Recent #Microsoft news in the semiconductor industry

10 months ago
➀ Microsoft introduces more detailed Power Modes in Windows 11 Settings, allowing different settings for charging and battery modes. ➁ This update simplifies the process of changing power settings directly from the Settings menu, enhancing user-friendliness. ➂ The changes are part of the Canary Channel preview build and may not be guaranteed for the final Windows 11 update.
MicrosoftSoftwareWindows
11 months ago
1. The World of Warcraft development team has formed Blizzard's first wall-to-wall union, the World of Warcraft Gamemakers Guild, affiliated with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). 2. The union, recognized by Microsoft, includes 500 staff members from various departments. 3. This move follows similar unionization efforts in the video games industry, driven by layoffs and studio closures.
MicrosoftXboxunion
11 months ago
❶ Microsoft's agreement with the EU prevents it from blocking kernel access to third-party developers, which could have avoided the recent CrowdStrike outage. ❷ The agreement requires Microsoft to make Windows APIs available to other developers, fostering a competitive market for security products. ❸ The inability to restrict kernel access may lead to future similar incidents, highlighting the importance of thorough testing and safe deployment practices.
EUMicrosoftWindows
11 months ago
1. Microsoft has increased the prices of several Xbox Game Pass tiers and introduced a new 'Standard' subscription without day-one access to first-party games. 2. Amazon is currently offering a 10% discount on 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate digital codes, allowing users to bypass the price hike. 3. By purchasing multiple codes, users can lock in a lower rate for up to 36 months, saving $179.76 over the new rate.
DealsMicrosoftgaming
12 months ago
1. Microsoft has implemented automatic OneDrive backups as a default feature during clean installations of Windows 11. 2. Users are surprised to find their desktop icons and files automatically backed up and synced to OneDrive without explicit consent. 3. The feature now operates on an opt-out basis, requiring users to manually disable it if they do not wish to use it.
MicrosoftOneDriveWindows 11
12 months ago
1. Microsoft's latest Surface Pro and Laptop devices received a provisional 8 out of 10 for repairability from iFixit. 2. The devices feature modular hardware and easy-to-replace components, marked by screws and QR codes linking to service manuals. 3. Despite some limitations like soldered-on RAM, the devices represent a significant improvement in repairability compared to previous models.
MicrosoftRepairabilitySurface Devices
12 months ago
1. iFixit has recently acquired Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 and Surface Laptop 7 and conducted a teardown to demonstrate their high repairability. 2. The devices are praised for their improved design that facilitates easier repairs. 3. This change reflects Microsoft's shift in philosophy towards more user-friendly and sustainable product design.
MicrosoftRepairabilitySurface Laptop 7Surface Pro 11iFixit
12 months ago
1. Microsoft initially provided a guide on how to convert a Windows 11 PC login from a Microsoft Account to a local account. 2. However, the company later removed this guide from its official documentation, suggesting a change in policy or concerns about user guidance. 3. This action indicates a potential shift in Microsoft's approach to user account management in Windows 11.
Account ConversionMicrosoftWindows 11
12 months ago
1. Starfield, developed by Bethesda, recently announced plans to release regular free updates and larger, paid DLCs. 2. A free June update included new features like Trackers Alliance and Munitions-Crafting, but controversy arose over a paid official mission, 'The Vulture', which costs €7 and offers only 30 minutes of gameplay. 3. Fans are upset due to the high cost for short gameplay and a bug in the reward weapon, leading to negative reviews on Steam.
BethesdaMicrosoftSciFiStarfieldgaming
12 months ago
1. The latest installment in the Gears of War series, titled Gears of War: E-Day, was announced during the Xbox Showcase at the Summer Game Fest. 2. This prequel will focus on the backstory involving popular characters Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, set before the events of the first game. 3. The developer, The Coalition, has hinted at a possible multiplayer mode, which is a significant feature in the series, and has also announced a return to the horror elements of the original game.
Gears-of-WarMicrosoftgaming
12 months ago
1. Microsoft has introduced a June update for Xbox, bringing numerous enhancements for current Xbox consoles and wireless controllers. 2. The update includes personalized backgrounds, improved Wi-Fi network management, subscription management, and console experiments. 3. The Xbox Accessories App on PC has been updated with a new Game Pass submenu, and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) now supports mouse and keyboard.
AppConsoleMicrosoftUpdatesXboxgaming
12 months ago
1. Starfield, released in September 2023, received mixed reviews with critics giving it an 83 Metascore and users rating it at 6.9 on Metacritic. 2. Bethesda has been releasing regular updates to enhance the game, with two major updates in May and June 2024, and plans for the first paid expansion, Shattered Space, later in 2024. 3. Todd Howard announced that the frequency of updates will vary, with longer breaks expected between significant updates, and Bethesda plans to continue releasing annual paid expansions alongside free updates.
AddonBethesdaDLCMicrosoftRoadmapStarfieldgaming
12 months ago
1. Many Minecraft players are outraged as Microsoft deletes accounts that were not transitioned to Microsoft accounts. 2. Despite over a year of warnings, numerous account owners failed to upgrade, resulting in loss of access to the game they purchased. 3. This situation highlights the importance of account migration and the consequences of ignoring such warnings.
Account DeletionMicrosoftMinecraft