Ars Technica reports that the gamers’ lawsuit “echo[es] many of the FTC’s concerns.” Those include reducing the competition in the gaming market, consumer choice, and raising prices.

The last point we’re not so sure about. Xbox has been putting every game from its studios onto Game Pass as part of a monthly subscription fee.

Even if you want to purchase the games outright, most Xbox releases are still $60. PlayStation 5 titles are $70 at launch.

Ars uploaded a copy of the complaint, and we immediately found it striking that eight of the ten gamers in the lawsuit play on PlayStation, and only two say they own an Xbox.

Are Sony stans worried about losing access to Call of Duty?

Why is Microsoft the only one getting sued?

While Microsoft purchasing Activision-Blizzard would be the biggest gaming merger in history, it’s simply the latest link in a long chain.

The gaming industry is full of developer acquisitions, including the ones Activision made to get its market position.

CEO Bobby Kotick took control in 1990 and built Activision’s developer portfolio.

The first significant purchase was Raven Software, developer of Heretic and Hexen: Beyond Heretic.

Then came the two studios that made most of the Call of Duty series, Treyarch Invention and then Infinity Ward.

Activision then merged with Blizzard without any outcry about becoming one of the biggest game companies.

Nobody blinked when the merged companies bought King Digital in 2016 for $5.9 billion.

Sony has also been on a buying spree, with more studio acquisitions planned. Isn’t that what Microsoft is doing by buying Activision-Blizzard? Sony tried and failed to do the same.

The other thing is that many Sony studios only make games for PlayStation. So far, Microsoft’s purchases are still making multiplatform titles.

This probably won’t be the last lawsuit

The Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 allows any American to file a lawsuit against a company they believe is engaging in anticompetitive behavior.

Even if this lawsuit against Microsoft fails, any American citizen could potentially bring their own suit against the company.

It’s possible that this merger could be tied up in court for years, which could potentially benefit Sony as it would be able to continue to grow and release first-party exclusives uninterrupted.

As for this specific lawsuit, it’s now awaiting its day in court.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Sony’s new DualSense Edge falls short with poor battery life
• Sony reportedly working on modular PlayStation 5
• Could Netflix be Microsoft’s next acquisition target?
• Microsoft is exploring an ad-supported Xbox Game Pass tier

The post Microsoft sued by Sony stans to block Activision purchase appeared first on KnowTechie.

If you need to download a game on your Xbox One but don’t want to leave the console running, you have options.

You may have heard that your Xbox can supposedly download and install games while you’re not using it, but the first time you tried – you woke up to the same install percentage as the night before.

What gives?

With this in mind, you might wonder, “do games still download when the Xbox One is off?”

The answer is yes, they do. But your console probably isn’t set up to allow downloads when it isn’t in use. So, let’s fix that.

Do games download when the Xbox One is off

Short Answer: Yes (but you’ll need to dive into the Settings menu to enable it)

Your Xbox One needs to be set to Instant-on to download games while it’s off. That keeps it in a low-power state, ready to switch on at a moment’s notice.

It also keeps the network connection and hard drives running. Here’s how to enable it.

How to download games while your Xbox One is off 

You’ll first need to set your console to Instant-on mode to get your Xbox One to download games while it’s off.

READ MORE: The best Xbox controllers

Doing this, the console is in a low-power state and keeps the network connection and hard drives running, so it can quickly switch on when needed. Here’s how to turn it on.

Grab your controller and do the following:

That’s all you need to do. Now when you turn your Xbox One off via the controller or it goes to sleep after inactivity, it’ll keep downloading games to install or update.

Download games while your Xbox One is off with the right settings

Once you have the correct settings, your Xbox One console will download games while it’s off.

This is a great way to download your games without keeping your console on the entire time. Just start a game download, and you can let the console go to sleep or turn it off yourself.

When you return, the game will either still be downloading or finished, so you can hop in and start gaming.

And yes, you can still play games while they’re downloading on the Xbox One, just in case you were wondering.

What do you think? Plan on using this feature on your Microsoft console? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can the Xbox One play Blu-ray movies?
• How to connect PS4 or Xbox controllers to the iPhone
• Can you speed up an Xbox One’s loading time with a new hard drive?
• How to expand your Xbox One’s game storage

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. Click here for more.

The post Can you download and install games while your Xbox One is off? appeared first on KnowTechie.

According to Reuters, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is considering acquiring the entertainment company. The reporter presents the argument for this potential acquisition

The biggest reason is that it “make[s] strategic sense” as the two companies already work together.

