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We hope you enjoyed this week’s episode of This Week on Windows! Learn more about Trimble’s new Sketchup Viewer app for HoloLens and Alcatel’s new virtual reality enabled IDOL 4S phone with Windows 10, or head over here to read our Windows 10 Tip on four ways you can customize the Start menu. Here’s what’s new in the Windows Store this week: Forza Motorsport 6: Apex Premium Edition https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/4348cd6b665b7784c7351c288af06b73.jpg Forza fans on Windows 10 PC can now experience new content in Forza Motorsport 6: Apex, with the launch of Forza Motorsport 6: Apex Premium Edition ($16.99). The Premium Edition includes the base game of Forza Motorsport 6: Apex, along with three newly-released content packs for the game; two car collections and a new track pack, bringing the legendary Nürburgring to the game. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Play Video Restricted Content Confirm your age to continue month JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember day 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 year 201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963196219611960195919581957195619551954195319521951195019491948194719461945194419431942194119401939193819371936193519341933193219311930192919281927192619251924192319221921192019191918191719161915191419131912191119101909190819071906190519041903190219011900 Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare is now available for Windows 10 and delivers and three unique game modes: Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies. Players play as Captain Reyes, a pilot turned Commander, who must lead the remaining coalition forces against a relentless enemy, while trying to overcome the deadly, extreme environments of space. Don’t Breathe https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/1251137e9e62b337432d4a5693414110.jpg In the mood for some bone-chilling terror? From horror legend Sam Raimi comes a nightmare that will leave you breathless. Don’t Breathe ($14.99 HD, $13.99 SD) is available now in the Movies & TV section of the Windows Store three weeks before Blu-ray. Nitro Nation Play Video Restricted Content Confirm your age to continue month JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember day 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 year 201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963196219611960195919581957195619551954195319521951195019491948194719461945194419431942194119401939193819371936193519341933193219311930192919281927192619251924192319221921192019191918191719161915191419131912191119101909190819071906190519041903190219011900 For those who can’t get enough of drag racing, Nitro Nation is back with a high-octane update. The all-new UI brings quicker start-up, easier navigation, and a nicer look and feel. There are personalized offers, regional leagues for live events, more than 30 new body mods for existing cars, new decals, new sound effects and more. A Tribe Called Quest, “We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service” https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/77a0471fc352233189dd930dc97e07c0.jpg A Tribe Called Quest’s new album, “We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service,” is out today and available in the Windows Store. You can buy the album for $10.99 or listen free with a free 30-day trial of Groove Music Pass.* Have a great weekend! Continue reading...

Hello everyone! https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/a6bb7b8a0934bcd42d8784b521a16ced.png As part of our vision here at Team Minecraft to help players enjoy their favorite features on the platform of their choice, we’ve been piling on the updates to Minecraft on Windows 10 and mobile this year. Today, we’re super excited to let you know that we’ve started work on our next update which will be coming before the end of the year – the 1.0 Ender Update. With this update, Minecraft on Windows 10 and Pocket Edition will have the majority of the features as our original PC version, and like we did with the original PC version, we’ll be taking off the beta label with the introduction of the End. The 1.0 Ender Update will add a third dimension to Minecraft – the End, and its iconic ultimate boss battle, the Ender Dragon. But that’s not all – after defeating the Ender Dragon, you’ll be able to explore the outer islands of the End and its mysterious End Cities. In these End Cities you can encounter the new Shulker mob, pick up cool purple blocks for building aptly called purpur, farm chorus plants, and even loot the highly coveted Elytra glider from an End ship. Head over to Xbox Wire to read more about today’s news! Happy crafting, and see you at the End! Continue reading...

While the U.S. election dominated global headlines, there has been lots of other news you may have missed, including Microsoft researchers who detected lung cancer risks through web search logs, and an art exhibit where you can explore the universe from the seat of a swing. So take a moment to look at the world around you – and beyond – this weekend. Although smoking cigarettes is the leading cause of lung cancer, nearly 20 percent of diagnoses are made in people who are non-smokers. That means geographic, demographic and genetic factors also play a role in the devastating disease. A Microsoft research labs project aims to tackle those aspects by exploring the feasibility of using anonymized web search data to learn more about lung-cancer risk factors and provide early warning to people who are candidates for disease screening. The findings, published Thursday in JAMA Oncology, extend research from June on the feasibility of using the text of questions people ask search engines to predict diagnoses of pancreatic cancer. The machine-learning method builds on patterns found in the search queries. “Here, we are not just looking at the text of the queries; we also consider the locations that people are in when they issue these queries, and we tie that back to contextual risk factors linked to those locations,” says study co-author Ryen White, chief technology officer for health intelligence at Microsoft Health in Redmond, Washington. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/f4b65a2fb15c1a4b2bf1dc2d8767e3bc.jpg Online risks have real-world consequences, new Microsoft research shows. Most people have had at least one negative online experience that hurt their trust in others and increased their stress or sleep deprivation, according to the preliminary results of the survey, which polled youth and adults in 14 countries. The full study on the state of digital civility, personal online safety and digital interactions will be made available on international Safer Internet Day 2017 on Tuesday, Feb. 7. Microsoft decided to release preliminary results following the conclusion of the U.S. presidential election and in conjunction with World Kindness Day on Sunday, Nov. 13. Ways to engage in a “digital reset” include: — Taking charge of online reputations by searching and discovering what’s on the internet about yourself, periodically reevaluating what’s there and aiming to cultivate a positive and accurate portrayal. — Embracing digital civility and modeling healthy behaviors for young people both online and off. These include treating others with respect, interacting in constructive ways and disagreeing without name-calling or personal attacks. — Taking extra steps to keep kids safe online, such as making online safety a family affair. Show a genuine interest in what kids do online, and impart wisdom about risks and potential harms. Mix guidance and monitoring, and build their resilience to best equip them to tackle tricky situations when they arise. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/71c3ccd495ce21bb0723ce57d6d15494.jpeg The Microsoft Garage is celebrating its second anniversary as a powerful resource for trying new ideas. The Garage has evolved from a 24-hour idea factory to a program dedicated to encouraging all employees to take their ideas and bring them to life. The Garage provides resources such as expert advisors, maker spaces, hackathon tools, workshops, an intern program and product-market fit testing to empower employees to follow their passion and create a project that might just make it all the way into a Microsoft product. “The Garage is very focused on the bleeding edge of experimentation, moving forward at all times. We help Microsoft be better at experimenting, to be faster, to test ideas and to learn by doing,” says Jeff Ramos, partner director of The Garage. “We’ve really taken Satya Nadella’s challenge to be more customer-obsessed seriously, putting projects in the hands of real customers.” https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/1703a88dff123c396e055cb09666168a.jpg The new Surface Book and Surface Dial have gone on sale and are available at Microsoft Stores and select Best Buy locations in the U.S. and Canada. The new tablet was redesigned from the inside out to deliver twice the graphics processing power and 16 hours of battery life, with advanced cooling features, into the same sleek form as the current Surface Book. The Dial integrates with Windows 10 Global Controls and delivers a set of unique experiences such as app-specific, contextually aware toolbars. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/35629846446d3db4ff13dac4e5d3f70f.png In response to this week’s biggest news story, Microsoft shared some thoughts on the U.S. election and on moving forward together: The peaceful transition of power has been an enduring and vital part of our democracy for over two centuries, and it remains so today, Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith wrote in a post. “Like so many Americans, regardless of who we supported through our vote, we strongly share the view that this is a time for the nation to come together,” Smith wrote. The results of the vote registered a strong concern about the plight of those who feel left out and left behind, he wrote, and new technology tools can play an important role in innovating to promote inclusive economic growth that helps everyone move forward. There’s also a clear opportunity to invest in infrastructure, and new data analytics and cloud technologies can contribute to these improvements. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/cc7cecf8d557b873dc11d533ebc974bb.png The Xbox holiday update is now available, making Xbox Live even more social by uniting gamers across devices, giving you access to more people to play with who share your interests and more choice in how you play. The update also builds upon our vision to foster a welcoming experience on Xbox Live where everyone is included, respected and supported. Horror legend Sam Raimi delivers a new nightmare in “Don’t Breathe,” now available in the Windows Store three weeks before it arrives on Blu-ray. “Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare,” the latest entry in one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, is now available in the Xbox and Windows Stores. It returns to the roots of the franchise with large-scale war and a focus on cinematic, immersive military storytelling. A game pack celebrating the 10th anniversary of Gears of War is now available. It contains Gary Carmine, a trio of weapons themed to the previous Carmine brothers, commemorative anniversary weapons and emblems to collect as you play. Obtainable exclusively through gameplay, each 200 Credit pack contains one “10 Years of Gears” customization item, one emblem or bounty and a random card from the Gears of War 4 launch series of cards. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/a7791b5ca3bfd62248a0c6ac255c14a6.jpg This week on the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, we highlighted Starfield, an interactive art installation by Lab212 in Zurich. Powered by Microsoft Kinect, the installation tracks the viewer’s movements in real-time, to adjust the position of the stars, creating the illusion of swaying through outer space. This exhibit is synced with the Worldwide Telescope, allowing visitors to explore the universe from the seat of a swing. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/43ee8cbfbe18c5529c9e6b966967c288.png Even if you’re not in Zurich this weekend, we hope you find your own way to peacefully swing through our beautiful universe. Be sure to check back next Friday for another edition of Weekend Reading. Posted by Susanna Ray Microsoft News Center Staff The post Using web search data to detect lung cancer and swinging through the universe with Kinect – Weekend Reading: Nov. 11 edition appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

This brand-new update brings great new features like Clubs, Looking for Group, Achievement Rarity, Group Messaging and more. With this holiday update, Xbox Live becomes even more social as we unite gamers across devices, giving you access to more people to play with that share your interests and more choice in how you play. The update also builds upon our vision to foster a welcoming experience on Xbox Live where everyone is included, respected, and supported. Those on Windows 10 PCs or phone can expect the updated features to hit their Xbox app starting today. Xbox One owners can expect their system to also update starting today with the new features. Here’s what’s new in the Xbox App for Windows 10: Clubs on Xbox Live: Clubs are gamer-created and managed groups that can help you meet people and grow communities of gamers who love the same things you do. Anyone can join or create a Club, and you’ll probably see a Club for just about everything. As a Club member, you’ll be able to set up parties, play games, share content, and easily communicate using voice and text chat with the Club across Xbox One and the Xbox app on Windows 10. Check out our tutorial video on Clubs here. Looking for Group on Xbox Live: Looking for Group (LFG) helps you quickly find other players that you want to game with. You can use LFG to help complete daily quests, Achievement hunt or even get a group together to annihilate hordes of the Swarm and DeeBees in Gears of War 4. Quick and easy. Whether you’re playing on Xbox One or Windows 10 PC, you can quickly find other gamers to play with on Xbox Live. Check out our tutorial video on LFG here. Achievement Rarity: Achievement Rarity helps you discover just how unique an Achievement is among players of a given game. When you earn a rare Achievement, you’ll get a special notification and diamond icon highlighting it. Unlock one today and let us know how you like the ! Group Messaging on Xbox Live: Group Messaging helps you coordinate and keep in touch with your friends and fellow gamers by sending a single group message to everyone in a single conversation. Group Messaging works across Xbox One and the Xbox app on Windows 10. Gamerscore Leaderboard: We’ve improved the Gamerscore Leaderboard on Xbox One and the Xbox app on Windows 10 devices. The Leaderboard now resets at the beginning of each month instead of displaying results for a 30-day rolling period, meaning you and your friends will have a clean slate to compete against one another at the start of each month! You can keep an eye on the Gamerscore Leaderboard through the Achievements tab in your profile. Head over to Xbox Wire to read all about the new features rolling out to Xbox Live on Xbox One and the Xbox app starting today! Continue reading...

