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Microsoft is using AI to make Windows 10 updates smoother
AI is becoming so common that it's almost boring. While we're seeing some surprising new projects using AI, including detecting movement through walls and predicting that Brazil will be the winner of this year's World Cup, other companies are using the tech for more pedestrian applications, like improving translation and photo retouching. Now, Microsoft has an AI-powered system that decides which Windows 10 devices should get an Update first.
Latest Windows 10 test build adds SwiftKey and mixed reality options
Microsoft is giving Windows 10 users a peek at upcoming features, as long as they're brave enough to install the latest Insider Preview build. If you have a touchscreen, you can use SwiftKey, which brings predictive typing and autocorrect from the iOS and Android app's swipeable keyboards into Windows 10. It's available for both US and UK English, along with French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian -- potentially a dream for polyglots who are taking in the World Cup.
Cortana can be used to hack Windows 10 PCs
Cortana might be super helpful at keeping track of your shopping lists, but it turns out it's not so great at keeping your PC secure. Researchers from McAfee have discovered that by activating Cortana on a locked Windows 10 machine, you can trick it into opening up a contextual menu which can then be used for code execution. This could deploy malicious software, or even reset a Windows account password.
Xbox Adaptive Controller first look: A new, necessary gamepad
Microsoft stumbled into the accessibility market about three years ago, with the launch of the Xbox One Elite controller. The Elite wasn't designed to help people with disabilities play video games -- in fact, it was built for hardcore players who wanted more mapping options by adding rear paddle buttons, more sensitive triggers and interchangeable analog sticks to the classic dual-grip Xbox gamepad. It just so happened these features were also in high demand at organizations like AbleGamers, whose goal is to make gaming accessible to anyone with disabilities via education, community support and the creation of custom controllers.
Watch Microsoft's Build 2018 Day 2 keynote at 11:30AM ET
Yesterday's epic three-and-a-half hour keynote at Build wasn't enough for Microsoft, as the company still has plenty more to say to developers. Today, Joe Belfiore, Corporate Vice President of Operating Systems, hits the stage. Given his area of expertise, we expect him to give us a better sense of what's next for Windows 10, as well as how the Microsoft Graph ties together your experience across different platforms. It kicks off at 11:30AM Eastern.
Microsoft's Android launcher can run apps from your Windows Timeline
Windows 10's Timeline feature is now decidedly more useful away from your PC, provided you use the right software. To start, Microsoft Launcher on Android now supports Timeline -- you can pick up where you left off with cross-platform titles like the Office suite. iPhone users, meanwhile, can access Timeline through Microsoft's Edge browser.
Microsoft 365 now includes machine learning tools
Today at Microsoft's annual developer conference, the company announced a slew of new tools for its Microsoft 365 suite, which combines Windows 10, Office 365 and its Enterprise Mobility + Security package. Among the additions is Windows Machine Learning, a new platform that will help developers create machine learning models in the intelligent cloud and then put them into use.
What to expect at Microsoft's Build 2018 conference
Fresh off of Windows 10's major April update, Microsoft is gearing up for its Build conference in Seattle on Monday. The annual event, like Google I/O (which starts just one day later), is a celebration of the company's developer community. That means you can expect plenty of technical details and (gasp) on-stage coding during the two keynotes, which will be led by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and operating systems head Joe Belfiore. But, of course, we'll also hear more about the company's broader goals for the next year, and we'll get a first look at new features for Windows, Office and the rest of its product line. Here's a glimpse of what we expect to see.
Microsoft is making it easier to take screenshots in Windows 10
The next Windows 10 Insider preview build includes a lot of trial features -- including a new way to take screenshots. Instead of putting its Screen Sketch tool behind the Windows Ink menu, it's now a standalone app. Users will be able to summon it with a shortcut (winkey + shift + S). But instead of capturing the full screen, the updated feature operates like the 'snipping tool' that drags an area to save as an image.