Microsoft is Netflix’s ad partner for its ad-supported tier. The Netflix board has one seat taken up by Microsoft President Brad Smith.

A merger would enable the two to keep creating what they already do. It would also give Netflix a larger pot of money to create original content with.

Microsoft Azure servers could host Netflix, removing its reliance on Amazon Web Services. It would also provide a platform for game streaming, something Microsoft wants to bring to every platform.

Will this prediction come true? We can’t see any reason not, other than Microsoft cutting spending as a hedge against a recession.

Microsoft could still have anti-trust issues

Microsoft is currently trying to clear regulatory hurdles in its purchase of Activision Blizzard for the modest price of $69 billion.

The Federal Trade Commission has taken the unusual step of suing to block the merger.

That lawsuit came mere days after Microsoft offered a ten-year contract to keep Call of Duty games on PlayStation consoles.

Will the FTC succeed in blocking the merger? We don’t know, but it can’t be counted out.

The baffling thing is that Xbox is in third place in the console wars. Sony is the market leader, and they’re the ones saying Call of Duty could break them.

The level of hypocrisy is staggering. Sony has long used market dominance to force developers into time-gated or exclusive content.

Bungie, the maker of the Destiny series, still has content for those games that are only accessible on PlayStation consoles.

Sony even owns the developer, paying $3.6 billion for the company earlier this year.

Microsoft used to own Bungie, and they created the flagship Halo game for the original Xbox launch. Then it went independent before signing a ten-year contract with Activision.

Is Sony really worried about the market, or are they just unhappy they didn’t try buying Activision-Blizzard first?

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Xbox is going to win the console war without even selling any games
• Netflix is reportedly making a push to acquire Roku
• Netflix finally lets you log out of individual devices remotely
• Disney streaming services now match Netflix subscriber numbers

The post Could Netflix be Microsoft’s next acquisition target? appeared first on KnowTechie.

And you even have your pick of retailers: Best Buy, Microsoft, and Target. But heads up, Target and Best Buy have it up for $250. So Microsoft is your cheapest option.

Verified

Staff Pick

Xbox Series S
Microsoft is blowing out the Xbox Series S for a limited time for $250. Act fast; there’s no telling how long this promotion will last.

Rating

$240 at Microsoft

On-Going Offer

If you’re interested in buying one for yourself or as a gift, we recommend jumping on this sooner than later. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t say how long the promotion will last.

In addition to previously announced deals, Microsoft offers a $300 discount on the new Surface Laptop 5, $200 off select Surface Pro 9 models, and up to 70 percent off PC games.

Again, you have plenty of buying options. So whether it’s Microsoft, Best Buy, or Target – do yourself a favor and jump on this. This is probably the lowest you’ll ever see an Xbox Series S.

Deals

Xbox Series S

See at Microsoft

See at Best Buy

See at Target

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Up to 40% off on XPPen drawing tablets in its last sale of the year
• The best last-minute deals from Amazon, Best Buy, and more
• PS5 DualSense controllers on sale for $50 at Amazon and Best Buy
• Apple’s second-generation AirPods hits new Target low, now $89

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Microsoft, Target, and Best Buy drop the Xbox Series S to $250 appeared first on KnowTechie.

It’s another weekday, which means another Apple rumor to chew up and spit out. This time, the rumors focus on a potential Apple gaming console.

Today’s Apple rumor comes to us from the generally reliable Apple rumor source Clien.net.

One user has reported that Apple is conducting feasibility studies on turning Apple TV into a gaming console.

It stands to reason that at some point, with Apple working hard on AR/VR devices, Apple might consider marrying those outputs with gaming.

It’s doubtful that Apple Arcade would support AR/VR products long-term. Apple would need something more substantial.

Rumors of an Apple video game console have been around for years

This isn’t the first rumor of this nature to fall from the Apple rumor tree in recent memory.

In 2021, the Apple gaming console rumors started swirling, giving optimistic tech writers reason to justify the rumors.

READ MORE: Is Apple working on its own gaming controller?

Then back in January of this year, it was rumored that Apple was poaching engineers from Xbox to work on its own console.

Naturally, that news was met with a hefty dose of skepticism. The existing Apple Arcade was reason enough to hire devs and engineers with gaming console experience.

With Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and Sony’s purchase of Bungie, it makes it harder for Apple to enter the console arena with some sort of exclusive game appeal.

According to the rumor, Capcom and Ubisoft are active partners in creating exclusive titles for the imaginary Apple gaming console.

It’d be a strange world indeed if Street Fighter ends up locked to an Apple gaming console.

