s vision for the future of hardware – saw innovations from mixed reality, gaming, and a new concept for many: cellular PCs. Whether it’s a partnership with Intel to co-develop PCs to power the first mixed reality headsets, or the expansion into China, or all the Universal Windows apps ready for HoloLens users, it’s clear Windows is the platform that will help make mixed reality mainstream. Here’s what’s new in the Windows Store this week: Minecraft Ender Update & Festive Mash-Up Pack https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/fbaa160044df84c265bdf06d2b21720b.gif Now you can brave The End in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition! Explore the outer islands of the End and its mysterious End Cities, loot the Elytra glider, and battle the Enderdragon. Plus, we have igloos and polar bears, and world height is twice as high for your tallest builds. Windows Store collections to get you in the holiday spirit https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/36905363e4fe4bfe8eca15ebf76733e5.jpg We’re excited to share that the Windows Store team has put together awesome collections of apps, movies, TV shows, games and more in the Holiday Roundup, sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Learn more about these collections here. Pre-Order Assassin’s Creed https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/eaaf12a01e40919f1d0f6a10934efd17.jpg Using groundbreaking technology to access his genetic memories, Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) discovers he is descended from a secret society known as The Assassins; as he explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar, Callum takes on the skills and knowledge of a Master Assassin. Pre-order Assassin’s Creed ($14.99) now in the Movies & TV section of the Windows Store while the film is still in theaters! Have a great weekend! The post This Week on Windows: A look back at this year appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

We’re counting down to the New Year with a brand-new collection in the Windows Store and today, we’re highlighting some of its awesome year-end deals you can enjoy on your Windows 10 PC.* GAMES https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/e0ce27a7a671efd4f284c223d40c27d1.png Gears of War 4: Ultimate Edition – $30 off Until Dec. 28, purchase Gears of War 4: Ultimate Edition for just $69.99 (that’s $30 off the regular $99.99 price) and play the beginning of a new saga for one of the most acclaimed franchises in video game history. And there’s a bonus: when you purchase this title on your Windows 10 PC, you can also play on Xbox One with Xbox Play Anywhere. Forza Horizon 3: Ultimate Edition – $20 off Until Dec. 28, Forza Horizon 3: Ultimate Edition can be yours for only $79.99 (that’s $20 off the $99.99 price). Get in the driver’s seat of this Xbox Play Anywhere game and explore Australia in more than 350 of the world’s greatest cars. Customize everything, hire and fire your friends, and make your Horizon the ultimate celebration of cars, music, and the freedom of the open road. Dead Rising 4 – Deluxe Edition – $20 off Can you discover the truth behind the mysterious cause of zombie hordes in a Colorado town? Can you survive them? Get Dead Rising 4: Deluxe Edition, a thrilling, day-of-the-undead game for just $59.99 (regularly $79.99) from Dec. 29 to Jan. 7 and figure out creative ways to kill them once again. ReCore – $20 off As one of the last remaining humans on a planet controlled by robotic foes bent on your destruction, you must forge friendships with a courageous group of robot companions, each with unique abilities and powers. Lead this band of unlikely heroes in ReCore, an Xbox Play Anywhere game on sale thru Dec. 28 for just $19.99 (regularly $39.99). https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/33d8f7667ce01dedff7ee69b9c004b20.png APPS Adobe Photoshop Elements 15 – $30 off Known for easy photo and video organization, editing, creating, and sharing, Adobe Photoshop Elements 15 focuses on further automating these functions. And until Jan. 9, get it for $69.99 (30% off the regular $99.99 price). Drawboard PDF – $5 off For reading, annotating and marking up PDFs, it’s hard to beat the features of Drawboard PDF. Get them all now for 50% off until Jan. 9 ($4.99, regularly $9.99). https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/6850c48017293e0c180517f073242c0c.png MOVIES & TV Game of Thrones Familiar faces forge new alliances to bolster their strategic chances at survival, while new characters emerge to challenge the balance of power, all in Season 6 of the blockbuster HBO series Game of Thrones. All six seasons of Game of Thrones, now up to 49% off until Dec. 31. Star Trek Beyond In Star Trek Beyond, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explores the vast, uncharted reaches of deep space, where they encounter a mysterious adversary who will put everything the Federation stands for to the test. Get Star Trek Beyond now from the Movies & TV section of the Windows Store for 50% off until Jan. 2. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/5b57bdd901a288751cbcdd2a6782a9c8.png MUSIC Rihanna, ANTI Brash, unapologetic and addictive, this artist’s music has attracted a devoted following. Check out her latest album, ANTI, for 30% off. Sia, This is Acting Sia’s latest album, This is Acting, is a collection of songs originally written for – but rejected by – clients including Adele, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. But as the album title hints, her own interpretations add another layer of theater to each tune. Now just $9.99 (regularly $13.99). This is just the beginning of what’s in the Windows Store Countdown Deals Collection. It’s live now and available through Jan. 9, so check out the Collection today and make sure to come back often so you don’t miss any of the great deals! *Available through Jan. 9, 2017 on Windows 10 devices in the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, and Australia. Offers and content varies by market. Limited availability; offers may change at any time. The post Countdown to the New Year with great deals in the Windows Store appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

It’s finally here – I’m thrilled to say early access to Halo Wars: Definitive Edition starts today for folks who pre-ordered the digital version of Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition! Having Halo Wars on PC has been something the community has asked for since the game launched so many years ago, and it’s surreal that it has finally happened with Halo Wars: Definitive Edition. Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is set to launch in February alongside Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition, but we thought it would be great to give everyone a chance to start playing now to sharpen their skills in preparation for the next game. The game you’ll get today is early access – it’s only available to people who pre-ordered the digital version of Halo Wars 2 Ultimate Edition. In addition to the great campaign and multiplayer modes fans will remember, Halo Wars: Definitive Edition also features a new multiplayer session browser in place of the legacy matchmaking system. This allows players to create and join their favorite multiplayer, skirmish, or co-op campaign games quickly and easily on their preferred platform. If you don’t receive your code today, don’t worry! Codes are rolling out through the coming weeks, but anyone who pre-ordered by December 14 should receive one today, so keep an eye out – check out the FAQ here for more info on how to find and redeem your code. And of course, since Halo Wars: Definitive Edition is an Xbox Play Anywhere title; your code will work on both Xbox One and Windows 10 PC! Head over to Xbox Wire to read more! The post Halo Wars: Definitive Edition Early Access available now appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

We’re excited to share that the Windows Store team has put together awesome collections of apps, movies, TV shows, games and more to help get you in the holiday spirit! https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/36905363e4fe4bfe8eca15ebf76733e5.jpg MOVIES & TV All your favorite holiday hits are in the Movies & TV section of the Windows Store. From feel-good family favorites to non-traditional classics, our Holiday Movies & TV Guide is your go-to source for seasonal entertainment. Here’s a few of our favorites: Holiday Family Films Find plenty of yuletide cheer with perennial favorites like Elf, A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Miracle on 34th Street. Holiday Animated Favorites Celebrate with merry animated movies like The Polar Express and spirited characters like Rudolph, Frosty, Mickey Mouse and more. Non-traditional Holiday Movies For a different take on the season, try Bad Santa, Edward Scissorhands or Krampus: The Christmas Devil. New Release Holiday Movies Start a new holiday tradition with romantic and comedic movies such as The Night Before, Holiday Breakup, and A Christmoose Story! https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/024d6f2fec3cc235be11337aa4b8fed8.jpg MUSIC Grab a mug of hot cocoa, get cozy, and play holiday-themed music to get in the spirit. Or let these holiday classics and new arrivals serve as the beat behind your holiday get-togethers. Either way, Microsoft Groove has holiday music for any occasion: Holiday Classics Celebrate the season with enduring favorites featuring Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick, Jr., and of course, the soundtrack from A Charlie Brown Christmas. New Holiday Music Discover the latest festive albums, with music from Neil Diamond, Kylie Minogue and Luciano Pavarotti, among others. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/78b677c37f0aed0e111bab10ff987689.jpg APPS Whether you’re looking to be entertained or doing the entertaining this holiday season, the Windows Store has you covered with great Apps for the Holidays: Sling TV* Your ultimate destination for sports, shows, news, movies, and more, both live and on demand (subscription required, free trial available). Don’t miss a full lineup of holiday entertainment from your favorite TV and movie channels, including Disney Channel’s “Dis the Season” holiday celebration! Get the Best of Live TV today — for a limited time, you can watch for 14 Days FREE! (restrictions apply). iHeartRadio Your favorite music and radio comes together in this free app. And now, you can fa-la-la-la-la with non-stop holiday favorites spanning music genres, with channels like iHeartChristmas-Classics -Country, -R&B, -Rock, North Pole Radio, and more. Audiobooks from Audible Whether traveling or stealing away quiet moments this holiday, turn anytime into story-time with Audiobooks from Audible. Catch up on 2016 Best Sellers, New Releases, or holiday gems like A Christmas Carol: A Signature Performance by Tim Curry, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and more. Yummly Food is a big part of the holidays, and this handy app provides recipe recommendations based on your personal tastes. Its powerful recipe search engine accesses thousands of the world’s top recipe sites and blogs, taking food allergies into account and helping create personalized menus. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/ed8af3130169bfd13b46fd5f4d335ae2.png GAMES The Windows Store is a great source for Holiday Games, too. Check out the super-funny to super-scary in these favorite games, each featuring special content and offers for the holidays: Treat yourself to rewards Until Dec. 30, earn 200 Microsoft Rewards points for every dollar you spend on on select past, present and future games. Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta The block-by-block building of this globally popular game gets its own, Festive Mash-up Pack ($3.99) with a new world, new textures – including snow – and 21 new, holiday-themed skins including Dasher, Xmas Sweaters, Blue Santa, and more. Candy Crush Soda Saga Winter sales makes the holiday fun here as sweet as it gets, with themed, in-game events throughout December, from a Wild Treasure Hunt and Chained Cake Climb to the Candy Collection, Mystery Starter Pack and Delicious Duel. Hidden City: Mystery of Shadows Uncover the real story behind mirages of an unknown city that have been seen around the world, now with 108 new quests, 18 collections, two new scenes and two graphically beautiful events, Christmas and Theatre. Don’t miss the action, the stories, the music and festive fun in our holiday collections – check out favorites old and new in the Windows Store today! *Available to new customers upon account activation. Offer ends 1/11/17. US-only. The post Get ready for the holidays with new collections in the Windows Store appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

We’ve showed you how to draw on your memories with the Photos app update – today, we’re going to show you all the ways you can use the app to edit your holiday photos! Editing your images has never been easier In the first version of the new Edit experience, we introduced a new simple way of enhancing and adjusting your pictures with new filters and smart sliders. Just launch Edit from the full screen viewer to get started. With the new editor, you can also easily crop, rotate and enhance your images. If you want to add a filter as well, go ahead and select one from the new set of beautiful-looking filters. We also added the possibility for you to further adjust the enhance and filter strengths. For more adjustments, try out the smart Light, Color and Warmth sliders that will guarantee great result. To give you even better control, we are adding several more sliders in the Adjust tab. Just click on Light and Color to expand and you will get more sliders for that granular control of contrast, exposure, shadows, highlight and tint to make your pictures shine the exact way you want them to. Soon to come in a Photos app update. Add a personal touch to your memories with animated ink https://winblogs.azureedge.net/win/2016/12/DidYouKnow_PhotosUpdate_inking_blog.gif Did you know that you can ink on both photos and videos using pen, mouse and touch? The ink will animate back to you in the way you drew it. It even works to ink on videos during playback. Inking is a perfect way to express yourself or to highlight special parts of your photos and videos, maybe during a live presentation or by simply sharing your ink creations with your family and friends. To start inking, use