➀ Xbox has transitioned to a multiplatform game publisher; ➁ Gears E-Day and State of Decay 3 are set to launch on PC, Xbox, and PS5; ➂ Microsoft is moving towards day-and-date releases across platforms; ➃ Oblivion Remastered and Gears of War: Reloaded have already had simultaneous releases.
Recent #Microsoft news in the semiconductor industry
➀ The Outer Worlds 2, originally set to cost $80 upon release, will now be priced at $70; ➁ The price change was attributed to aligning with current market conditions; ➂ The game will be available on PC, Xbox, and PS5 on October 29th.
Microsoft has ceased allowing users to purchase or rent movies and TV shows through its app on Windows PC systems and Xbox consoles. This decision follows the discontinuation of music sales through its Groove Music service in 2017. Users can still access their purchased content on Xbox or Windows devices, but there are restrictions on moving content to other services and no refunds are offered.
➀ Microsoft has abruptly shut down its Movies and TV store on Xbox and Windows; ➁ Users will still be able to access previously purchased content, but no new purchases are allowed; ➂ The move comes amidst the rise of digital media and subscription services.
➀ Microsoft has a significant presence in the video game industry with major acquisitions like Zenimax Media and Activision Blizzard; ➁ Four of the top five best-selling games in May 2025 in the US were published by Microsoft; ➂ The top-selling game was Elden Ring: Nightreign, followed by Doom: The Dark Ages, Forza Horizon 5, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6; ➃ The Oblivion Remaster and the recent release of Forza Horizon 5 on PlayStation 5 contributed to Microsoft's strong sales performance.
➀ There has been much discussion about the viability of Xbox Game Pass; ➁ Microsoft has claimed it to be profitable, but an insider suggests it might not be; ➂ The insider points out the costs not accounted for, such as lost revenue from first-party studios.
➀ Windows 11 has now become the most popular operating system on the desktop, according to the latest market share figures from Statcounter. It took just over four years for Windows 11 to achieve this, following its release to manufacturing in 2021.
➁ The shift in market share from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has been significant, with Windows 11 now accounting for 52% of all Windows installations on the desktop, compared to 44.59% for Windows 10.
➂ Microsoft's Copilot+ initiative has been a significant factor in the rise of Windows 11, and support for Windows 10 is set to end on October 14, 2025.
➀ Xbox部门面临裁员和工作室关闭，公司战略受到质疑；
➁ 谣言称Spencer将在下一代Xbox发布后退休，Sarah Bond将接任；
➂ 微软迅速否认谣言，称Spencer不会很快退休。
➀ Microsoft's Copilot AI suffered an embarrassing defeat against a 1970s Atari 2600 emulator in chess, despite pre-match trash talk about the vintage system's "bizarre moves";
➁ The AI lost critical pieces by its 7th turn and ultimately surrendered, acknowledging the Atari's victory as "fair and square";
➂ Though built on OpenAI's GPT-4 and Bing integration, Copilot's chess skills remain inferior to specialized systems, contrasting with its claimed "silicon sorcerer" computational abilities.
➀ Windows 11 version 25H2 is set to be the next major update, leveraging the same core platform as 24H2 for a streamlined transition. ➁ New features will be introduced progressively, initially in a disabled state, and activated via monthly updates. ➂ The update is expected to be released between September and October 2025, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10.
➀ A rumour suggests that an Elder Scrolls 6 trailer has been seen by Microsoft employees; ➁ The Xbox Games Showcase did not mention The Elder Scrolls 6, but Bethesda is making progress on the game; ➂ The trailer is likely an internal one for communication purposes, and no official announcement has been made yet.
➀ Microsoft has announced its new 'Aggregated Gaming Library' feature for the Xbox PC app. ➁ The feature will allow users to access games from Xbox, Game Pass, Battle.net, and other PC storefronts from a single library. ➂ The feature is expected to roll out later this year.
➀ Microsoft's 'This is an Xbox' campaign promotes the idea that various hardware can access its Game Pass service.
➁ Meta confirmed in April 2024 that it was working with Microsoft to create a limited-edition Meta Quest inspired by Xbox.
➂ Leaked images suggest the upcoming Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition will cost $399 MSRP with 128GB of storage and include an Elite Strap, Xbox wireless controller, and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
➀ Microsoft announces a new policy to regularly remove legacy drivers from Windows Update to enhance security and compatibility;
➁ The cleanup targets outdated drivers with newer replacements and allows partners to provide feedback, but older devices may lose support;
➂ Critics express concerns about potential forced upgrades and reduced functionality for legacy hardware.
➀ A reliable source claimed Microsoft hired the developers behind Xenia emulator for an official Xbox emulator; ➁ Xenia developer ZoloKluk denied the claim, stating Microsoft already has their own emulator; ➂ Jez Corden of Windows Central also stated that Microsoft is looking at ways to bring more Xbox games to more devices, but not through emulation.
➀ AMD announced an expanded roadmap for gaming-optimized Ryzen/Radeon chips targeting consoles, handhelds, and cloud gaming platforms;
➁ The initiative follows a new partnership with Microsoft for next-gen Xbox consoles and handheld PCs, with plans to bridge compatibility across platforms;
➂ Future APUs may integrate AI upscaling and enhanced backward compatibility, potentially reshaping gaming hardware ecosystems.
➀ AMD will power Microsoft's first-party gaming systems for the foreseeable future;
➁ The partnership involves co-engineering silicon across a portfolio of devices, including next-generation Xbox consoles;
➂ Speculations about Microsoft launching another console and a potential handheld gaming device;
➃ AMD aims to advance the state of art in gaming silicon with AI-enhanced graphics and gameplay experiences.
➀ Despite the heavy marketing of their xCloud game service, Microsoft's Xbox cloud streaming still lags behind its competitors in various categories; ➁ Reports suggest that Microsoft is developing the next generation of Xbox cloud servers, which are currently being tested at Redmond HQ; ➂ These servers are expected to offer lower lag, improved bitrates, and higher resolution options.
➀ Microsoft had been planning to release a dedicated handheld Xbox, but the project has been canceled; ➁ The focus has shifted to improving Windows for gaming; ➂ Microsoft is planning to further develop its partnership with hardware manufacturers.
➀ Microsoft has a legal agreement with Nintendo to release COD titles on Nintendo consoles for the next decade; ➁ Black Ops 7 has been announced for multiple platforms but not for Nintendo; ➂ Microsoft and Nintendo are still committed to bringing Call of Duty back to Nintendo platforms.