Does Apple have a gaming console?

Yes, Apple has tried its hand at game consoles before.

If the company works on an official Apple game console in 2022, it won’t be its first dip into the pool. We must never forget 1996’s Apple Bandai Pippin.

The Apple Pippin was forgotten and faded away into obscurity. It was flawed and unable to keep up with the technical specs of the time.

But from that came years of rumors, usually popping up shortly after the release of a new console from Microsoft, Nintendo, or Sony.

Gamers are a sticky bunch, generally affixed to their console of choice.

It stands to reason that if Apple were to enter the gaming console market, it would do so with a complimentary device rather than a device intended to convert gamers directly.

While Apple TV supports third-party controllers and Apple Arcade is a thing that exists, it’s nowhere near a gaming console. It can’t even compete with the games on your iPhone.

So, once again, we are left asking ourselves whether this rumor is real. Is Apple truly working on a gaming console, and could it compete with Microsoft, Sony, or Nintendo?

Will it be a handheld console similar to the Switch or something beefier? Could it be an amalgamation of a Mac computer and Apple Arcade?

Or should Apple stay in its lane and stick to slick laptops and iPhones?

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Sony’s new PlayStation Plus subscription launches in June
• GTA Online now has a subscription service for $5.99 a month
• Steam is now on Chrome OS – can your Chromebook run it?
• The new iPhone SE has production slashed due to low demand

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Is Apple working on a game console? appeared first on KnowTechie.

The upgraded tool is currently rolling out to Windows Insiders for beta testing. The Snipping Tool first arrived four years ago as a replacement for the existing screenshot tool.

The upgraded version has a new Record button next to the existing Snip one. Selecting that will give an option for which part of the screen you want to record and a button to start the recording.

Once finished, the recording will appear in the Snipping Tool playback menu. You can then watch and save the file.

The lack of a native screen recorder for Windows 11 has been a long-standing issue. Almost every other operating system has a simple, built-in way to record. That includes Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, and Android devices.

Microsoft hasn’t said which format the screen recordings will save in. Many of the popular third-party tools give the option of video files or GIFs.

In its current state, users might notice bugs. Microsoft has noted a known bug that causes a delay between when the “Start” recording button is pressed and when the recording begins.

There is also another bug where “the Snipping Tool app window does not restore when initiating a new snip from within the app.”

This is just one of Microsoft’s latest improvements to Windows 11. Users of iCloud will now be able to see their photo library in File Explorer.

The Windows 11 2022 Update brought better Snap Layouts, tabs in File Explorer, better gaming, accessibility and security, and more.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Microsoft is serving ads in the Windows 11 sign-out menu
• Why Microsoft Voice Access is Windows 11’s best feature
• iOS 16 is herre, but not for all iPhones – here’s how to check
• What is the latest macOS version?

The post Microsoft is adding a screen recorder to Windows 11 appeared first on KnowTechie.

Communities is a free feature that allows people to join groups centered around specific topics.

The company revealed the new feature on its website earlier this week.

Communities allow groups to use the calendar, meeting, and chat features that have become popular within Microsoft Teams.

Think of communities like Discord or Facebook Groups.

People can establish their Teams community around certain topics, such as recreational sports leagues, small businesses, pet lovers, or any other topic.

You can then use Teams’ tools like group chat, file sharing, and more to communicate and organize with your community. And it’s all free.

Communities are coming now to users on iOS and Android, with included templates to help organize new groups.

Additionally, the feature will come to the desktop version of Teams in the coming weeks.

You’ll need a Microsoft Account to join a Teams community.

Just like Discord, the owner or admin of the Teams community will be able to create an invite link, which you’ll use to join the community.

Also, like Discord, if that link gets overshared or abused, the admin can scrap it and create a new invite link for new members.

Microsoft’s new community feature for Teams is the logical next step for the collaboration-focused app.

Group features like this have become common amongst social apps. And they provide a great medium for collaboration and socialization around specific topics.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Microsoft commits to 10 years of Call of Duty on Nintendo
• Microsoft Teams now lets you play casual games with colleagues
• Alexa will lose around $10 billion for Amazon in 2022
• Oversight Board finds Meta puts business over people

The post Microsoft Teams adds new Discord-like communities feature appeared first on KnowTechie.

The Xbox Series X has made its way to the market, and the bulky design has been compared to a mini-fridge.

The huge brick-like design is a bold and maybe questionable decision by the team at Xbox.

To be fair, it’s what is inside the latest console from Microsoft that really matters.

