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Microsoft opens the door to native ARM apps on Windows 10
ARM-based Windows 10 devices have improved in performance, but the software is another story -- without official tools to write native 64-bit ARM apps, it's been difficult to help these machines reach their potential. That shouldn't be an issue after this week. Microsoft has released Visual Studio 15.9, which gives developers the tools they need to craft native ARM64 apps. They can submit those apps to the Microsoft Store, too, although they can also release ARM apps elsewhere (or bundle them into releases for other chip architectures) if they'd prefer.
Microsoft vows to improve Windows app store with gamers in mind
Many PC gamers shy away from the Microsoft Store (aka Windows Store), and for good reasons: it frequently doesn't support overlays and other commonly used features, and it's buggy compared to a platform like Steam. Thankfully, Microsoft might just feel their pain. In a talk at X018, Xbox lead Phil Spencer said he had "heard the feedback" about the store and vowed to make it "tailored to the gamers that we know want to see the best" from the company. He didn't outline what those changes were, but he promised to take a "bigger leadership role" on the store.
Microsoft will stop accepting new Windows 8 apps October 31st
Microsoft really, really wants app creators and users alike to focus on Windows 10, and it's now giving them a not-so-gentle nudge in that direction. The software maker has warned that it will stop accepting new Windows 8.x and Windows Phone 8.x apps for the Microsoft Store on October 31st, 2018. Developers can still submit updates to those apps, but that's going away in the future as well. Microsoft will stop delivering Windows Phone app updates on July 1st, 2019, and Windows 8 apps are going away on July 1st, 2023.
Apple's iTunes software comes to the Windows Store
Nearly a year after it was originally announced and several months later than planned, iTunes is finally available via the Windows Store. While functionally it's the same as installing from a regular download the way Windows users always have used the Apple software, its inclusion in the store means it will also work on PCs running Windows 10 S (soon to be S mode). It won't use any less RAM or become any more suited for modern state of media management, but at least it's there. Now, how about Google Chrome?
Spotify beats iTunes to the Windows Store
Microsoft promised back at Build that that a slew of big-name apps would reach the Windows Store, and it's making good on that vow. Spotify has released a Windows Store version of its app in every country where its streaming music service is available. This isn't a redesign, for better or worse -- Spotify is really just porting its existing app over using Microsoft's Centennial framework. The biggest immediate difference is that you'll get updates through the Windows Store. This release is more important in what it represents for Microsoft's long-term Windows plans than anything else.
Apple is bringing iTunes to the Windows Store
Now, here's something you probably weren't expecting: Apple is bringing iTunes to the Windows Store. You'll no longer have to download a conventional desktop app just to play Apple Music or sync your iPhone. It's not certain how the Store version will differ from the regular Windows app (if at all), but it's more the presence itself that matters: You won't have to forego Apple's ecosystem if you're using Windows 10 S. If nothing else, this puts iTunes in front of users who otherwise wouldn't see it. There's no mention of a release date, so it may be a while before you can check this out firsthand. Click here to catch up on the latest news from Microsoft Build 2017.
Microsoft's playable ads let you try apps without downloading
Did you think that Google's Instant Apps, where you can run Android programs without installing them, would be useful on other platforms? You're not alone. Microsoft has launched a preview version of Playable Ads, which let you try Windows 10 titles without downloading anything. Click a promo and it'll stream the full app for 3 minutes, giving you a feel for how the software works without forcing you to quit what you were doing before. If you're riveted enough to explore further, you just have to click a Windows Store link when you're done.
Windows 10 will soon block non-Store apps like OS X does
In its latest beta build of the Windows 10 Creators Update, Microsoft has slipped in a new feature that could make your PC either safer or more irritating, depending on your point of view. If you try to install a Win32 (desktop) app, it'll either pop up a warning that "the app you're installing isn't from the Windows Store" or completely block it, depending on the level of security you select. When enabled, you can still install Windows Store and Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps with no warning.
Windows Store 'CoD' buyers can't play with Steam friends
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare and Modern Warfare Remastered have come to the Windows 10 Store, but you may want to think twice about buying the games there. According to Activision, those versions don't support console cross-play, and won't even work with versions on other PC platforms like Steam. In other words, you'll only be able to play with other Windows 10 Store buyers and not the millions of players who bought the game elsewhere. They aren't part of the Xbox Play Anywhere program either, meaning you'll be stuck with the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) version on Windows 10.
Microsoft brings third-party desktop apps to the Windows Store
Finally making use of the Desktop Bridge announced during Build 2016, Microsoft will now allow third-party developers to bring existing desktop apps into the Windows Store. While the store was mostly an emporium for Microsoft's own universal apps in the past, this week's update makes a push towards one unified store for everything Windows.
'Forza 6: Apex' adds racing wheel support and exits beta
Steering wheel support is essential for any racing simulation that wants to be taken seriously. And now, some four months after launch, the free-to-play Forza Motorsport 6: Apex is finally ready for the pricey -- and extremely precise! -- accessories. The PC game will play nicely with a number of wheels from Logitech and Thrustmaster (including the latter's very nice T300RS). A post on Xbox Wire notes that more wheels will be supported later this month.