Hello Windows Insiders! Today we are excited to be releasing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 14965 for Mobile and PC to Windows Insiders in the Fast ring. Language Packs for PC have been slightly delayed for this build. For those of you with Language Packs installed, we recommend holding off checking for updates and taking this build until the Language Packs are published. We expect these to be fully published later today. What’s new in Build 14965 Controlling external monitors from tablets just got easier (PC): You can now drive content on a second display from your tablet without ever having to attach a mouse. The virtual touchpad lets you do more with a tablet and a second screen – just connect to another monitor, PC, or TV, go to Action Center and tap on the “Project” Quick Action to extend your screen. Use it just like you would a physical touchpad to control content on the connected screen. To enable it, press and hold on the taskbar and select “Show touchpad button”. A touchpad icon will now appear in the notification area (just like Windows Ink Workspace does), and tapping on it will bring it up the virtual touchpad. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/38e746a385e239cb3f69dc405da7fec2.png You’ve seen the work we’ve been doing for precision touchpad customization with the last few builds, and the virtual touchpad is no exception. While the virtual touchpad is open, go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad and you’ll be able to tweak the touchpad settings to your preferences. Sticky Notes update (PC): Windows Insiders in the Fast ring will receive will receive Sticky Notes app update to version 1.2.9.0 today and we’re very excited to share what it includes! We’ve expanded our support for Insights to many more languages and regions, with even more to come in further updates, stay tuned! Specifically, with this version: We’ve added flight detection for Germany (Germany), in more English locales (Canada, Great Britain, India, Arabia), Spanish (Spain & Mexico), French (France, Canada), Italian (Italy), Japanese (Japan), and Portuguese (Brazil). We’ve added email & URL recognition for every locale (except Chinese (simplified or traditional), Korean, or Japanese, which we’re still working on). We’ve added phone number recognition to all English, German, Spanish, French and Italian locales. We’ve added address recognition support for English (Great Britain) and Spanish (United States). We’ve added time recognition (prompting to create a Cortana reminder) to English (Great Britain), English (Australia) and English (India). We’ve added stock recognition (for example, $MSFT) to English (Australia), English (Canada), English (India), German (Germany), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Mexico), French (France), French (Canada), Japanese (Japan) and Portuguese (Brazil). [*]If Insights in Sticky Notes isn’t turned on automatically for you, tap “…” > Settings gear > “Enable insights”. Note: The language and region used to detect Insights in Sticky Notes is based off of the active keyboard. We’re currently investigating some issues where Insights may not show up as expected if you switch keyboards while typing in Sticky Notes. [*]We’ve fixed some issues with Undo and Redo (CTRL + Z/CTRL + Y) while typing, so they’ll now do so more reliably. [*]We’ve improved the performance of text input while typing. [*]It’s now easier than ever to get the latest Sticky Notes app updates. When our next update is available, we’ll show an in-app prompt so all you have to do is click ‘Update’. [*]We’ve also done a whole lot of UI/UX polishing and performance improvements that we hope you enjoy. We’re been making a bunch of improvements based on your feedback, and have more to come, so let us know what you’d like to see next! In recent versions of Sticky Notes, we’ve added support for many of your favorite keyboard shortcuts, including CTRL + B (bold), CTRL + I (italic), CTRL + N (new note) and CTRL + D (delete note), added a new context menu for easy copy/paste, reduced the minimum note size for typists, as well as generally improved our reliability and performance. Windows Ink Workspace Improvements (PC): This build includes a number of improvements to the Windows Ink Workspace. We increased the number of Recently Used apps shown in the Windows Ink Workspace to 6, and added a link to quickly access your pen settings. We’ve improved the performance of loading Sketchpad when there’s a lot of ink present on the sketch. We’ve updated the new protractor, so that you can use the scroll-wheel on your mouse to shrink/expand it (depending on the direction of the scrolling). We fixed an issue where, when using Sticky Notes in the Windows Ink Workspace, the background would ding when tapped. We fixed an issue where inking and resizing the protractor at the same time would result in Sketchpad crashing. We’ve updated the “Pen & Windows Ink” Settings for pen users to now include a link to the handwriting training tool – simply click on “Get to know my handwriting” to launch it. We’ve also improved how we learn from your handwriting samples – try it out and let us know what you think! Enhancing the Address Bar in Registry Editor (PC): We were really excited to hear how excited you were about the new address bar in Registry Editor, and based on your feedback, we’ve already incorporated two new features: You can now use CTRL + L to set focus to the address bar – while we already supported ALT + D, we recognize that some people prefer this keyboard shortcut instead, so now you have the option to use either one You can now use shorthand notation for HKEY names – you told us that when sharing registry paths you always use shorthand notation (HKCU) instead of typing out the full HKEY name (i.e. HKEY_CURRENT_USER), so we should support them in the address bar, and you know what? We agree! You can now just use “HKCR”, “HKCU”, “HKLM”, and “HKU” instead of typing or pasting the respective full name “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT”, “HKEY_CURRENT_USER”, “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE”, or “HKEY_USERS” into the address bar. Improving Your Hyper-V VM experience (PC): Following the new VM scaling options mentioned in last week’s build, we’ve fixed an issue where depending on the zoom level selected, the VM window might not be created large enough to avoid scrollbars, despite their being enough space for it. We also updated the logic so that when you pick a particular zoom level, that zoom level preference will be preserved for the next VM connection. Along the way, we fixed an issue where the title bar of a maximized VM window would be occluded when taskbar had been set to on top. Other improvements and fixes for PC We have fixed the issue causing Internet Explorer to crash a few seconds after launch. We fixed an issue where, when using Cortana in French (France or Canada), the “Prendre une <photo/video/selfie>” (take a picture, video, or selfie) command was redirecting to a Bing search rather than opening the Camera app as expected. We’ve made some graphics improvements so the system will now respond better when WIN + L is pressed while playing a full screen game. We’ve updated the ALT + F4 Shutdown dialog to better respond to DPI changes when connected to an external monitor. We also fixed an issue where the tooltips for the taskbar notification area items would be incorrectly sized after a DPI change until rebooting the machine or otherwise signing out and back in. We’ve fixed an issue where File Explorer might crash when creating or renaming a folder on a network share. We fixed an issue resulting in the text on the Outlook Calendar tile on the Start menu being slightly fuzzy. We fixed an issue where deleted files might reappear in File Explorer with a 0 byte size. We fixed an issue resulting in a Windows Default Lock Screen window sometimes appearing after logging in. We fixed an issue resulting in File Explorer crashing after right-clicking an app in Task Manager and selecting “Open File Location”. We’ve updated our migration logic so that going forward from Build 14965, preferred UAC settings, startup shortcuts, and File Explorer folders that had been pinned to the Start menu will all now be preserved across upgrades. We fixed an issue resulting in vertical lists written in XAML, such as those found in Groove Music, unexpectedly animating in from the side. We fixed an issue resulting in Cortana crashing if you typed “Create an appointment” then clicked on the resulting suggestion to “Create an appointment”. We fixed an issue where in Microsoft Edge, after cancelling a file download, the progress bar for the next file downloaded might appear to be stuck at the point at which the old file’s download was at when it was cancelled. We fixed an issue that could result in the Japanese Input Method Editor (IME) periodically showing the candidate window in the upper left corner of the desktop and not being able to enter text into the Office 2016 apps and some other text editors. Other improvements and fixes for Mobile We fixed an issue where, when using Cortana in French (France or Canada), the “Prendre une <photo/video/selfie>” (take a picture, video, or selfie) command was redirecting to a Bing search rather than opening the Camera app as expected. We fixed an issue resulting in Cortana crashing if you typed “Create an appointment” then tapped on the resulting suggestion to “Create an appointment”. We improved the performance for English (India) text prediction. We fixed an issue in Data Usage Settings, where after selecting the data plan to be unlimited, it would still prompt to set a limit. We’ve also made it easier in the Data Usage Settings for those with dual SIM phones to differentiate between the cellular data use on each SIM, and fixed a few other polish issues, including that the sort by dropdown on the Usage Details page was unexpectedly wide. We fixed an issue where Narrator wasn’t giving feedback when adjusting sliders, for example in Settings, or in the Volume flyout. We fixed a migration issue resulting in Microsoft Edge to fail to launch for some Insiders after updating to a new build. November 2016 Bug Bash Update This week we kicked off our internal Bug Bash and are including Windows Insiders, which will run through Sunday November 13th. Everything you need to know about how to get started with the Bug Bash can be found in the Feedback Hub article here. This build can be used for the Bug Bash. We wanted to take a moment and say THANK YOU for participating in the Bug Bash alongside us and providing great feedback. Engineering teams are actively going through your feedback, understanding the issues, prioritizing, and then determining what next to do. Your feedback counts and goes a long way in helping shape Windows 10 as we make important engineering decisions! If you have feedback on how the November 2016 Bug Bash is going for you, let us know. We will be live streaming Bug Bush Quests at https://beam.pro/WindowsInsider this weekend if you want to join us in completing Quests together. We will be online Saturday November 12th from 1-3PM PST (21:00 UTC). Known issues for PC Double-clicking on an Excel document to open it from File Explorer will crash Microsoft Excel. The workaround is to open the document from within Excel. Microsoft Studios games like Microsoft Sudoku, Jigsaw, Minesweeper, Taptiles, and Treasure Hunt may freeze at the splash screen on launch. Known issues for Mobile If you used the previous ‘date change’ workaround to update to Build 14951 or Build 14955: Please don’t use it any longer! The Microsoft account (MSA) ticket on your device needs to expire and then you’ll be offered today’s build. If you changed your date by 30 years… you’ll want to do a device reset. You will be unable to install additional languages, keyboards, and speech packs on your phone for the next few weeks. If you have existing languages, keyboards, and speech packs installed – they will carry over when you update to new builds. You just can’t install any new ones. If you do a hard reset of your phone on these builds – you will also be unable to install additional languages, keyboards, and speech packs. You can use Windows Device Recovery Tool to go back to Windows Phone 8.1 or Windows 10 Mobile, install any languages, keyboards, and speech packs you need and then update to the latest build in the Fast ring as a workaround. Team Updates How are you all enjoying the Bug Bash this week? One of my favorite things to do during these is to use or build a tech that I am not as familiar with so that I am a.) using the product in a different way and b). learning something new. This week, I am investing some deeper IoT learnings. A few weeks ago at Ignite NZ, I attended a session on Smart Cities made with IoT. Of course, this was a fascinating talk about how using the cloud, automation, sensors and data, we are able to build far more energy-efficient, safer, more connected buildings. I’ve been continuing my investigating of Smart Cities and have loved learning more about our partner company AvePoint’s Smart City app that they demoed at Worldwide Partner Conference in July, but unveiled just recently as a trial called Try Citizen Services (a Windows 10 app) and the fastest/easiest way to demo/trial AvePoint Citizen Services. I found this to be a really cool self-guided, click-through demo of the solution. So apparently @donasarkar prepares for her MVP Summit keynote by applying her #Winsiders4Good Branding. #MVPBuzz pic.twitter.com/0JnGNUQnyh — Richard Hay (@WinObs) November 7, 2016 A lot more about this can be found available on AppSource. I plan to do an experiment with Azure IoT and Windows 10 to see if I can “smartly” build up my neighborhood in Seattle! The MVP Summit kicked off earlier this week in Redmond. I had a blast getting to meet many Windows Insiders at the MS Dev Show meetup where I talked about future-tech and innovation. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/a598bf12d7fff41094904f2cbd314779.jpg Bill Karagounis, Jeremiah Marble and I also did session on CoCreating for our Community and Inside the Windows Insider Program which resulted in quite a lively discussion with our Insiders! Slides can be found here. Yesterday I asked @AimeeJayne3 to be my wife, she said yes! ???? pic.twitter.com/Noa1DKXfuO — Michael @ #MVPSummit (@MichaelGillett) November 8, 2016 And on a more personal note, congrats to Windows Insider Michael Gillett and Aimee Hardwick both of who I had the pleasure of meeting last Saturday night. They just got engaged on top of the Space Needle during the MVP Summit! #WIndowsInsiderLove Thank you everyone and keep hustling, Dona <3 Continue reading...