The new 8-core AMD processor paired with a custom RDNA 2 GPU helps the new Xbox keep up with some of today’s high-end gaming PCs.

While it is what’s inside the machine that really matters, it can be a source of pride for gamers to set up their consoles and gaming spots so they look the best they can.

I’ve said it before, my setup has to have the perfect amount of empty Dr. Pepper cans spread out across it, or it just doesn’t feel right.

While some may question the design of the new Xbox, it can still be made to fit well in any gaming setup.

In the past, the Xbox has been known to be versatile in the ways it can be set up.

The Xbox One looked just as good sitting vertically as it did horizontally. This might have some people wondering if the Xbox Series X can be displayed horizontally.

So, will the Xbox Series X work if you lay it on its side?

Short Answer: Yes

Like its predecessors, the Xbox Series X was made to be able to lay it on its side. However, there may be a couple of minor inconveniences.

When the console is set vertically, there is a round stand attached to the bottom to allow for better airflow and cooling to the vent.

This stand is not removable (shown below) and is considered an eyesore when the console sits horizontally.

While it is not too distracting, it can slightly reduce the console’s symmetry.

Additionally, the Xbox symbol on the front of the console is oriented for vertical positioning.

These aren’t necessarily huge issues, but it seems clear that the Xbox was designed with vertical positioning in mind.

That said, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with laying the console on its side. Go ahead, be a rebel. Stick it to the man.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can the new Xbox Series X play Xbox 360 games?
• Will Xbox Series X controllers work on PC?
• How do you enable 120 Hz mode on your Xbox Series X?
• Xbox Series X vs. Xbox Series S – which one should you buy?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

The post Can the Xbox Series X lay on its side? appeared first on KnowTechie.

If you’ve been playing your Xbox One over the years, you might have noticed it acting up occasionally. Specifically, your Xbox One turning off by itself.

Sometimes it might switch off straight away when you turn it on. Sometimes it’ll let you play for a while before turning itself off again. And, some days, it’s completely random when it turns off.

You might think this is only something happening to older Xbox consoles. Surprisingly, it happens on newer consoles too.

Here’s what it looks like

So if you’re here looking for a solution to fix it, we have you covered. Now, you may need to get in touch with Xbox Support, but there are a few things you can try first.

So, why does my Xbox One keep turning off?

Short answer: It’s usually a heat-related problem

If your Xbox One is shutting off immediately after turning it on, the power cord is the first thing to check.

Check the power cord

Is it plugged fully in? Does it have any visible damage?

If you find anything wrong with it, replace the cable and see if your problems should go away. If you use a power strip, try plugging the console into the wall.

Also, try using a different power socket. The metal springs inside sockets loosen in time, and this could be causing the issue.

Reset the power supply

You can also try resetting the power supply. Did you know it has a tiny computer inside? Resetting the power supply can fix any odd hiccups it is currently experiencing.

Bad ventilation

If you notice your Xbox One is shutting off randomly, make sure that there’s enough of an air gap between the top of your console and whatever is above it.

That’s because that’s where the vents for hot air are situated.

An inch or more is a good amount of space. Move things around if something is sitting right on top of the console or if the shelf above is too close.

The vents for the fan inside your Xbox One are on the top of the console, so anything blocking this can lead to overheating.

READ MORE: Can you install games while your Xbox One is off?

If you get a message on your Xbox saying the console is getting improper ventilation, turn it off, wait one hour, move it to a well-ventilated area, and turn it on.

Dust build-up

Then look for any dust build-up around the vents on your Xbox One. You’ll have to clean it off or replace the fan if you see some.

Here’s a guide from iFixit on disassembling your Xbox One so you can clean the fan.

Energy saving enabled?

Another tip is to double-check you don’t have the option that enables your Xbox set to turn off automatically.

While overheating may be the most common reason your Xbox One keeps shutting itself off, other possible culprits exist.

There could be corrupted data, or your power supply might be on the way out. If that’s the case, check out the Xbox support page if none of these options fix your problem.

Finally, if your Xbox One keeps turning off at this stage, it’s time to talk to Xbox Support. They should be able to help, but they may ask you to send your console in for repairs. And we all know how that goes.

What do you think? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Can the Xbox One play Blu-ray movies?
• How to expand your Xbox One’s game storage
• You can now stream PC or Android games to your Xbox One
• How to change your PSN name on PlayStation 4

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. Click here for more.

The post Why does my Xbox One keep turning off? appeared first on KnowTechie.

Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, and the company consistently pushes out updates for users.