Xbox One's Cortana update arrives at last
After months upon months of delays, Cortana is finally ready for your Xbox One. Microsoft has started rolling out its promised summer update with Cortana's smarter, richer voice control as its centerpiece. You can use your headset or Kinect to search games, invite friends to play and otherwise accomplish tasks that required either stiff commands or (gasp) your gamepad. This also represents another step toward tighter integration of the Xbox and Windows 10 experiences, such as platform-independent party chat and streamlined shopping that lets you redeem Xbox credits.
Microsoft's Windows Store for Business now sells apps in bulk
Microsoft has made it easier for IT administrators to buy apps for all the Windows 10 devices their companies own. Windows Store for Business, which gives these admins a way to distribute applications company-wide, now sells apps in bulk. Companies can easily snap up multiple copies of an app using a credit card, so long as the developer has enabled Organizational licensing for their creation. Bulk selling is available for all developers in the 35 countries where Windows Store for Business is available. It's also only the first in the list of new features Microsoft plans to launch for the store. Some of its future updates will introduce invoicing, volume discounts and organizational in-app purchases.
Microsoft no longer takes Bitcoins in its Windows app store (update)
Microsoft's grand experiment in accepting Bitcoins as payment hasn't panned out, it seems. The company has quietly updated its FAQ to reveal that it no longer accepts the digital currency in the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 devices. You can use an existing balance to buy your apps, but you can't supply more Bitcoins or get a refund. Like it or not, you'll have to use conventional money from now on.
Epic Games: Microsoft can't be allowed to control PC gaming
Tim Sweeney, co-founder of Epic Games (Unreal Engine, Gears of War), has written a scathing op-ed about Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform initiative for The Guardian. Sweeney argues that Microsoft is creating a closed platform for Windows 10 "the first apparent step" towards locking down a monopoly on app distribution and commerce.
Windows 10 preview turns Xbox Music into 'Groove'
Welcome to the new music experience in Windows 10. As hinted at earlier this morning by Paul Thurrott, the company just announced it's rebranding the Xbox Music experience to "Groove", while also renaming the Xbox Video app to just "Movies & TV." According to a blog post about the changes, the new naming is meant to be "more identifiable to our broad customer base" and will roll out to other devices in the coming months. The timing of the change is odd as Windows and Xbox begin to work more closely together than ever before, but it doesn't appear that the actual features will be much different. Of course, with the launch of Apple Music, rebranding could be just the way to get some attention for an existing service that already offers a lot of the same features.
Microsoft's new Windows Store policy will combat junk apps
It's no secret that Windows Store has serious issues not just with scammy apps, but also with spammy ones. Now, Microsoft is finally addressing that problem by introducing a stricter certification policy for new and existing apps that could clean its catalog enough to make browsing the store less painful. The new policy has four main points starting with eliminating apps with almost identical names and icons, those whose titles don't match up with their content, and those that aren't very useful or unique. Microsoft will also prune away applications considerably more expensive than similar ones in its category.
Any site can be a Windows app
At today's Microsoft Build conference, Vice President of Operating Systems Terry Myerson announced that websites can now be placed inside a Windows 10 universal framework. In other words, developers can make a Windows 10 app out of their site. The site-based apps can be listed inside the Windows Store and support Cortana notifications and in-app purchases. Building these apps is pretty simple according to Myerson. Couple this with news that the company is helping iOS and Android developers port their apps to Windows 10 and the inclusion of .NET and Win32 apps in the marketplace and it's pretty clear Microsoft really, really wants you to start using the Windows Store.
Microsoft now accepting Bitcoin at Xbox and Windows online stores
Bitcoin just got a big boost in stature as Microsoft is now accepting the cryptocurrency for digital content from its stores. If you live in the US, you can use it to buy apps, games, music and videos from the Windows, Windows Phone, Xbox Games, Xbox Music and Xbox Video stores. According to Coindesk, Redmond partnered with Bitpay to make the new arrangement possible. Microsoft pointed out that you can only add $100 at a time using Bitcoins, the payments can't be refunded and support is limited to the United States. In addition, they can only be used to purchase digital goods and not products like Microsoft Lumia phones.
Windows 10's app store will be workplace-friendly
If you use a Windows 8 PC, you've probably noticed that the Windows Store is built for home use; you'll find serious tools like Office, but it's not really meant for work. That's going to change in a big, big way with Windows 10. Microsoft has revealed that its future software will let your workplace offer a customized version of the Windows Store that includes both in-house apps and approved public apps. Your IT managers will have a much easier time behind the scenes, too -- they'll have a web-based tool that lets them easily assign apps and manage updates. No, you probably won't get to install games on your office PC, but this means that your company is less likely to cling to an ancient version of Windows just because it wants more control over the tools you use. If nothing else, it'll make the daily grind a little more bearable.