There’s a Windows 10 PC built for anything you want to do, whether it’s watching a movie, working in a spreadsheet or playing your favorite games – like Lenovo’s newest gaming PC, the IdeaCentre Y710 Cube, now available at Microsoft Stores and at microsoftstore.com. These devices take advantage of great Windows 10 features, including your digital personal assistant Cortana and compatibility with Xbox Play Anywhere. These devices are redefining the desktop category by taking the desktop from a home appliance – something you keep under your desk – to part of the home décor – something displayed in the living room or on top of the desk to show off. Let’s take a look at some of these desktops: The new Lenovo IdeaCentre Y710 Cube HP Omen X Desktop Dell Alienware Area-51 HP Elite Slice Samsung ArtPC Pulse Dell Inspiron Micro Desktop Experience the best in gaming desktops The Lenovo IdeaCentre Y710 Cube with Windows 10, now available https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/19b928bf91a209d6ce954324acc03ef7.png The new IdeaCentre Y710 Cube with Windows 10 is designed with a built-in carry handle for easy transport between gaming stations, ideal for staying competitive no matter where you play. The Cube also comes with the option of an integrated Xbox One Wireless receiver with one Xbox One controller. The receiver supports up to eight Xbox One controllers simultaneously for gaming sessions with friends. Proving a true gaming rig doesn’t need to take up an entire room, the IdeaCentre AIO Y910 captures the power of state-of-the-art PC desktops in an all-in-one form and fits conveniently in places where a bulkier PC can’t. It cuts down on the sprawling hardware and cables that clutter traditional towers, while allowing you to handle 4K gaming, VR and high-quality streaming with massive computing capabilities in real-time. An easily detachable back panel allows for one-step access to the core components. Other features include: 27-inch Quad High Definition (2560×1440) borderless display NVIDIA’s latest GeForce GTX 1080 graphics, up to 6th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM to handle today’s most resource-intensive releases Twin 5W Harman Kardon stereo speakers for impeccable sound Killer DoubleShot Pro Wi-Fi reduces in-game lag Ultra-thin display features 144Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time to deliver that tactical edge when every millisecond counts Pricing and Availability: The Lenovo IdeaCentre Y710 Cube starts at $1,299 USD. The HP Omen X Desktop with Windows 10 The OMEN X Desktop is a fully customizable, powerful desktop featuring the best performance, thermal management and cutting-edge design. This desktop is built with a revolutionary thermal management solution, which includes a tri-chamber design with dedicated cooling for each chamber. The tool-less access to the internals, clean cable management features and a toolkit hidden in the chassis accommodates any customization you might want. You can also buy an empty OMEN X Desktop chassis as a standalone option for a do-it-yourself PC experience. Other features include: Powered by Windows 10 DirectX 12 capable for stunning gaming visuals The OMEN Control software provides complete design control, allowing for custom LED light modifications and brightness adjustments in real time. 6th generation Intel Core i5/i7 over-clockable processors and the latest graphics technology, up to dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 and up to dual AMD Radeon R9 Fury X NVME PCIe connected SSDs Includes support for up to three 120mm liquid cooling radiators with top-mounted exhaust vents and a stand that lifts the case off the ground to help pull cool air in, allowing for maximum ventilation. Pricing and Availability: The HP Omen X Desktop starts from $589.99 USD. The Dell Alienware Area-51 with Windows 10 https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/2b3c9fb4cb29457cf57fdf2e2c53ed09.jpg With a VR-ready Alienware PC, you can be the first to experience the future of gaming. The Alienware Vive-Optimized desktops are unmatched in performance, featuring Intel processors and NVIDIA or AMD graphics options. The Area-51’s three corners are built to support five times the system’s weight, and you can pivot the system towards you and gain easy access to the rear ports when connecting or disconnecting cables. You’ll get built-in support for the Xbox controller and can even stream Xbox One games to a Windows 10 Home PC, laptop, or tablet anywhere in your home. Other features include: Powered by Windows 10 Intel Core i7 Haswell-E processors Factory overclocked and liquid-cooled Available with 6 or 8 core CPU options Intel’s X99 Express Chipset Quad Channel DDR4 2133MHz RAM SSD + HHD Storage Options Intel 802.11ac Wireless (internal) Pricing and Availability: The Dell Alienware Area-51 starts from $1,699.99 USD. Great PCs for productivity The HP Elite Slice with Windows 10 https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/802752f0092782394b9309835556fa31.pngThe HP Elite Slice is the first modular commercial desktop with cable-less connectivity and enables customers to build the desktop of their choice. This desktop changes the way office space is designed to create work environments that boast productivity and collaboration with its modular design, featuring stunning curves in matte black with polished copper accents to streamline workplaces. The ultra-small, big power form factor is just 6.5” x 1.38” x 6.5” and weighs 2.31 lbs. Other features include: Powered by Windows 10 Optional touch fingerprint sensor for improved security and easy authentication. Up to 6th Generation Intel Core i7 35-watt processors Integrated wireless charging and USB Type-C Unique 360-degree dual fan pipe ring keeps the powerful device running cool Peripheral support for enhanced productivity including one Ethernet port, built-in Wi-Fi module and antennas, one HDMI and one DisplayPort to power multiple displays Powered from a display via only one USB 3.1 Type-C cable with a Type-C compatible display, including the optional new Quad HD HP EliteDisplay S240uj Monitor Pricing and Availability: The HP Elite Slice starts from $699 USD. The Samsung ArtPC Pulse with Windows 10 https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/a692c45215e4692f5af688f1abb0a7ef.png The Samsung ArtPC PULSE redefines the design of computers as we know it. With Windows 10, you can navigate through an engaging and intuitive tile display and create virtual desktops to save space and keep your work projects and personal apps separate. Impeccably slim and exquisitely premium, the Samsung ArtPC PULSE is built with full metal in a cylindrical form factor. Plus, an eye-catching lighting band lets you set up smart notifications or add a splash of character. This is the first computer you want to place at the center of your space. Other features include: Powered by Windows 10 Desktop-grade 6th Generation Intel Core i5 processor with Microsoft Signature Edition AMD RX 460 graphics card and dual 4K outputs for your movies, photos and more 360° omni-directional speaker unit powered by Harman Kardon Pricing and Availability: The Samsung ArtPC Pulse starts from $1,199.99 USD. The Dell Inspiron Micro Desktop with Windows 10 https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/36a1cb4793f06308df03243d9d0ae713.jpg The Inspiron Micro Desktop with Windows 10 packs a full suite of features into an ultra-compact package small enough to hold in one hand at just 5.16” x 5.16”. Families seeking a space-saving computing solution will love the micro desktop’s simple and streamlined design, engineered to blend in with other household devices without cluttering your space. You can boot up in seconds and quickly access data with a responsive, reliable solid state drive, and enjoy lightning-fast access to websites, games and apps with the latest dual-core Intel Celeron or quad-core Intel Pentium processors. Other features include: Powered by Windows 10 Four USB ports and a 3-in-1 SD card reader HDMI and DisplayPort for easy multi-tasking Gigabit LAN, integrated Bluetooth and the latest long-range 802.11a/c wireless technology Pricing and Availability: The Dell Inspiron Micro Desktop starts from $229.99 USD. *Cortana available in select markets. **Windows Hello requires specialized hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices. Continue reading...

Today, we’re talking all about getting faster access to your favorite apps with the Start menu! With the Start menu, you can pin your go-to apps and files, get updated info from Live Tiles – like weather and headlines, so you don’t even need to open the app – and more! Here are a few ways you can customize it. Pin your favorite content so it’s always at the ready https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/bb4bba7b6a3bf09bf9c7126d97b59680.gif Easily pin or unpin apps to the Start menu by dragging and dropping an app from list, or by right-clicking and selecting “Pin to Start.” After that, you can click and drag to move apps around or right-click the app to resize. Live Tiles will even surface updates so you can stay up to speed without having to open the app. Organize into groups so you can easily find what you’re looking for https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/210d33a998591a390312c64d32b56c78.gif Simply drag and drop an app on the Start menu to create and name a new group of apps. Change the tile colors https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/78aa5be6563cb6616a93a0fa43daf526.gif Head to Settings > Personalization > Colors to choose a new color for all your tiles. Easily show or hide apps https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/fc35067b01e75224e019dcce0f1d17d4.gif You can personalize your apps list by going to Settings > Personalization > Start and choosing “Show most used apps” or “Show recently added apps.” Check out last week’s Windows 10 Tip: How to set up Windows Hello on your PC. Have a great week! Continue reading...