While these are usually helpful, there might be times when you don’t want to update. For that, you’ll need to know how to stop automatic updates on Windows 11

Typically, you should avoid pausing automatic updates on Windows, but there are instances where it might be the smart thing to do.

Maybe you have a big presentation and are worried the update will start before you present.

It’s also possible that some of your programs may have issues after updating, and you need those programs for work or school. There are numerous reasons, honestly.

READ MORE: How to change your username in Windows 11

That said, Microsoft’s updates are still important and can help protect your data, so only pause updates if you are sure it is something you need to do.

If you fall into this category, keep reading below, as we’ll review multiple methods of turning off automatic Windows 11 updates.

How to pause automatic updates on Windows 11

The first method we’ll go through will let you pause upcoming updates on Windows 11.

This is our recommended method because it makes updating your PC easier whenever you’re ready. Follow along below:

1. Go to Start and then Settings, or right-click on the Start menu and select Settings

2. Next, click on Windows Update

3. To pause updates, click the Pause updates drop-down menu and specify the duration of the pause

Once the pause period is over, Windows will automatically install new updates. So don’t forget to pause the updates again if you find it necessary.

READ MORE: Windows 12 release date — when is it coming out?

But again, updates are often important, so we don’t recommend waiting too long.

Disabling Windows updates using the Services command

If you wish to disable Windows 11 automatic updates permanently, you may stop the whole Windows update service. To do this:

1. Go to the Start menu, type Run, and then press Enter

2. Next, in the Run app, type services.msc and press Enter

3. In the service window, look for Windows Update and double-click on it

4. In the Windows update settings, select Disabled from the drop-down menu beside Startup Type

5. After that, click on OK and restart your PC to put the changes into effect

READ MORE: How to create a virtual desktop in Windows 11

Windows updates can be enabled again by following the same process listed above. Simply change the Startup type back to Automatic.

How to disable Windows 11 updates using the registry

Disabling automatic updates in Windows 11 can also be accomplished by making changes to the registry.

If you prefer this method, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Start menu and type regedit and then press Enter

2. Go down this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows. Alternatively, copy and paste the path into the Registry search bar

3. Right-click on the Windows folder in the sidebar and then select New > Key

4. Name the key WindowsUpdate and press Enter

5. Now, right-click on WindowsUpdate and again create a new key. Name it AU and press Enter

6. Right-click anywhere on the right panel and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value

7. Name the key NoAutoUpdate and press Enter

8. Double-click on it and change the value from 0 to 1

9. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC

This method will completely disable Windows updates, but again, this method isn’t recommended unless you are very comfortable with making changes to Windows.

Disabling Windows updates through Group Policy

This is another in-depth method to disable automatic updates in Windows 11. Only use this if you are comfortable diving deep into System folders and making changes.

READ MORE: How to change the scroll direction in Windows 11

In this guide, we’ll be using Group Policy to accomplish the task. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Start menu, type gpedit.msc and then click on the Group policy editor in the search results

2. Navigate to the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update> Manage updates offered from Windows Update

3. Double-click on Select the target Feature Update version and select the radial Enabled button

4. Next, type 21H1 into the Target Version for Feature Updates and click on OK

Doing this will stop updates from being pushed to Windows.

Typically, this method is only used for companies that can’t afford to take a chance on updates that break their sensitive programs.

For casual users, this method is not recommended.

Disabling Windows updates with a third-party app

The app we’ll be using to stop Windows 11 updates is Windows Update Blocker, whose sole purpose is to prevent updates from being installed.

If you don’t have much computer knowledge and want to disable Windows updates with an app, this method is for you.

1. First, download Windows Update Blocker
2. Next, extract the Windows Update Blocker file

3. Run the .exe file, select Disable updates and check Protect Services Settings

4. Click on Apply Now

You have successfully switched off automatic updates on Windows 11.

Additionally, you can reactivate the updates by selecting the Enable Updates option in Windows Update Blocker if you change your mind.

Disabling Windows updates is not always the answer

Disabling Windows 11 updates using the Registry and Group Policy Editors should be done cautiously. If you mess up any of the steps, it’s possible you’ll cause serious problems with your operating system.

In addition, the updates are typically for your own security, as they often include patches that protect you from vulnerabilities.

If you don’t want to risk causing damage to your operating system or simply need to pause updates for a little while, using something like the Windows Update Blocker app is recommended.

Have any thoughts on this? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• How to automatically free up disk space in Windows 11 when storage runs low
• How to create, customize, and delete Google Chrome profiles
• Here’s how to open multiple websites with a shortcut in Windows 11
• How to uninstall Windows 11 updates
• (Yet another) issue has popped up with Windows 11

The post How to turn off automatic updates on Windows 11 appeared first on KnowTechie.