your pen directly in the full screen viewer or tap the Draw icon. Then let your creativity flow. The ink creations will animate by themselves! Share your holiday memories with friends and family Now that you’ve enhanced your photos with the new Edit experience and gotten creative with inking, share your masterpieces with friends and family right from the Photos app. You can Copy your files to paste elsewhere, or click Share and select an app. Have a great week! The post Windows 10 Tip: How to edit holiday photos with the Microsoft Photos app appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Exclusive offers on must-have holiday gifts including Surface Book, PCs, Xbox games and more! Still looking for last-minute holiday gifts? Microsoft Store has the perfect gift for the tech person in your life with its Holiday Super Sale starting December 17 through December 24. Save on your holiday shopping with the technology you want, all in one place and at great prices. Whether you’re looking for a deal on Surface or Xbox games, find your perfect Holiday gift by visiting your local Microsoft Store or microsoftstore.com. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/531ee9807d8efbd6b8b908b04fd009d8.jpg Holiday Super Sale U.S. offers at microsoftstore.com and in store include: https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/59280b54b983a459a55d13a6d36bd1ea.jpg Save up to $400 on select Surface Book devices Save up to $429 on select Surface Pro 4 devices with Type Cover Save up to $1,100 on select PCs Save up to 50% on select Xbox games and accessories Save up to $20 on a variety of FitBit products Save up to $300 on a variety of Parrot products Get a $100 Microsoft Store gift card/gift code with purchase of an HTC Vive VR device Get a $100 Microsoft Store gift card/gift code with purchase of an Oculus Rift VR device Purchase either a Ventev wall or car charger plus the screen protector and choose any Lumia case for $59.99 (no device purchase required) Save up to 33% on a variety of Adobe Elements Save $20 on JBL Flip 3 (now $79.95 and 119.99 depending on model type) https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/ce242230be93a515d92c014210815710.jpg Additional exclusive in-store offers include: Get a Premium Type Cover with purchase of select Surface Pro 4 i5 for $999 (save $429) Save $300 on a Surface Pro 4 Core M – now only $599 Free Tumi or Kate Spade Sleeve with Surface Device (up to $79.99 value) But don’t delay, because the holidays are right around the corner and the sale prices are only available for a limited time. In fact, expert associates in Microsoft Stores across the country can help you get to know a new device or be your personal shopper to cross those gifts off your list. Customers who take advantage of the deals if they shop online at microsoftstore.com will get free shipping and free returns on every item, every day. And all orders must be placed by December 20 at 9:59 a.m. (PST) to be delivered by the end of the day on December 24. Microsoftstore.com deals begin December 17 through December 24. All deals are available while supplies last. In-store offers are available starting at the time the store opens until close, for local store hours visit microsoftstore.com/locations. To learn more about our upcoming deals, head over to microsoftstore.com. Happy shopping! The post Turn up the joy and save big with the Microsoft Store Holiday Super Sale appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

This Week on Windows, we’re talking about how to stream your favorite Xbox and Windows 10 game titles to Oculus Rift, sales on movies and TV in the Windows Store and more! In case you missed it: We shared an update on the many wonderful things happening across the board for Surface https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/c28f786aa9e68dc3076244a7eab763e4.jpg We’re so proud of the momentum and progress we are making with our Surface line-up. We’re learning a ton from Surface and Surface Hub customers and have an amazing team of hardware and software engineers dedicated to continually improving our products. Read more in our blog post from Monday. The Microsoft Photos app for Windows 10 got new features https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/51b8234ada37556ae028e5be4bf148c5.png With an update to Microsoft Photos, we’re making it fun to view all your digital memories in photo or video form, with a refreshed user experience that makes it pleasant to browse your collection. We’ve updated the way you edit photos and apply filters to simplify the most common actions. To celebrate the new hardware and the creator in all of us, we’ve added the ability to draw on your photos and videos and even play back the ink with animation! Read more here. Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition launched on Windows 10 https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/5e9606098c8574bc6cb4a7f4ab8b9478.jpg Previously available only on Xbox One, the Definitive Edition packs up ALL the content we’ve ever released – every character, stage, costume, color, trailers and tracks – and puts it all into one box of awesome goodness. As a bonus, it also comes with behind-the-scenes videos, never-before-seen concept art, and a full universe map so you can read the bios and backstories of all your favorite characters. Here’s what’s new in the Windows Store this week: Celebrate Gearsmas with unique content, special events and special offers! The days are getting colder and the nights are getting longer, which means it’s time for the seasonal signature event for Gears of War – Gearsmas! Beginning today, this year’s holiday spectacular marks the biggest event for Gears of War 4 yet with over thirty pieces of festive content to collect, a special playlist featuring the first ever custom weapon for Gears 4 and a whole lot more. If you haven’t picked up Gears of War 4 yet, there’s never been a better time to join. In the spirit of Gearsmas, Gears of War 4 has extended a special offer – a 35% discount! Head over to Xbox Wire to read more. Elf – Sale https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/ab5e9a2c43528be2b0832ec52e31a37f.jpg Until Dec. 18, buy Elf for just $4.99 HD on Microsoft Movies & TV and get $5 in store credit to spend on even more movies, games, apps, or music! Once you own Elf, you can watch across any Windows 10 device or Xbox console or download for offline viewing. Pre-order Rogue One: A Star Wars Story https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/80e20142e1d23e9b0557315622599bb3.jpg As the Empire continues to gain power, a group of rebel spies will risk everything to steal the plans to their enemy’s most terrifying new weapon: the Death Star. Preorder Rogue One: A Star Wars Story while the film is still in theaters in the Movies & TV section of the Windows Store. Available in the US and Canada. Astroneer (Game Preview) https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/950d0b22e87b6ebbf1303ac57a3e76c7.png Today, Astroneer ($19.99) will launch into Game Preview for Xbox One and in the Windows Store. Astroneer is a game about independent space explorers prospecting the stars for fortune and glory. It is also about discovery and mystery, as you uncover rare artifacts and the resources you need to find them, on vast worlds where every cubic inch of space can be explored. Forza Horizon 3 Blizzard Mountain Ready for a frozen adventure? Well, the wait is over with the Forza Horizon 3 Blizzard Mountain! Available today as a standalone purchase or as part of the Forza Horizon 3 Expansion Pass, Blizzard Mountain invites players to the snowy elevations of a brand-new playable area of Forza Horizon 3’s Australia. Movies & TV Winter Sale https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/0d8f33f12f4baf1bff3b1dbd7f38c732.jpg Winter Sale has arrived! Enjoy hit movies for up to 38% off, get TV season passes for as low as $14.99, and score major savings on movie bundles like Marvel’s Captain America 3-Movie Collection. Don’t miss out on our Winter Sale, now through Dec.19 in the Have a great weekend! The post This Week on Windows: Forza Horizon 3, Microsoft Photos, Gearsmas and more appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/c9dfd40a07859d8e7d92c3541c2cfd77.gif We’re getting closer to the end of the year, but the news has yet to slow down at Microsoft. In this edition of Weekend Reading, we share big developments in artificial intelligence, a new ecosystem of intelligent location-based services and how compatible Xbox One S is with 4K TV. On Tuesday, Microsoft introduced Zo, the next evolution in chatbots; shared how Cortana, in partnership with Harman Kardon, will be present in a new way in your home; and announced that more than 67,000 developers are now using Microsoft’s Bot Framework and Cognitive Services. “We’re really moving from a world where we have to understand computers to a world where they will understand us and our intent, from machine-centric to human-centric, from perceptive to cognitive and from rational to emotional,” Harry Shum, executive vice president of Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence and Research group, said at a small gathering on AI in San Francisco, where a new tool, the Microsoft Translator live feature, also debuted. Skype conversational innovation with bots continues, with new partners introduced Tuesday, including Expedia.com, UPS and online event-ticketing giant StubHub. Businesses and governments looking to take advantage of these new capabilities can find significant value in using intelligent bots to transform business processes such as customer services, helpdesks and even factory floor operations. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/633c6aa7a36a25a3c8cdbeb3f411ee95.png From left to right: Ashish Pandya, director of corporate strategy at HERE; Pieter Gillegot-Vergauwen, vice president of TomTom product management and maps; Heather Blatchford, director of global alliances at Esri; and Chris Pendleton, Microsoft principal program manager of Azure location-based services at the Microsoft Technology Center in Detroit. Location is essential in understanding the world around us, and making sense of complex location data has enormous potential to transform lives, cities and industries. The journey starts with an ecosystem that leverages the heritage and first-class expertise and technologies of our partners. As a step in this direction, TomTom, HERE and Esri — all titans in mapping technology — joined Microsoft in Detroit on Wednesday to share the goal of pioneering intelligent location-based services across Microsoft services and technologies. A new partnership with TomTom, an expanded agreement with HERE and continuing collaboration with Esri will be part of the ecosystem. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/651374ab263afc24d8b596952a7aa65d.jpeg The Xbox One S is the only console with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player and with High Dynamic Range capabilities. Read all about the Xbox One S and 4K TV, which many households are purchasing for the holidays, on the Microsoft News Center. Xbox will also be the first game console to feature Dolby Atmos. Also making news: The Blizzard Mountain Expansion for “Forza Horizon 3” is available now in the Microsoft Store as either a standalone purchase, or included as part of the “Forza Horizon 3” Expansion Pass. Surface Book with Performance Base has had strong momentum in the U.S. and Canada, and it is now available in in Australia and New Zealand. Early in 2017, it will be available in Austria, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Switzerland and the U.K. Surface Hub, which continues to change how organizations collaborate and create, is also now available for customers worldwide. Microsoft will be introducing a Surface Hub Try-and-Buy Program. The Microsoft Devices Blog has all the details on this expansion. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/e23745c4649069f0138340ac6a22dbe8.jpg We also saw the start of the Winter Sale 2016 in the Movies & TV section of the Windows Store, which runs through Dec. 19, the latest update to Microsoft Photos in Windows 10, new events in “Microsoft Solitaire Collection” and an Adobe Photoshop Elements 15 sale. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/e58fe135944b16ac1e124c1d1afaddef.png This week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, we featured Nitish Kumar Meena, an outdoor enthusiast, photographer and user-experience designer for Microsoft Flow. He has combined his love for the outdoors and photography with his day job at Microsoft by snapping elaborate product photo shoots and countless employee headshots – an opportunity he says that he would not have at another company. That’s it for our round-up. See you next Friday for another Weekend Reading! Posted by Athima Chansanchai Microsoft News Center Staff The post Advancing AI on several fronts, building the next world graph with mapping companies and making the perfect match for your new 4K TV — Weekend Reading: Dec. 16 edition appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

Today, we’re excited to announce that Astroneer will launch into Game Preview for Xbox One and on the Windows Store on Dec. 16! https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/095783b4796519e5c39549645047fdce.png Astroneer is a game about independent space explorers prospecting the stars for fortune and glory. This is a game about discovery and mystery, as you uncover rare artifacts and the resources you need to find them, on vast worlds where every cubic inch of space can be explored. It’s a game about creativity, as you use your tools to dig, build, sculpt, and shape the very ground to serve your needs, whether utilitarian or aesthetic. It’s a game about solitude, as you enjoy the beauty of your surroundings as you might on a long hike or camping trip. It’s also a game about cooperation, as you invite your friends to share the experience with you in multiplayer co-op. How can you give feedback and participate? The absolute best way will be to get on our forums, where you can post about bugs, discuss features, and meet your fellow Astroneers. The forum will contain links to some of our other communication avenues, and our latest update roadmap. Head over to Xbox Wire to read more. We look forward to pushing the final frontier with you! The post Astroneer launches in the Windows Store for Game Preview Dec. 16 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog. Continue reading...