Premium Edition Bundle available now https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/4348cd6b665b7784c7351c288af06b73.jpg Forza fans on Windows 10 PC can now experience new content in Forza Motorsport 6: Apex, with the launch of the Forza Motorsport 6: Apex Premium Edition. Released today, the Premium Edition includes the base game of Forza Motorsport 6: Apex, along with three newly released content packs for the game; two car collections and a new track pack, bringing the legendary Nürburgring to the game. The Forza Motorsport 6: Apex Premium Edition is available either as a paid upgrade for current Apex players, or as a standalone bundle purchase for players who haven’t yet downloaded Apex before. The Forza Motorsport 6: Apex Premium Edition bundle, which features the full version of Apex along with all three content packs, is available now for $16.99. For a closer look at all three packs included as part of the Forza Motorsport 6: Apex Premium Edition, head over to Xbox Wire! Continue reading...

Today, we’re excited to announce that Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, the latest entry in one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, is now currently available in the Xbox and Windows Stores. Play Video Restricted Content Confirm your age to continue month JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember day 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 year 201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963196219611960195919581957195619551954195319521951195019491948194719461945194419431942194119401939193819371936193519341933193219311930192919281927192619251924192319221921192019191918191719161915191419131912191119101909190819071906190519041903190219011900 Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare returns to the roots of the franchise with large-scale war and a focus on cinematic, immersive military storytelling. Infinite Warfare will take players on an unforgettable journey as they engage in battles from Earth to beyond our atmosphere against a relentless enemy faction that threatens our very way of life. Starting today you can get Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare – Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Call of Duty Modern Warfare Remastered and the Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Season Pass for one great price. Head over to Xbox Wire to read more! Continue reading...

We hope you enjoyed this week’s episode of This Week on Windows! Head over here to read more about the launch of Minecraft: Education Edition or how you can get started with Windows Hello. Here’s what’s new in the Windows Store this week: Forza Horizon 3 – Alpinestars Car Pack – $6.99, or included in Forza Horizon 3 Car Pass The Alpinestars Car Pack brings seven new cars to Forza Horizon 3. Leading off the pack are a pair of beloved drifting legends, the 1998 Nissan Silvia K’s and the 1990 Mazda Savanna RX-7; two of the most requested cars in the Forza community. The Alpinestars Car Pack is included as part of the Forza Horizon 3 Car Pass, which is available for purchase in the Windows Store. Get Forza Horizon 3 here and read more over at Xbox Wire! Election 2016 Collection in the Windows Store https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/8b5fba788e8c8a4d6bfdde58f48ecaec.jpg Tuesday is the big day: after more than a year of campaigning, America will cast their votes and we’ll select a new president. In honor of the occasion, we’ve put together an Election Collection of apps so you can watch live, track the voting, and stay in the loop (even on the go) as the day unfolds. Here are a couple to get you started! CBS News https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/1541c686892069942e85f4db9a4a3a29.png CBS reporters will be across the country as the votes are cast and counted, so expect extensive coverage here on Election Day, along with national and international reports and programming. Enjoy live streaming of the 24/7 CBS News channel, too, and all regular CBS news and current affairs programming – from 60 Minutes and Face the Nation to the CBS Evening News. Twitter https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/e77ffc7bfe7c8a3faa0f938d0f52f36b.jpg Follow the national dialogue here on Election Day, with friends and neighbors, celebrities and national figures. It’s America’s water cooler, and there will be plenty of hopes, dreams, insight, updates and opinions expressed. And it’s a chance to put in your two cents, too! Batman: The Telltale Series – $4.99 an episode https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/f3ed0717a99f9c4d51e66d53b3c9173b.png From the award-winning creators of The Walking Dead comes Batman: The Telltale Series, a gritty, violent journey into the fractured psyche of the Caped Crusader’s alter ego, Bruce Wayne. In this interactive, episodic game series, based on DC Comics’ iconic Batman, your actions and choices will determine the fate of our hero – and you will discover the powerful and far-reaching consequences of your choices as the Dark Knight. Get Episode 1 today. Facebook Messenger – Free update https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/f8992aa7a85c6c3b0cde8c5e19ba5e5b.png Facebook Messenger has been keeping Facebook friends in touch for a long time, but now you can message anyone in your phone book from your PC – just enter a number to add a new contact. Best of all, talk to each other or start a group call with voice and video – and talk for as long as you want, even with people in other countries. Make calls even to Messenger users on other platforms. Alicia Keys, HERE – Buy for $9.99 https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/44d16d4b9c9db33379ff88ccafd35772._.jpg Alicia Keys’ new album, HERE, is out today and available in the Windows Store. You can buy the album for $9.99 or listen free with a free 30-day trial of Groove Music Pass.** Have a great weekend! *30-day trial continues to a paid monthly subscription unless cancelled. Credit card required. Groove Music Pass sold separately and in select markets. Catalog size and availability varies by market and over time. Continue reading...

We said “hello” this week to some new team members, including Microsoft Teams, “Minecraft: Education Edition” and Microsoft PowerApps and Flow, met Microsoft employees and the people they help through the Microsoft Giving Campaign, and ushered in new era of open source hardware development at cloud speed. BAM! Microsoft Teams, a chat-based workspace in Office 365, debuted in preview. Most of us work in teams, but we’re not always together in the same place at the same time. That’s why it’s great to have our own chat-based digital workspace with Microsoft Teams, announced this week as part of Office 365. “We believe it is the digital cockpit we’ve been waiting for,” said Andrew Wilson, CIO of Accenture, among the private companies that have been using Microsoft Teams. Skype is deeply integrated, so teams can participate in voice and video conferences. And everyone can add a taste of their own personality with emojis, stickers, GIFs and custom memes. Also now available is the Microsoft Teams Developer Preview for developers to integrate and showcase their offerings on this new, rich collaboration canvas. Classroom crafting: The full version of “Minecraft: Education Edition” became available for purchase in 11 languages and 50 countries around the world. The full version includes the Classroom Mode companion app, which enables educators to manage world settings, communicate with students, give items and teleport students in the Minecraft world. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/a56abf1f76e3914f2ae1357eed4d416a.png Students and teachers can explore and create new worlds in “Minecraft: Education Edition.” Now being served to serve you: Microsoft PowerApps and Flow. Microsoft PowerApps and Microsoft Flow, which can help transform business processes without the need for programming skills, are now generally available in 42 languages around the world. Microsoft PowerApps enables you to rapidly build web and mobile business applications without coding, and Microsoft Flow enables you to automate business processes through simple configuration. The services, along with Microsoft Power BI, are designed to work together and make it simple to get started and quickly achieve results. PowerApps and Flow will be included with Dynamics 365 and in the subscriptions of Office 365 Enterprise and Business Premium and Essentials users. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/01b459caa44d88410e7f701708844f12.png Microsoft PowerApps and Flow are now generally available in 42 languages. Microsoft’s Employee Giving Program rocks it again. Every year, Microsoft employees give generously of their time and money to help transform the lives of people like Kiara Blue. Blue was living “paycheck to paycheck” as she struggled to get ahead with a career. She found help through Year Up, a nonprofit supported by individual employees through the Microsoft Employee Giving Program as well as Microsoft Philanthropies. Year Up provides low-income young people a year of professional skills training, internships and other development opportunities, and it’s one of more than 31,000 nonprofits that Microsoft employees have supported since 1983. Jacky Wright, Microsoft’s Seattle-based vice president of IT Strategic Services, mentored Blue as she worked her way through the program. “The ability for me to be a role model, to move the dial and expose young adults to this world – possibly one that could lead to rich careers that are a way out for people born less fortunate – that is really important to me,” Wright says. Microsoft matches each employee’s donations to nonprofits and contributes $25 for every hour an employee volunteers. The program has brought more than $1 billion to nonprofits’ efforts to help people around the globe and raised a record-setting $125 million last year alone. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/d14e15e0fd67934a11c7a8fd06248569.png Kiara Blue, left, and Jacky Wright of Microsoft, who was Blue’s mentor in the Year Up program. (Photo by Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures Project Olympus to usher in new era of open source hardware development at cloud speed. Project Olympus, Microsoft’s next generation hyperscale cloud hardware design, and a new model for open source hardware development with the Open Compute Project community, was introduced in collaboration with the Open Compute Project this week at “Zettastructure: The European Digital Infrastructure Summit” in London. “Microsoft is opening the door to a new era of open source hardware development,” says Bill Carter, chief technology officer of the Open Compute Project Foundation. Microsoft Research Asia released a graph that helps machines conceptualize more like people. A team of scientists from Microsoft Research Asia, Microsoft’s research lab in Beijing, China, announced the public release of the Microsoft Concept Graph, designed to help computers conceptualize in a humanlike fashion. The graph is a massive graph of concepts – more than 5.4 million and growing – that machine-learning algorithms are culling from billions of web pages and years’ worth of anonymized search queries. All of this is important because knowledge graphs, such as this one, are a major component of ongoing efforts in industry and academia to computationally simulate human thinking, which computer scientists argue is a hallmark of true artificial intelligence. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/cd7a97f1bc03d865ae1f9f26e8a6e04b.jpg From left, Lei Ji, Jun Yan and Dawei Zhang of Microsoft Research Asia were key players in the development of Microsoft Concept Graph. (Photo credit: Microsoft.) Sausage, cars and Paint 3D. No, it’s not an answer to a “Jeopardy” question, but some of the goodies to check out. Animated feature “Sausage Party,” in which a lone sausage learns the awful truth about what happens when food leaves the grocery store, is in the Movies & TV section of the Windows Store now, a week before it’s available on Blu-ray. The “Forza Horizon 3” Alpinestars Car Pack brings seven new cars, including a pair of beloved drifting legends, the 1998 Nissan Silvia K’s and the 1990 Mazda Savanna RX-7. And take a look at the five features you’ll love in Paint 3D, including how easy it is to create in 3D and to bring your ideas to life with 3D Doodle. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/893c4c70ea3e99ce2ae3c4569adedd54.gif That’s it for Weekend Reading! Join us back here next week, same time, same place. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/a5dfa9af15ad06d9f0955d883cc1cb76.png Posted by Suzanne Choney Microsoft News Center Staff The post Microsoft Teams, ‘Minecraft: Education Edition,’ Microsoft PowerApps and Flow – oh, my! It’s Weekend Reading, Nov. 4 edition appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

Windows 10 players can now get a taste of the epic automotive adventure that is Forza Horizon 3 with the launch of the Windows 10 demo of Forza Horizon 3. Starting today, the Forza Horizon 3 Windows 10 PC demo is available in the Windows Store for no additional charge. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/266d5e7c8a6ebba630ddad9c2e4e29f4.jpg In Forza Horizon 3, you’re the boss of the Horizon Festival – the biggest and best cars and music festival in the world. Your goal is to expand the festival to new locations throughout Australia and you’ll get your first taste of what that experience is like in the demo. Along the way, you’ll be able to explore a portion of Forza Horizon 3’s map, while taking a guided tour through some of the best features that the game has to offer. Xbox One Demo in HDR In addition to the release of the Forza Horizon 3 demo for Windows 10 PC, today we’re releasing an update for the Forza Horizon 3 Xbox One demo. This update will add HDR support to the demo, giving players on Xbox One S (and viewing on an HDR display) the ability to experience the fun and beauty of the Forza Horizon 3 demo in all its HDR glory. The Forza Horizon 3 demo for Windows 10 PC is now available on the Windows Store. Get the demo here and read more over at Xbox Wire! Continue reading...