But now, the work-from-home crowd will be able to game during business hours with the blessing of Microsoft itself. 

The latest update to Microsoft Teams — Redmond’s answer to Slack — brings a swath of new casual games, where you can even compete against up to 250 of your colleagues. 

But don’t get too excited — yet. You won’t be able to frag colleagues in Doom Eternal’s multiplayer, no matter how much your boss looks like a Cacodemon.

Nor will it let you take down the malevolent Institute in the post-apocalyptic hellscape of Fallout 4. Rather, ‘Games for Work’ includes options like Minesweeper, Solitaire, and Wordament.

In Solitaire, players will compete to finish first. The Microsoft Teams flavor of Minesweeper adds a collaborative edge, as you work with your colleagues to clear the board.

Wordament, meanwhile, will list your company’s most erudite linguists on a leaderboard. 

Microsoft envisions ‘Games for Work’ as a team-building tool. It hopes that, by incorporating games into the working day, employees will emerge refreshed and ultimately more productive. 

“Research shows that gaming promotes cognitive benefits, helps foster empathy and encourages inclusion, team building and learning,” the company said in an announcement.

If you’re curious, you can check out the Microsoft Games for Work app here. You’ll likely have to get permission from your IT department before you start pwning your n00b colleagues in Minesweeper, however.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Microsoft Flight Simulator adds helicopters and gliders
• Google One VPN is now available on Windows and Mac
• PSA: Apple has cut trade-in values for iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks
• Google hit with record $391 million settlement over shady tracking

The post Microsoft Teams now lets you play casual games with colleagues appeared first on KnowTechie.

The latest edition commemorates the iconic (but, at the time, profoundly divisive) virtual office assistant, Clippy. 

If you’re unfamiliar with Clippy, here’s a brief history lesson. With the launch of Office 97, Microsoft sought to make its productivity suite less intimidating to the millions of people using a computer for the first time. 

Its solution was an interactive assistant that would appear as you worked, giving friendly tips about making the most of Microsoft Office.

Clippy was just one of many possible assistants, which included a caricature of Albert Einstein, an energetic puppy, and a cartoonish version of William Shakespeare. 

Microsoft’s intentions were pure, but the results were mixed. Experienced Office users found these assistants patronizing, intrusive, and unhelpful.

As Clippy was the most well-known of the assistants, it became the poster child for everything wrong with the feature. 

With the release of Office XP, Microsoft led Clippy behind the cowshed. Few shed tears.

But nostalgia is a weird thing. It makes you look fondly at things you once loathed. And in the years since, the Internet has quietly rehabilitated Clippy’s reputation. It’s no longer a reviled cartoon character, but a meme. 

And so, it makes sense Microsoft would choose to use Clippy as its mascot for the company’s annual Windows Ugly Sweater extravaganza. 

As in previous years, Microsoft will donate the proceeds to a charitable cause. This year, it’s the College Success Foundation, which helps “underserved, low-income students to access and succeed in college.”

If you’re tempted, you can buy the sweater from the Xbox Gear Shop while stocks last. It retails at $74.99 in the US and £64.99 in the UK. 

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• New Windows 11 update will let you view iCloud libraries on PCs
• Why Microsoft Voice Access is Windows 11’s best feature
• Someone just bought Steve Jobs’ old slippers for almost $220,000
• Microsoft Flight Simulator adds helicopters and gliders

The post The 2022 Windows ugly Christmas sweater is dedicated to Clippy appeared first on KnowTechie.

As reported by BleepingComputer, software historian Albacore noticed promotional messages for Microsoft products in a strange place. That place was the Start Menu, in the Accounts flyout menu.

His posts show ads for OneDrive nudging to “Back up your files.” Testing the feature using a local account produced “Sign up for Microsoft Account” and “Complete your profile,” both acting as prompts not to use a local account.

KnowTechie tried replicating this on all of our Windows 11 machines, to no avail. Only Windows Insider Dev builds have the feature. That build is basically like a beta version before beta testers actually receive it.

That means this could be some early tests, and Microsoft doesn’t intend for the new ad spots to go to consumer machines.

Microsoft loves some in-app advertising

Microsoft has snuck advertising into Windows 11 before. In March of 2022, File Explorer showed promotional messages for other Microsoft software.

At that time, Microsoft reversed the change and said that it was “an experimental banner that was not supposed to be published externally.”