Location is essential in understanding the world around us, and making sense of complex location data has enormous potential to transform lives, cities and industries. The journey starts with an ecosystem that leverages the heritage and first-class expertise and technologies of our partners. As a step in this direction, TomTom, HERE and Esri — all titans in mapping technology — joined us Wednesday at the Microsoft Technology Center in Detroit to share our goals of pioneering intelligent location-based services across Microsoft services and technologies. Through a new partnership, TomTom and Microsoft announced they will join forces to integrate location-based services into Microsoft Azure to make it even easier and more flexible for developers to build and manage enterprise, mobile, web and Internet of Things (IoT) applications that are location-aware. A global leader in navigation and mapping products, TomTom brings to Microsoft advanced location technologies — optimized for fast updates — and innovative maps and capabilities, including its High Definition Map and RoadDNA technology for autonomous driving. “Through our partnership with Microsoft, we can bring all our map layers to the Microsoft Azure ecosystem and foster innovation that makes people’s lives better,” Pieter Gillegot-Vergauwen, vice president of TomTom product management and maps, told an audience of business and automotive influencers at the Detroit event on Wednesday. “We’re working actively to lead the way to a future of smart mobility, smarter cities and autonomous driving.” Microsoft also announced an extension of our collaboration with HERE, a longtime partner that powers location data in many of our first-party services, including Bing, Cortana, Windows and Office. A global map and data services provider, HERE also powers the Bing Maps API, enabling store locator maps, asset tracking and other location services for thousands of businesses and developers. A new agreement allows Microsoft to expand use of HERE data and services into productivity scenarios in cars. “We are entering a new era of services around connected cars in terms of safety, in-car productivity and making journeys more efficient,” said Ashish Pandya, director of corporate strategy for HERE. “We don’t think one single entity can do this by itself. It’s going to take a collaborative effort. We’re very pleased to expand the agreement we’ve had with Microsoft.” Esri, a market leader in geographic information system (GIS) technology, is another longstanding partner of Microsoft, with its ArcGIS products deeply integrated into many of our applications and services. Esri’s real-time GIS runs on Azure and can ingest any real-time, location-based data, including weather data, social media feeds, live sensor data and location services data from companies like HERE and TomTom. We recently announced a preview of ArcGIS Maps for Power BI for compelling visualizations, and we value Esri as a key partner in geospatial technology for enterprise customers. “Esri’s ArcGIS platform is turbocharged by Azure, and it’s the power and scalability of the performance of the cloud that starts to make transacting billions of observations, tens of thousands of images and millions of maps a reality,” said Heather Blatchford, director of global alliances at Esri. Together with our partners, our bold ambition is to create the next “world graph,” a new data index of physical places, objects and devices and their interconnectivity. We believe this repository of geospatial data will be the next big concept in graph technology, which already includes well-established systems such as Bing’s knowledge graph, Facebook’s people graph and Microsoft Office’s and LinkedIn’s professional graph. In the future, Microsoft wants to enable global location-based services for customers differentiated by an open platform, with large data sets and natively integrated functionality for developers, and deep integration with other data graphs for new scenarios. We envision a platform that gives our customers choices, with many options for customization and opportunities to power smart cities, IoT and industrial transformation, from manufacturing to retail to automotive. Scenarios could include connected cars that combine up-to-date mapping, traffic and weather data with a driver’s schedule, to-do lists and preferences for personalized planning and routing. Intelligent cars could re-route away from accidents, recommend nearby restaurants and find commutes with good cell coverage for work calls. To increase safety and efficiency, data from road conditions, car sensors and driver behavior can inform predictive car maintenance. Cities could use location-based services to analyze, influence and improve traffic. Location data can help businesses manage logistics, optimize fleets and track customer engagement. Today, location data isn’t limited to roads and destinations. It includes massive data sets that can help quantify the physical world and understand sweeping, geographic change over time. For example, environmental groups could apply machine learning and computer vision to aerial images or deep-sea sensors to analyze and even predict deforestation or ocean toxicity. We look forward to growing our collaboration with Esri, HERE and TomTom to enable location-based services for digital transformation, and to partnering with automakers as they continue to bring connected cars to life. The post As location data grows, Microsoft partners with mapping companies to build next world graph appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/58a8349b45f505649d1bddf013726160.gif On Tuesday, Microsoft introduced Zo, the next evolution in chatbots; shared how Cortana, in partnership with Harman Kardon, will be present in a new way in your home; and announced that more than 67,000 developers are now using Microsoft’s Bot Framework and Cognitive Services. “We’re really moving from a world where we have to understand computers to a world where they will understand us and our intent, from machine-centric to human-centric, from perceptive to cognitive and from rational to emotional,” Harry Shum, executive vice president of Microsoft’s Artificial Intelligence and Research group, said at a small gathering on AI in San Francisco. Zo is a social chatbot, built upon the technology stack that powers Xiaoice and Rinna — successful Microsoft AI chatbots in China and Japan. You can engage with Zo on Kik now in the same way you would interact with a friend. In the future, Microsoft plans to bring her to other social and conversational channels such as Skype and Facebook Messenger. Read more about Microsoft’s AI philosophy and approach, and the latest news. The post Microsoft and AI: Introducing social chatbot Zo, Cortana takes on new roles and more appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...