Hello Windows Insiders! Today we are excited to be releasing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 14959 for Mobile and PC to Windows Insiders in the Fast ring. The Windows 10 Creators Update Last week, we held an event in New York to share our aspiration to empower a new wave of creativity with the Windows 10 Creators Update and new devices such as the Surface Studio and Surface Dial. You can catch up on all the details on the things we announced at the event by checking out this blog post from Terry Myerson. As I mentioned last week, Windows is an iceberg, the features that people “see” are quite a small percent of the engineering work that we do to enable new UI to be visible. Windows Insiders running the latest builds have already been trying out the Creators Update – including last week’s build (Build 14955). The new and exciting visible features you saw shown off at the event will start rolling out in builds in the coming weeks. Features such as the Paint 3D Preview are now available for Insiders to try right now! We’re excited to get more of the new Creators Update features in the hands of Insiders in the next couple of months. What’s new in Build 14959 Unified Update Platform: This build for Mobile is being published using our new update publishing system called Unified Update Platform (UUP). For more information on UUP – check out this blog post from Bill. Controlling the Display Scaling of your Virtual Machines (PC): We’ve heard your feedback that Hyper-V Virtual Machines sometimes aren’t scaled as you’d expect, so we’ve added a new Zoom option in the View menu, where you can override the default scaling and set it to 100, 125, 150 or 200 – whichever matches your preference. Along the way, we also fixed an issue where certain VMs wouldn’t display the remote desktop connection bar after entering full screen mode. We are still refining the experience so there might be some rough edges. For example, although we added zoom levels to handle high DPI more gracefully, when zooming you won’t be able to see the VM’s whole screen without scrolling. Other improvements and fixes for PC We fixed an issue for Insiders resulting in the automatic brightness setting unexpectedly being turned off after upgrading. In doing so, we’ve re-enabled automatic brightness adjust for users that have never changed their auto-brightness setting. If you have already manually configured your auto-brightness setting, then this fix will not affect you. If you would like to enable or disable automatic brightness adjustment, please go to Settings > System > Display, where you can adjust your preferences. We fixed an issue Insiders on domain connected PCs may have experienced where login might fail when the computer was disconnected from its domain network. We fixed an issue resulting in certain apps, such as Outlook Mail and Calendar, failing to update for some Insiders with the error code 0x800700B7. We fixed an issue for Insiders with certain device models where ejecting an SD card might result in a system crash. We fixed an issue where disliking one of the Spotlight lock screen images would show the new image immediately, followed by a transition animation from the previous image to the new image. We fixed an issue where launching an app from another app while in Tablet mode no longer launched it side by side, and instead launched it fullscreen (for example, when launching a web link from the MSN News app). Other improvements and fixes for Mobile The data usage page in Settings via Settings > Network & wireless > Data usage has been updated with performance and UI improvements. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/b47edab7a0ede37aeea1496fa482f5ec.png We fixed issues preventing Insiders from adding cards to Wallet and paying using tap to pay. We fixed an issue resulting in being unexpectedly able to close Start in the task switcher. We fixed an issue resulting in certain options for default calling app via Settings > System > Phone > Default apps from being unexpectedly missing. We fixed an issue causing apps that play media in the background, such as Groove Music, to stop when Battery Saver turns on. We fixed an issue Insiders may have experienced where the phone would get into a state where copy/paste wouldn’t work until the device had been restarted. We fixed an issue where Settings might hang after unchecking “Let apps automatically use this VPN connection” in VPN Settings. Known issues for PC If you have a 3rd party antivirus product installed on your PC – your PC might not be able to complete the update to this build and roll-back to the previous build. We’re aware of an issue where Internet Explorer may crash a few seconds after launch and working. Known issues for Mobile If you used the previous ‘date change’ workaround to update to Build 14951 or Build 14955: Please don’t use it any longer! The Microsoft account (MSA) ticket on your device needs to expire and then you’ll be offered today’s build. If you changed your date by 30 years… you’ll want to do a device reset. You will be unable to install additional languages, keyboards, and speech packs on your phone for the next few weeks. If you have existing languages, keyboards, and speech packs installed – they will carry over when you update to new builds. You just can’t install any new ones. If you do a hard reset of your phone on these builds – you will also be unable to install additional languages, keyboards, and speech packs. You can use Windows Device Recovery Tool to go back to Windows Phone 8.1 or Windows 10 Mobile, install any languages, keyboards, and speech packs you need and then update to the latest build in the Fast ring as a workaround. November 2016 Bug Bash begins next week! We are moving the Bug Bash start date up to Monday, November 7th 12:01 AM PST. We wanted to give you, Windows Insiders, and our Windows Engineers the same dates for finding bugs (in the past our engineers started a day early)! We will start the Bug Bash on Build 14959 that is being released today so you can have time to get your PC’s and phones updated prior to the Bug Bash so you can start Quests as soon as they are published. The Bug Bash will still finish at the end of the day on Sunday, November 13th (PST). Our whole team will be bug bashing with some fun events in-house and we are looking forward to seeing a lot of participation from Insiders! If you have ideas on what Quests you will like to see for the Bug Bash, let us know! Team Updates We just returned from our Ignite NZ adventure! It was amazing to meet so many Windows Insiders and receive so much love from the amazing community down in New Zealand. Many of you have been asking for us to share our content so here you go: my keynote on tech innovation, Jeremiah Marble’s and my Co-Create Community, Katharane Holdsworth’s Inside Windows Insider Program and an interview with Kyle Drunkerley, one of our Insiders in an Insider Interview. We have LOVED hearing about the Windows Insider started Create-A-Thons. There is one in planning stages in Wellington for December, tentatively called a Sheep-A-Thon! If you’d like to get involved, please reach out to Callum. If you’d like to have your own Create-A-Thon, please grab the DIY kit and let us know so we can amplify and support! We are gearing up for the MVP Summit starting on Monday where we are planning to have several Insider events, including a keynote kicking off Monday morning by Bill Karagounis, Jeremiah Marble and me talking about our program and community. Thank you everyone and keep hustling, Dona <3 Continue reading...

We’ve updated over 400 million devices running Windows 10 to date and release new builds to Windows Insiders nearly every week. That is pretty incredible if you think about where we were just 2 years ago. But we know we can do even better! Our customers have told us they would like updates to be more seamless, that they’d like more control over the timing of when updates are installed, that they’d like updating to require less local processing and thus improve battery life, and that they’d like download sizes to be reduced. We’re working on all of the above. In the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, we added active hours and improved the control capabilities for our customers. In the next Windows 10 update, we’ll be improving that and more. Today, we are ready to roll out to our Windows Insiders an improvement that works across PC, tablet, phone, IoT, and HoloLens. We are announcing the next generation of our delivery technologies incorporated into our latest Insider builds called the Unified Update Platform (UUP). One of the biggest community and customer benefits of UUP is the reduction you’ll see in download size on PCs. We have converged technologies in our build and publishing systems to enable differential downloads for all devices built on the Mobile and PC OS. A differential download package contains only the changes that have been made since the last time you updated your device, rather than a full build. As we rollout UUP, this will eventually be impactful for PCs where users can expect their download size to decrease by approximately 35% when going from one major update of Windows to another. We’re working on this now with the goal of supporting this for feature updates after the Windows 10 Creators Update; Insiders will see this sooner. We have also revamped how devices check for updates, making them more efficient. As we move to UUP, we are reducing the update data sent to client devices as well as the amount of processing we are doing on devices, this especially important for devices built on the Mobile OS. Using UUP, when your device checks for updates, the Windows Update service will evaluate which updates are needed by a given device. The Windows Update service then returns these updates to the device for download and install. Because more processing is being done by the service, this will lead to faster checks for update operations. It’s important to note that with UUP, nothing will look or behave differently on the surface, UUP is all underlying platform and service optimization that happens behind the scenes. We’ve also taken concepts that existed in the PC world and have extended them to Mobile. As you may have noticed in the past, PC flights update to the latest build in one operation, regardless of what base build you are currently running, yet that’s not how it worked for the Mobile OS. On your phone, we would sometimes require you to install in two-hops (updates) to get current. With UUP, we now have logic in the client that can automatically fallback to what we call a “canonical” build, allowing you to update your phone in one-hop, just like the PC. We’re excited to start using UUP to release new builds to Windows Insiders. We plan to roll-out UUP in stages – starting today for Mobile devices. We expect to start using UUP for PC Insider builds later this year and then IoT and HoloLens shortly after. Our team is excited to begin publishing Mobile builds using UUP and seeing the results of a lot of hard work in unifying our update publishing platform for Windows. Thanks, Bill Continue reading...

https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/1b4888ccb5678ae69a52222a03b03492.gif Five new features in Paint 3D 3D Made Easy Remix3D.com Community Realistic Textures Unique MEME Creator 3D Doodle Our beloved Paint has gotten a major makeover, and it’s better than ever. In celebration, we are highlighting five of our favorite new features. 3D Made Easy Manipulate shape and color in a whole new dimension with the easy and simplicity of the Paint we know and love. You can even change a 2D image into a 3D object. Start by creating objects, which you can rotate and see from every side, then add a splash of color with the new and improved brushes, such as transparent watercolor or oil brushes so real that you can see the paint smudging. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/190a02946c6321e1e85fd787ca2cb63a.gif Manipulate shape and color in a whole new dimension Find your inspiration with Remix3D.com Community Paint 3D allows you to easily pull from 3D art in Remix3D.com’s growing catalog for you to customize, edit, and share. Remix3D.com is your online home for 3D content and community. Connect with other creators, showcase your own creations and get inspired. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/1051cc25e4ad6bee6fe83e454245dfd4.gif Pull 3D art from Remix3D.com, like this patch of patch Realistic Textures Add fantastic new textures or materials such as sparkling gold, stained hardwood, or soft grass to your creations and watch them pop! Make any object come to life. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/1bc7f1711de3f464713dead1fdec0452.gif Add realistic textures to any object to make them come to life Unique MEME Creator Personalize shapes with 3D stickers or even wrap your own photos around objects. Stickers automatically wrap around 3D objects and contour to fit. Have fun applying pictures of friends to 3D figurines and emojis. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/96677d9f3345220c5728527757dfcb18.gif Add stickers that automatically contour to fit 3D objects Bring your ideas to life with 3D Doodle Doodle like never before. In the new Paint, your doodles will jump into 3D. You can even take your drawings for a spin and view them from every side. Let your imagination break free. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/39c9059458eb3876bd17841836780950.gif Use 3D Doodle to draw puffy clouds Jump In Paint can do a lot more than it used to. These are just five of our favorite features, but with a little digging you’ll discover tons more. Jump in and explore. To get started, sign up on Remix3D.com and download the Paint 3D Preview. Continue reading...