Is that the case again? Once is a mistake, and twice is the beginning of a pattern…

And it’s not only two times. Microsoft used File Explorer to show ads in 2016, and Wordpad was used to display ads for Office.

The company also broke the Start Menu and Taskbar with ads for Teams, shortly before Windows 11 was released.

It may be how the world is going, as even Netflix has an ad-supported tier now.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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At the Wall Street Journal Live conference this week, Phil Spencer told Xbox gamers to prepare for prices to go up. The Verge’s Tom Warren shared Spencer’s quote:

“I do think at some point we’ll have to raise the prices on certain things, but going into this holiday we thought it was important to maintain the prices.”

It is unclear exactly what will be seeing this price increase at Xbox. Spencer could be talking about Xbox products or hardware or referring to various Xbox services.

Xbox Game Pass is one of the company’s more popular services. Game Pass unlocks a massive library of rotating games that gamers can play for a monthly fee.

Spencer recently revealed Game Pass makes up around 15 percent of Xbox’s content and services revenue. So maybe Xbox is planning on increasing the monthly prices of Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate.

Or maybe Spencer could be speaking solely about the Xbox Series X|S consoles. We’re used to consoles getting cheaper as the years go by, so it could feel strange if this is the case.

Subscription prices for just about everything have risen rapidly in recent months, and the gaming industry is no exception.

For example, PlayStation recently increased the cost of the PlayStation 5 in several markets.

That increase was the first time we’ve seen a gaming console go up in price after release. And it looks like Xbox products could soon follow suit.

But PlayStation already set a precedent by increasing PS5 prices. So maybe Xbox feels like it’s okay to follow suit now.

The good news is that we don’t have to worry about that this holiday season. But don’t be surprised when Xbox increases its prices soon.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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The news comes straight from documents Microsoft filed with the UK regulatory body investigating the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

The filings show Microsoft’s desire to “scale the Xbox Store to mobile” to compete with the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.

That’s a bold plan. The mobile gaming market was worth $85 billion back in 2020. With COVID-era restrictions, that number is only going to be higher today.

The filings reveal that Call of Duty: Mobile and ancillary revenue was “more than half of Activision Blizzard’s revenue in the first half of 2022.”

That’s huge and will be a nice revenue stream for Microsoft if regulators approve the acquisition.

Microsoft will have a long battle ahead to bring the Xbox mobile game store to fruition. Epic Games is still battling Apple in the courts over the latter’s App Store policies.

One of those policies keeps third-party app stores off of iOS devices. It’s not clear how Microsoft aims to bring the Xbox mobile app store to the platform. Currently, Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS works through the browser.

Microsoft has already laid the ground work for its inevitable court battles. Earlier this year, it enacted a set of Open App Store Principles.

Included in these guidelines is the ability for third-party in-app payments and easier access to third-party app stores and apps.

These are the key issues being argued in the Epic Games vs Apple lawsuit. Microsoft will be closely watching that legal battle, as it also pertains to the future of the Xbox mobile game store.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Microsoft announced this new functionality at its latest hardware event earlier in the week, where they also revealed new Surface hardware, partnerships with Meta, and more. 

If you’re a Windows Insider participant, you can try out the new functionality today. It should be available to all Windows 11 users sometime in November.

And the best part about this new iCloud integration is that it doesn’t require a web browser – users just have to download the iCloud app from Microsoft’s store. 

With iCloud photo libraries playing nice with Windows 11 machines, it’s never been easier for iPhone users to view their photos and videos on a Windows computer.

The buck doesn’t stop there. Microsoft has also announced that Apple Music will be available on Xbox One consoles. In addition, the company also says Apple Music and the Apple TV app will launch on Windows next year.

Integrations like these are just one way Microsoft is making Windows available to more people. And with them integrating one of its biggest competitors into its ecosystem – it’s clear Microsoft has big plans.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Microsoft Office is rebranding to Microsoft 365 after 30 years
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The new branding was initially spotted by The Verge and confirmed by a FAQ page on Microsoft’s website.

As noted by the publication, this rebranding began a couple of years ago. Microsoft changed the name of the subscription that unlocks these apps from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 back in 2020.

And now, the company is ready to make the Microsoft 365 leap entirely.

“In the coming months, Office.com, the Office mobile app, and the Office app for Windows will become the Microsoft 365 app, with a new icon, a new look, and even more features,” reads a Microsoft FAQ.

This doesn’t necessarily mean any changes are coming to the existing apps. It’s simply a rebranding that comes with a new name and logo and a few additional features.

The first change that we will begin to see is coming to Office.com. Microsoft is rebranding Office.com to fit the new Microsoft 365 name in November.