Microsoft is fixing a Windows 10 bug that causes Chrome to freeze
Since the Windows 10 April update, some users have been dealing with frozen systems when they're running apps including Chrome or using the "Hey, Cortana" command. The good news is Microsoft's working on a fix, which may be ready in time for next week's scheduled patch.
Twitter’s Windows app finally has recent features
Twitter updated its Windows 10 app back in 2015, adding top tweets, trending stories and social features to Microsoft's operating system. Now, Twitter is bringing its focus back to Windows yet again with an "updated experience" for Windows users via Twitter's Progressive Web App (PWA). The new web app is optimized for the April 2018 update, and adds support for 280 character tweets, the topical Explore tab, bookmarks, and improved accessibility for screen readers.
Microsoft defends conviction of e-waste recycler over piracy
Many were upset that e-waste recycling pioneer Eric Lundgren was going to prison for creating his unofficial Windows restore discs, and in some cases pointed the finger at Microsoft for its role in the conviction. Microsoft, however, doesn't think he's a hero... and thinks it's getting a bad rap. The software giant has posted a response to critics that characterizes Lundgren's piracy as fully intentional while simultaneously washing the company's hands.
Windows 10’s next major update arrives on April 30th
Windows 10 has seen two major updates since its initial release. The next -- the snappily-titled Windows 10 April 2018 Update which we've reviewed right here -- will be available on April 30, and includes a bunch of features designed to make your screen time more efficient.
Windows 10's Timeline is the star of its latest update
When Microsoft launched Windows 10 three years ago, the company proudly said it was focusing on productivity. That might not sound very exciting, but it was a noble goal nonetheless -- one that made it clear Microsoft was paying attention to its more dedicated users. So it's not too surprising that the most interesting aspect of Windows 10's spring update (which launches April 30th) is once again productivity, and more specifically: Timeline. It's practically an inevitable feature, one that ties together what you're working on across all of your devices. And yes, it'll even be helpful for iPhone and Android users.
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?
Microsoft plans version of Windows 10 for devices with limited storage
A smaller, more pared down version of Windows 10 was spotted in the latest Redstone 5 preview build. Microsoft is calling it Windows 10 Lean and it's 2GB smaller in size than standard editions of Windows 10 once installed. Missing from this version are the Registry Editor, Internet Explorer, wallpaper, Microsoft Management Console and drivers for CD and DVD drives, and Windows Central notes that the lighter Windows 10 might be designed to ensure tablets and laptops with little internal storage can install Windows 10 feature updates.
Leak reveals Microsoft's new Xbox Avatar system
Microsoft's new Xbox Live avatars have been on the cards for a while now, with the company last year promising more diversity and customization. Now, a leaked video (allegedly from a former Microsoft designer and since removed from YouTube) has revealed what they'll look like, plus the editor interface that'll let you design your character.
Windows 10 update will support more password-free logins
It's not just web browsers that are moving beyond passwords. Microsoft has revealed that Windows 10's next update will support the new FIDO 2.0 standard, promising password-free logins on any Windows 10 device managed by your company or office. You could previously use Windows Hello to avoid typing in a password, of course, but this promises to be more extensive -- you could use a USB security key to sign into your Azure Active Directory.
Microsoft Mixer streams now support Lightstream Studio effects
Microsoft's Twitch competitor Mixer makes livestreaming pretty straightforward thanks to a broadcast feature built directly into Xbox One and Windows 10. However, if you want to make your streams looks a bit more polished with effects and overlays, things can get complicated. Today, the company is announcing a new partnership with Lightstream Studio, which will help streamers give their broadcasts a professional visual edge.
AMD releases chip patches to address Spectre variant two
AMD has released a microcode update to address variant two of the Spectre chip flaw, which makes computers vulnerable to attacks that could reveal sensitive information such as passwords. It's been released alongside Microsoft's monthly "Patch Tuesday" update, which contains Spectre variant two mitigations for Windows 10.