Calling all fans of racing, cars and everything in between – your Australian adventure is about to get a whole lot cooler! As shared on Xbox Wire, Forza franchise developer Turn 10 Studios is proud to announce that Forza Horizon 3 is this year’s best-selling, highest rated racing game which further strengthens Forza as the most successful racing franchise on any platform this generation. Thanks to the biggest Forza launch to date, more than five million fans played Forza games in September on Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs. Arriving today is the Alpinestars Car Pack, which brings seven new cars to Forza Horizon 3. Arriving today is the Alpinestars Car Pack, which brings seven new cars to Forza Horizon 3. Leading off the pack are a pair of beloved drifting legends, the 1998 Nissan Silvia K’s and the 1990 Mazda Savanna RX-7; two of the most requested cars in the Forza community. The Alpinestars Car Pack also features a chunk of Australian racing history in the Ford Falcon XR GT, a street-legal racer in Dodge Viper ACR, and more. The Alpinestars Car Pack is included as part of the Forza Horizon 3 Car Pass, which is available for purchase in the Microsoft Store. Players can also get the pack as a standalone purchase for $6.99 and you can learn more about this month’s car pack partner at alpinestars.com. In addition, a new expansion is coming to Forza Horizon 3! Check out a sneak peek below. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/afff0f7e5a5387d434528f057e1c029a.jpg The Forza Horizon 3 Expansion Pass is available at $34.99 for discounted access to two future expansions. Ultimate Edition owners will receive a discount of $10 on the Forza Horizon 3 Expansion Pass if purchased before the end of 2016. Be sure to check out Xbox Wire for more details! Continue reading...

Today, we are excited to announce that the full version of Minecraft: Education Edition is now available for purchase in 11 languages and 50 countries around the world. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/17e5689006938baec39ecde58129571d.png The full version of Minecraft: Education Edition includes the Classroom Mode companion app, enabling educators to manage world settings, communicate with students, give items and teleport students in the Minecraft world. Classroom Mode offers educators the ability to interact with students and manage settings from a central user interface. We’re also continuing to update Minecraft: Education Edition to include new game features from other editions of Minecraft. In the official version, available now, all the latest updates to Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition beta will be included. Those new to using Minecraft in the classroom should also check out education.minecraft.net, which includes tutorials, lesson plans, starter worlds, a place for educators to collaborate on using Minecraft in education and the Minecraft Mentors program, which connects educators with others experienced in teaching with Minecraft. The complete version of Minecraft: Education Edition is now available to purchase for $5 per user, per year, or through a Microsoft education volume licensing discount. Head over to the new education.minecraft.net to sign up for updates and read more over at the Mojang blog! Continue reading...

Today, Alcatel announced the IDOL 4S with Windows 10 smartphone, featuring powerhouse flagship mobile specs, an in-box VR experience and innovative Windows 10 capabilities including Continuum*, Cortana** and Windows Hello***. The IDOL 4S will be available at T-Mobile stores starting next week. The flexible IDOL 4S with Windows 10 is built for professionals, gamers and general tech enthusiasts alike. It comes with a premium dual-glass and metal-framed design and all the productivity features you need, such as Continuum, which puts PC-like productivity right in your pocket. With Continuum, you can connect your IDOL 4S with Windows 10 to a second screen, keyboard and mouse for a seamless desktop experience. A fingerprint reader below the camera allows you to login easily and more securely with Windows Hello. Each IDOL 4S with Windows 10 comes packaged with virtual reality goggles included as part of the in-box bundle. The headset is designed so that the phone snaps into the goggles for an user-friendly virtual reality experience where you can play three dimensional games or watch 360 degree videos. When you buy an IDOL 4S, you’ll also receive a free 45-day trial for Hulu Plus, an additional 30-day trial for Groove Music and a free copy of the Windows 10 Mobile game Halo: Spartan Assault. Click to view slideshow. The IDOL 45 with Windows 10 includes: Windows 10 Mobile, including access to Continuum and Microsoft Office apps A fingerprint sensor that enables Windows Hello for added convenience and security In-box virtual reality bundle included Brilliant 5.5-inch Full-HD (1920×1080) AMOLED display that delivers a great viewing experience, even in direct sunlight Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor (2×2.15GHz + 2×1.6GHz) with Adreno 530 GPU for smooth multitasking and video processing 21MP main camera with Sony IMX230 sensor + 8MP front camera with 84-degree wide angle lens 3000mAh Battery for up to 20 hours of talk time and USB-C charging featuring Quick Charge 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM (with MicroSD support up to 128GB) Dual 1.2W multi-directional speaker featuring Hi-Fi audio for a more immersive sound experience Pricing and availability: The IDOL 4S with Windows 10 will be available at T-Mobile stores nationwide for $469.99, beginning November 10. Head over to Alcatel’s website for more information and full product specifications on the new IDOL 4S with Windows 10! *Feature requires Continuum-compatible accessories, all sold separately. External monitor must support HDMI input. **Cortana available in select markets. ***Windows Hello requires specialized hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices. Continue reading...

Since the global financial crisis of 2008, many countries have struggled to return to strong economic growth. Nonetheless, small and midsize businesses (SMB) continue to be an engine for economic growth. According to the International Organization for Standardization, SMBs are responsible for 50% of worldwide economic output. Business owners are all over the map when it comes to their needs and level of understanding, so Microsoft’s vision is to create technology that allows you, the small business owner, to do more. We have worked with partners like Toshiba to create devices that run all the required apps, like Office and QuickBooks, so you can focus on running your business. Like so many small-business owners, chiropractor David Kirdahy’s most precious commodity is time. For more than 30 years, Kirdahy has provided chiropractic medicine through his Seattle practice, Pinehurst Chiropractic Clinic. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/aa8681cd628467ae1b8bd52d770a03e4.jpg David Kirdahy at Pinehurst Chiropractic Clinic. “I’ve worked on people who eventually become grandmothers, then I end up working with their children — and even their children’s children,” says Kirdahy. Building that doctor-patient relationship is among Kirdahy’s top priorities, which is one of the reasons he uses the Toshiba Portégé Z20t 2-in-1 detachable PC with Windows 10 Pro. It’s imperative that the technology he uses is dependable and unobtrusive, so he can spend more of his time and attention on his patients. While meeting with patients, Kirdahy records information exclusively on his Portégé Z20t with Windows 10 Pro. Having the ability to take notes with Windows Ink and the touchscreen Wacom digitizer offers the “best of both worlds.” It is a solution that helps the clinic stay compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, without being overly intrusive to doctor-patient interactions. Time is also of the essence for AroKandela, a Japanese manufacturer of candles and other aroma products. Wanting to expand beyond brick-and-mortar retail, AroKandela began selling its products at local trade shows, but found that setting up cash registers was cumbersome and time-consuming. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/d0d488ffe4dc925f569821dfab9fccd7.jpg AroKandela, a Japanese manufacturer of candles and other aroma products Now with Windows 10 on the Toshiba Portégé Z20t, setup is intuitive and takes a fraction of the time. Everything the sales staff needs is on one device, and the flexibility of the hardware and software make it easy to detach the tablet’s touchscreen to show customers the company’s entire inventory on the AroKandela website. For Paul Clark, owner of WalkThrough Media, the ability to capture and produce multimedia content on the go is one of the biggest assets of Windows 10 Pro and his Portégé Z20t. Clark travels throughout Washington’s Puget Sound area, producing video tours and photography services to real estate agents. With the Wacom digitizer, he can easily retouch photos and edit video footage of properties, and with Skype and Windows Ink, he can interact with agents in real time and respond to their feedback while still onsite. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/4a1e56188412f71ef4117e98975fec11.jpg Paul Clark, owner of WalkThrough Media In describing the experience of Windows 10 and the Portégé Z20T, Clark says, “It’s not just a replacement for a desktop. It’s a platform for expansion.” Breakthroughs like cloud computing have opened the door to new opportunities for how small business owners can get things done. Our goal at Microsoft is to bring you features that take advantage of those breakthroughs so you can devote more energy to your business and your customers, instead of your technology. Thanks to features such as Windows Ink and Touch, there are already more than 400 million Windows 10 devices active monthly, making this version of Windows the fastest growing ever. With more innovations in the pipeline, you can expect a PC experience that’s more personal and productive. Much like the Portégé Z20T, Toshiba’s Portégé Z30t offers a highly portable platform for Windows 10 Pro, making it the device of choice for Magnus Mårtensson, founder and CEO of Loftysoft AB, an IT consulting firm based in Malmo, Sweden. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/806f49f977cd759ccfb3a180c987facf.jpg Magnus Mårtensson, founder and CEO of Loftysoft AB Mårtensson travels the world, helping companies build IT solutions based on the Microsoft Azure Cloud Platform. As such, it’s important that his computer be highly portable, so he can stay productive while traveling by train or airplane. Even more critical is the need for enterprise-grade security features that offer comprehensive protection of client data. With the Portégé Z30t and Windows 10 Pro, Mårtensson can take advantage of the biometric authentication features in Windows Hello, along with Windows Bitlocker Drive Encryption. Combined, they offer a safer and more secure platform for getting things done on the go. Seamus Conlan is also a fan of Windows 10 security features available on his Portégé Z30t. As the CEO of his own IT consultancy, the Boru Group, Conlan shares many of Mårtensson’s challenges and concerns about protecting data and remaining productive on the road. He also needs enough power to handle heavy duty applications such as Microsoft Dynamics, SQL Server and Power BI, which are central to the Boru Group’s specialty in building infrastructure and project management solutions. Along with Windows Hello and Bitlocker, single sign-on and Windows Update for Business ensure that Conlan’s computer is loaded with the most recent security updates and features, providing Boru Group and its clients with greater piece of mind. For more information on the benefits of Windows 10 for small businesses, please visit https://business.microsoft.com. For more information on Toshiba visit us.toshiba.com. Continue reading...