After that, Microsoft plans on changing the branding around the Office app on Windows, Android, and iOS. That change is coming a little later, in January.

In addition to the standard Office apps, Microsoft 365 will include Microsoft Teams, Stream, Clipchamp, and the company’s new Designer app.

With all the apps organized in one place, this should hopefully make it easier to organize all of your Microsoft content across mobile and computer.

For those who already subscribe to Microsoft Office in one way or another, there will be no real change when the rebranding occurs. Your subscription will stay the same, but you’ll start to see the new branding.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

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The previous device was released four years ago. Microsoft didn’t change the design this time, opting to modernize the hardware it runs on and add some new ports.

The biggest draw of the all-in-one is the flexible hinge, which easily repositions the screen for your needs. Microsoft didn’t do anything to that, so read on to find out what they improved.

All of the Surface Studio 2+ improvements are under the surface

The Surface Studio 2+ is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H processor paired with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 laptop GPU with 6GB of GDDR6 memory. It has 32GB of system RAM and a 1TB solid-state drive.

The display is still a 28-inch Pixel Sense panel with a 4500 x 3000 resolution at a 3:2 ratio. What has changed on the screen is that it now supports Dolby Vision with compatible content.

The screen is also pressure sensitive and works with the Surface Pen.

You now get modern connectivity options, with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. The 1080p webcam is the same, but it now has a pair of far-field Studio mics and Dolby Atmos speakers.

Microsoft has also changed the port configuration on the base. It used to have four USB-A ports, 1 USB-C, and an SD card reader.

Now you get three USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, two USB-A 3.1 ports, a headphone jack, and Gigabit Ethernet.

The Surface Studio 2+ also works with the Surface Dial, but you’ll have to purchase that separately for $99.99.

You can preorder the Surface Studio 2+ from Microsoft, starting from $4,499.99. Retail availability is October 25.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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Your choices include Intel’s latest 12th-gen processor, a huge improvement over the surface 8’s processor options. Or you could go with Microsoft’s own SQ 3 Arm chip.

The difference between the two comes down to internet connection options. With Intel’s 12th-gen processor, the Surface 9 Pro will only be able to connect to the internet via WiFi.

However, if you go with the SQ 3 Arm chip, you’ll have cellular 5G capabilities on your Surface 9 Pro, making it much more versatile.

Of course, this comes with a tradeoff. Intel’s processors are more established and work seamlessly with Windows. The SQ chips, on the other hand, have had a history of not playing well with some Windows apps.

In addition to the new processor upgrades, the Surface Pro 9 features a few additional improvements over its predecessor.

The 1080P webcam has been improved, and you have more colors to choose from, including Sapphire, Forest, Platinum, and Graphite.

When it comes to price, there’s a lot of variation between different versions. The tablet with a base-level, Intel i5 12th-generation processor starts at $999 with 128GB of storage.

The 5G equipped model with the SQ 3 Arm processor starts at $1,300 with similar specs. You can preorder the new Surface Pro 9 starting today, and they will begin shipping on October 25.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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The biggest takeaway is that Meta hopes that actual, industry-standard productivity tools will drive some Quest VR headset sales.

With reports of troubled development of Meta’s flagship metaverse app, Horizon Worlds, bringing Microsoft on board might not be the worst decision. Here’s what’s coming to Quest VR headsets.

Your next Teams meeting might be in VR

The partnership means that Teams and Horizon Workrooms users can join each other’s meeting rooms. Avatars from both systems will also carry over, one of the early promises that hadn’t shown up until now.

Microsoft is also bringing Windows 365 to Quest so you can use your virtual Windows desktop from your VR headset. 2D versions of Office are also coming to the platform.

Imagine being able to use 3D Excel spreadsheets in VR in the future. We can’t quite work out if it’s horrifying or exciting, but the promise is there.

Xbox Game Pass in VR

Microsoft has long said it wants to bring Xbox gaming to everyone, wherever they play. Meta wants everyone to live in the metaverse.

Now you can do both, as Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming to the Meta Quest Store. That will significantly increase the number of games available on the platform, which will be playable on a virtual screen.

It’s their metaverse – you’re just living in it

With Microsoft now allying with Meta, the metaverse is going to happen. Will we see Windows VR Edition one day, untethered from virtual screens?

The will is certainly there, but hardware makers must figure out battery life issues.

The two-hour maximum for the Meta Quest Pro isn’t going to convince purchasing departments to spend $1,499 per user so they can take their Teams calls in VR.

Have any thoughts on this? Carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

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