Did you know that with Windows Hello, you can sign into your Windows 10 devices* in less than two seconds**? Windows Hello uses biometric sensors to recognize your face or fingerprint instantly and unlocks your device without needing a password. To get started, check to see if your device works with Windows Hello: https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/2da94c2bd7c828bc1ad5a7e9219936f9.gif Go to Windows Settings (or simply type Windows key + I) > select Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello If it doesn’t, you have a couple of options. Consider buying a new PC, fingerprint accessory or camera accessory so that you can use the facial unlock or biometric security capabilities of Windows Hello. Here’s how to set up Windows Hello: https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/4d945bb871aa36c630dcb17f93563a57.gif Open the Settings menu (or simply type Windows key + I). Go to Accounts > Sign-in options > Set up > Get started. Type in your PIN when asked, or create one if you don’t have one already. You can always keep and use your PIN as a backup if you need. To set up face recognition, keep looking at the screen. For fingerprint recognition, touch or swipe the finger you want to register on the sensor. You can also improve face recognition, add, or remove additional fingerprints, at any time, from the same place. Share your PC? Here’s how to add multiple profiles: https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/770817c2df9f6c4054ee2d2e433f7757.gif Open the Settings menu and go to Accounts > Family & other people. Select “Add a family member” or “Add someone else to this PC,” and type in their Microsoft account email address. Sign out from your account and ask the other person to sign in. They will be prompted to set up a new profile, including setting up Windows Hello. Head over here to learn more about Windows Hello, or how Windows Hello protects your privacy. Have a great week! * Windows Hello requires specialized hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices. ** Based on average time comparison between typing a password respectively detecting a face or fingerprint to authentication success. Continue reading...

After a rewarding journey hand-in-hand with the many customers and partners who participated in our preview programs (thank you!), we’re excited to announce the general availability of Microsoft PowerApps and Microsoft Flow. Beginning Tuesday, both services will be available to users around the world and in 42 languages. Both PowerApps and Flow will be included with Dynamics 365 and in the subscriptions of millions of Office 365 Enterprise and Business Premium and Essentials users. PowerApps and Flow join Microsoft Power BI to create what we on the team refer to as the power trio. Collectively they allow “power users” (read: non-developers) to get done what would have in the past required programming skills, with each playing a specific role: Microsoft PowerApps – rapidly build web and mobile business applications without coding Microsoft Flow – automate business processes through simple configuration Microsoft Power BI – analyze and visualize the data that drives your business These services are designed to work together and each embodies our “five seconds to sign up, five minutes to wow!” mantra – meaning it’s simple to get started and quickly achieve results. But don’t let the simplicity fool you – these services are incredibly powerful, and by harnessing the power of the Microsoft Cloud, we believe they will allow our partners and customers to transform their business processes in a way that was previously too difficult, too costly or both. In fact, we’re already seeing it happen – more on that below. PowerApps now also includes the Common Data Service, a unifying backbone for your business data. The Common Data Service stores your key business data in a secure Microsoft Azure-hosted database, organizing it in a standardized but extensible form – customer, lead, opportunity, employee, invoice, inventory item, product, task, contact, calendar and so on. This standardization makes it easy to create new applications and workflows that derive value from your data. And PowerApps, Flow and Power BI are natively aware of this common data model, making it that much easier. In addition to their standalone value, PowerApps and Flow work together with Microsoft Office 365 and Dynamics 365, and through a large and growing family of built-in connectors with hundreds of other popular business applications and database systems. You can even connect to applications and data residing at your own facilities through the on-premise data gateway. Through these integrations, users can easily build applications and orchestrate workflows spanning business processes and joining data previously locked up in silos. Our family of power services is backed by the full power of Microsoft Azure. Not only are these services hosted on Azure, but they are integrated and composable with our professional developer, integration, and analytics offerings on Azure. For example, a developer might build an Azure Function using Java or Python that can serve as a building block used by a PowerApps creator. A professional integrator can create a workflow hosted on an on-premises Microsoft BizTalk Server triggered by a Microsoft Flow, via our cloud-to-on-premises gateway. This ability for power users and professional developers to work collaboratively to solve business problems is a unique and powerful hallmark of our business application platform. But the most exciting part of the platform is what we’re seeing you, our partners and customers, doing with it! We introduced the public preview of PowerApps and Flow in April. In the six months since, we have seen an exploding community of application creators emerge – over 160,000 users from 71,000 organizations in 145 countries have created web and mobile applications and automated their own workflows. Here are two examples I really enjoyed learning about: Integrated Power Systems (IPS), an industry leader in electric motor upkeep, used PowerApps to completely reimagine how they run their business – from delivering quotes to their customers to automating their core electric motor inspection and repair processes. “In collaboration with our trusted Microsoft partner we reimagined our previous data collection, work logging and report generation processes, improving productivity by an estimated 15 percent in the factories that have implemented the PowerApps-based solution,” said Scott Melzer, vice president of IT and Purchasing at IPS. TransAlta, a multi-national energy company headquartered in Alberta, Canada, used PowerApps in combination with Azure and Microsoft SharePoint to create a decision-making tool which can calculate the economic viability of sending an immediate response to service requests outside their core operating hours. “Not only have we solved an important business problem, we have delivered the solution at a fraction of the traditional IT project cost – both from an implementation and a TCO perspective. The solution paid for itself in a mere two weeks!” said Nipa Chakravarti, Vice President of Information Technology at TransAlta. In addition to customers, we’ve seen our partner ecosystem deeply engage with PowerApps and Flow during the preview. In a new solution catalog we’re also launching today you can find solutions our partners have built for assisted sales, employee onboarding, quality control and many more. On behalf of the entire team, I want to thank all of our 160,000+ creators and partners who’ve helped steer our development efforts. Your feedback has been invaluable! But we’re just getting started. Please keep the feedback flowing. We’re building this for you and driving our development decisions based on your guidance. For more information, please visit the follow resources: Microsoft Flow Read more about the new capabilities in Microsoft Flow Sign up for Microsoft Flow and start automating your own workflows Microsoft PowerApps Read more about what’s new in the PowerApps Sign up to start building and using apps The post Microsoft PowerApps and Flow are generally available starting tomorrow appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

We hope you enjoyed this week’s episode of This Week on Windows! This week, we’re all about the Microsoft Windows 10 Event. Keep reading to catch up on everything we announced. The Windows 10 Creators Update – coming early 2017 Coming as a free update early next year to the more than 400 million devices running Windows 10 the Creators Update will bring 3D and mixed reality to everyone, empower every gamer to be a broadcaster, connect people faster to those they care about most, and much more. Surface Studio, Surface Dial and a new Surface Book Introducing Microsoft Surface Studio. Turn your desk into a Studio with a brilliant screen for your ideas. #MicrosoftEvent pic.twitter.com/oqCDOlP9OW — Surface (@surface) October 26, 2016 From the beginning, our Surface journey has been about empowering people to work and create in new ways. This week, we introduced Surface Studio, a new class of device that transforms from a desktop PC into a powerful digital canvas. The new Surface Book i7 delivers unmatched graphics & up to 16 hours of battery life. Preorder now: https://t.co/Eon1vVm5D2 #MicrosoftEvent pic.twitter.com/cfAQ1jwKo2 — Surface (@surface) October 26, 2016 We announced the Surface Dial, new input device designed for the creative process. And we released the Surface Book with Performance Base, the most powerful Surface Book yet with 16 hours of battery life and more than twice the GPU processing power than the original Surface Book in the same sleek, versatile design. All of the new Surface devices we announced this week are available to pre-order here! 3D for everyone We introduced a new way to bring your ideas to life with Paint 3D, your new 3D art studio, and the new online community Remix3D.com, connecting creators and creations around the world. Remix 3D will enable all new scenarios for creators to share their 3D creations broadly with the Remix 3D community. You can learn more about 3D in Windows 10 in this blog post or at Remix3D.com, and you’re welcome to start creating and sharing in Paint 3D today by joining the Windows Insider Program at insider.Windows.com. Office apps will support 3D models and add new inking features https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/ad343fc7427b6eb38cf7bf0bd32f5f82.gif The Windows 10 Creators Update is bringing new features to Office apps, including support for 3D models and new inking capabilities. With PowerPoint on Windows 10, you’ll be able to add 3D models to bring your presentations to life and you will be able to change perspectives of 3D models by rotating in three dimensions and apply transitions like Morph to apply cinematic 3D animation. The new inking capabilities announced today in Office include Ink Editor in Word, which lets you use your digital pen intuitively to make changes directly in Word, making your pen a more powerful editing tool than ever. To learn more about these new features, visit the Office Blog. Every gamer becomes a broadcaster https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/f5450293835586acf348b9c2cdc97df4.jpg It’s going to be super easy for anyone to become a game broadcaster or watch live gameplay with Beam technology that we’re building into Windows 10 and Xbox One, and we’re adding custom, gamer-created tournaments to Arena on Xbox Live. So whether you’re playing on Xbox One or a Windows 10 PC, Xbox is bringing every player together to play, compete and broadcast. Learn more over at Xbox Wire! To learn more about this week’s news, head over to our blog post: “Ten things we announced today at Microsoft’s Windows 10 Event,” and have a great weekend! Continue reading...

We’re all creators, whether it means adding a personalized emoji to a message, dreaming up a new world in “Minecraft” or reimagining a remodel of a house or office. That’s why the announcement of the next Windows 10 update, Windows 10 Creators Update, was the big news of the week, but there was plenty more. Let’s go! Windows 10 Creators Update coming in early 2017: The free update to Windows 10 will bring 3D and mixed reality to everyone. The new Paint 3D will be an easy-to-use 3D art studio, with the new online community Remix3D.com connecting creators and creations around the world. Remix 3D also includes the ability for “Minecraft” players to share their 3D creations broadly with the Remix 3D community. The Windows 10 Creators Update will also offer the most powerful and affordable way to experience mixed reality. HP, Lenovo, Dell, Acer and ASUS will ship the first virtual reality (VR) headsets capable of mixed reality through the Creators Update. The headsets, which will start at $299, will be equipped with built-in sensors to enable inside-out, six-degrees of freedom for simplified setup and to enable you to more easily move around your home as you experience virtual worlds, with no markers required. New Surface Studio lets you turn your desk into a creative studio. It’s as elegant as it is inspired and inspiring. The Surface Studio, with a 28-inch PixelSense display, transforms from a workstation into a powerful digital canvas, unlocking a more natural and immersive way to create on the thinnest display ever built. With a 4.5k ultra HD screen, Surface Studio delivers 63 percent more pixels than a state-of-the-art 4k TV. Another Surface also made headlines: The Surface Book with Performance Base. There are three models to choose from, all with sixth-generation Intel Core i7 processors, and up to 16 hours of battery life. The all-around Surface Dial: Surface Dial is a new input device designed for the creative process, integrating with Windows 10 to work with any Surface device to deliver a faster and more intuitive way to scroll, zoom and navigate. It also enables experiences exclusive to Surface Studio, such as app-specific digital tools that let you quickly access shortcuts and move easily through your workflow. Artists, for example, can change the color or the size of their brush tips as they paint without ever moving the pen away from the screen. All gamers can be broadcasters: With the Windows 10 Creators Update, it will be easy for anyone to become a game broadcaster or watch live gameplay using the Beam technology that is being built into Windows 10 and Xbox One. “By bringing Beam to Xbox, we’re creating more interactive gaming experiences for both the player and the viewer on Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs, allowing you to watch live game streams and give you the ability to interact in real time with broadcasters,” said Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/e4dac474980b833a49d603ee4fbd6ffe.jpg Updated version of Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit released: Microsoft also made news beyond the big Windows 10 and Surface announcements. The updated toolkit is a system for deep learning that is used to speed advances in areas such as speech and image recognition and search relevance. Previously known as CNTK, the toolkit was initially developed by computer scientists at Microsoft who wanted a tool to do their own research more quickly and effectively. It quickly moved beyond speech and morphed into an offering that customers, including a leading international appliance maker, and Microsoft’s flagship product groups depend on for a wide variety of deep learning tasks. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/dda411fad5d1f68c288dfffe89400ce7.jpg Frank Seide, left, and Chris Basoglu, right, have been key to building Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit. (Photography by Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures) When data and IT geeks get together: PASS Summit 2016, the world’s largest technical training conference for Microsoft SQL Server and business intelligence (BI) professionals, also brought lots of announcements. Among them, Azure Analysis Services, a fully managed platform-as-a-service that enables developers and BI professionals to create BI semantic models that can power highly interactive and rich analytical experiences in BI tools such as Power BI and Excel, is in public preview. Also announced: A one-month, free trial of Azure SQL Data Warehouse is available for a limited time. Honored for his work to fight human trafficking: On Monday at the White House, Microsoft principal researcher Chris White received the 2016 Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons for his development of Memex, a suite of Internet tools to help local law enforcement agencies extract and visualize information about illicit activities, including human trafficking. White developed Memex when he was at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), before coming to Microsoft. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/ce8e297e0f509982f97bdb8a40979f3c.jpg Chris White is a principal researcher within Microsoft’s research organization. (Photography by Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures) This week on the Microsoft Facebook page, we streamed the Microsoft Event in New York via Facebook Live, the first Facebook Live event on our channel, making it possible for viewers around the world to tune in for the day’s announcements. The livestream had over 6,000 viewers tuning in, generating excitement and conversation for product announcements such as the Surface Studio and Surface Dial in real-time. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/af94bef6c48fef18d2e5e129a7aa08e6.png Not bad, for a week’s work https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/e87f38675fe8e82048ab2d1fe08ce2c3.png Rest up, and we’ll see you back here next Friday for another edition of Weekend Reading. Posted by Suzanne Choney Microsoft News Center Staff The post Windows 10 Creators Update and Surface Studio empower individual creativity, Surface Dial is an all-around nifty device, and every gamer can be a broadcaster – Weekend Reading, Oct. 28 edition appeared first on The Official Microsoft Blog. Continue reading...

Surface Studio turns your desk into a creative studio Surface Studio is a new class of device that transforms from a workstation into a powerful digital canvas, unlocking a more natural and immersive way to create on the thinnest display ever built. With a 4.5k ultra HD screen, Surface Studio delivers 63 percent more pixels than a state-of-the-art 4k TV. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/8bd0b27b892e06eabdebd9221c13b77a.gif Surface Studio starts at $2,999 USD and is available for pre-order today. Surface Dial – a new spin on creativity Surface Dial is a new peripheral designed for the creative process. It integrates with Windows 10 to work with any Surface device for a faster and more intuitive way to scroll, zoom and navigate. The Dial also enables a set of unique experiences exclusive to Surface Studio. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/71af257d76573d8e4172bb9973e2a150.png The Surface Dial is available for pre-order today for $99 USD. The most powerful Surface Book yet We introduced Surface Book with Performance Base, making the most powerful laptop in its class even better. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/06a0045929c3f7694a90fb1fc8fdd7df.gif The three new Surface Book models feature 6th Generation Intel Core i7 processors and pack more than twice the graphics processing power as the original Surface Book. Plus, it brings 16 hours of battery life* into the same sleek, versatile design people love. Surface Book with Performance Base starts at $2,399 USD and is available for pre-order today. The Windows 10 Creators Update The Windows 10 Creators Update is coming as a free update in early 2017. The Creators Update will enable anyone to create, share and experience in 3D and mixed reality, connect people faster to those they care about most and empower every gamer to be a broadcaster. And with the Creators Update, Microsoft Edge will be the first browser to bring 3D to the web. 3D for everyone We introduced a new way to bring your ideas to life with Paint 3D, your new 3D art studio. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/e398d5b92ab00a4a92a64baaaadfdb7b.gif We also introduced the new online community Remix3D.com, connecting creators and creations around the world. Remix 3D will enable all new scenarios for creators to share their 3D creations broadly with the Remix 3D community. Everyone is welcome to start creating and sharing in Paint 3D today by joining the Windows Insider Program at insider.Windows.com. You can learn more about 3D in Windows 10 in this blog post and at Remix3D.com. Office apps to support 3D models and add new inking features The Windows 10 Creators Update is bringing new features to Office apps, including support for 3D models and new inking capabilities. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/ad343fc7427b6eb38cf7bf0bd32f5f82.gif With PowerPoint on Windows 10, you will be able to add 3D models to bring your presentations to life and you will be able to change perspectives of 3D models by rotating in three dimensions and apply transitions like Morph to apply cinematic 3D animation. The new inking capabilities announced today in Office include Ink Editor in Word, which lets you use your digital pen intuitively to make changes directly in Word, making your pen a more powerful editing tool than ever. To learn more about these new features, visit the Office Blog. Bringing mixed reality to people everywhere https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/071c9ce152d6df20de9fe857b2da789a.jpg The Windows 10 Creators Update will be the most powerful and affordable way to experience mixed reality. Today we announced that HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Dell and Acer will ship the first VR headsets capable of mixed reality through the Creators Update. Coming in 2017, these accessories will contain built-in sensors to enable inside-out, six-degrees of freedom for simplified set-up and to more easily move around your home as you experience virtual worlds — no markers required. Every gamer becomes an in-game broadcaster https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/f5450293835586acf348b9c2cdc97df4.jpg We’re making it super easy for anyone to become a game broadcaster or watch live gameplay with Beam technology that we’re building into Windows 10 and Xbox One, and we’re adding custom, gamer-created tournaments to Arena on Xbox Live. So whether you’re playing on Xbox One or a Windows 10 PC, Xbox is bringing every player together to play, compete, and broadcast. You can learn more about today’s gaming news on Xbox Wire. A faster way to connect and share with people who matter most https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/828ce5011f4dda56c3d90355fb3430e2.gif With the Windows 10 Creators Update, we are putting the people you care about most at the center of your experience — right where they belong — with Windows MyPeople. With MyPeople, you will be able to pin your favorite contacts to the Windows task bar, and easily drag and drop any document, photo or video right on top of the contact for easy sharing. Stay tuned — this is just the beginning 3D and mixed reality for everyone, in-game broadcasting and MyPeople are just some of the new experiences coming to the Windows 10 Creators Update in early 2017. Additional productivity, creativity, security and gaming features will also be included and announced soon so stay tuned! *Surface Book with Performance Base features 16 hours of battery life for local video playback Continue reading...

Today, we unveiled our vision for bringing 3D to everyone — making it easy to capture, create and share in 3D. With the Windows 10 Creators Update, Microsoft introduced Paint 3D — your 3D art studio in Windows — and the online community Remix 3D, connecting creators and creations all over the world. Everyone is welcome to start creating and sharing in Paint 3D today by joining the Windows Insider Program at insider.windows.com. To learn more about 3D in Windows 10, go to www.Remix3D.com. Ideas are always driven by a spark of inspiration. Our spark began when my daughter Maddie — completely out of the blue — asked for a 3D printer as part of her Christmas wish list. I was surprised and curious and so I asked, “Maddie, what would you do with a 3D printer?” She responded with a wide range of ideas — from making tiny soaps to little creatures and even a dishwasher (ours was broken at the time)! I was struck with how powerful it could be to enable not just Maddie but anyone to move their ideas from their imagination to their screen and out into the world. Why 3D? As humans, we have long used our creativity for expression. To communicate and connect with one another, to solve problems, to tell our stories and to stimulate our minds. However, we’ve often been limited to a two-dimensional canvas and yet we live in a multi-dimensional world. 3D can better communicate ideas and expression, it accelerates comprehension because it’s much more representative of the world in which we live. It provides a richer canvas on which we can paint, and a bridge to connect our physical and digital worlds. That’s an incredible capability that will be available for free to 400 million Windows 10 users with the Windows 10 Creators Update. And here’s how it works Creating is easy with capture and Paint 3D We start by making creations as easy as taking a photo. The objects from our lives hold a special significance marking our history and memories. Capture objects from your world in 3D using the camera on your phone, available soon on Windows 10 Mobile devices, and coming to iOS and Android in the future. We are also making it easy to create in 3D from scratch. If you’re one of the 100+ million people who use and love Paint every month, you already know how easy it is. The same simple ethos that has always characterized Paint runs through the all new Paint 3D experience – allowing anyone to quickly and easily create in a new dimension. Your brushes now work directly on 3D and even your favorite photos become stickers on 3D models. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/6b9afea34d284021af536551682e43f8.jpg All-new Paint 3D user interface Connect with great content and community A big part of creativity is being inspired by the ideas of others. Remix 3D is a hub for connecting with content and creators including over a million 3D objects and models that you can repurpose for your own creations. Remix 3D will enable all new scenarios for creators, including the ability for Minecraft players to share their 3D creations broadly with the Remix 3D community in the future. Take a 3D emoji for example. Want to add some personal flair? Remix it with a stylish hat or stamp your individuality with colors and stickers (and unicorn horns of course!). With the Remix 3D community also built directly into Paint 3D, it’s incredibly easy to find what you want, remix it to make it your own, and share it back out for others to see. https://extremetechsupport.com/data/MetaMirrorCache/5060062c7ff24fa65e07383e5bca1138.jpg The all-new Community, www.Remix3D.com Millions of creations and creators with SketchUp It’s important that Remix 3D be a source for inspiration, a place where you can extend your creativity. That’s why we’re also excited to announce we are partnering with Trimble to bring the 3D modelling program SketchUp – and their millions of creators and creations from 3D Warehouse – to be a part of Remix 3D. Mixed-reality experiences across devices Windows 10 allows your 3D content to seamlessly flow not only across your screens, but also out into your world. Take an object from the real world, capture it in 3D, edit it in Paint 3D, share it out to the web, bring it back into your world as a hologram or take it into a virtual world. The barriers between the physical and the digital worlds are removed. In the apps you know and love Over the next year, we will bring 3D to a range of Office applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint expanding the creativity and visual impact you can bring to your documents, reports and presentations. Whether you’re adding one of your own creations or something from the Remix 3D community, 3D makes your content punchier and more persuasive. Get started now. Join the preview. You can be among the first to experience 3D in Windows 10 – and bring your ideas to life in 3D—by joining the Windows Insider Program at insider.windows.com. To learn more about 3D in Windows 10, visit Remix3D.com. *Available in US, UK, CA, AU, NZ Continue reading...