Author: Microsoft Stories

A new update to WhatsApp for Windows Phone brings several new features. It will let users trim a video clip before sharing it with friends. Additionally, WhatsApp for Windows Phone users will also be able to share document files with their friends using the app. For now, only Pdf files are supported by WhatsApp. The company recently stated that it was working on expanding support to other document file types as well in a future update.

Members of the Microsoft Insider program can download the latest Insider Preview build for Office 2016. According to the company, the new build features are Power Query Enhancements, Find Photos in a Flash and Easier Files and Folders Sharing. Microsoft has been working hard to make OneDrive more useful than just an online storage tool. These features, along with improvements to the photo sharing functionality and live editing tools are going a long way towards achieving that goal.

Microsoft has been pushing the importance of the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, since Windows 10 was announced. Now, Microsoft is building a UWP app that will eventually integrate all of the legacy Skype program’s features, and more. Moreover, the company says it will eventually completely kill off the desktop-only app in favor of the universal one. It has worked to simplify the interface by removing duplicate menus and clutter, and of course, the interface is much more touch-friendly.

The latest feature in Windows 10 mobile devices (build 14291 and 14295) allows Cortana to tell users if other connected devices are running low on battery, if they have missed a text and even sends app notifications. The builds are only available to members of the Microsoft Insider Program on both mobile and desktop. The feature must be explicitly enabled in Cortana’s settings menu, where you need to enable the “Send phone notifications” feature.

Microsoft Research has released SandDance, a free data visualization app that lets users gain insight in surveys and research projects. Users can simply fire it up in browser, upload a data set (TXT, CSV and JSON formats are currently supported) and analyze in a variety of ways. SandDance is the latest project to come out of Microsoft Garage, the company’s program to foster experimental products developed by its employees.

Microsoft, thanks to its accelerator program Microsoft Ventures and extensive global enterprise customer base of 25,000, has turned beneficial for many startups and enterprises. It was the first major accelerator program in India and has grown by far the most robust. Since its launch in mid-2012, Microsoft Ventures has seen 84 startups graduating in seven batches. Harish Vaidyanathan, who heads the independent software vendor ecosystem engagement for Microsoft India, said, “The biggest problem most startups face is access and connections with enterprise customers.”

A Reddit survey indicated that Microsoft is looking at the possibility of letting users trade in their digital games for store credit. The exchange rate appears to be a slightly less than what users would get for trading in a physical copy. Microsoft suggested that a 10% store credit would be on offer also.

Nuk3town, a futuristic version of the classic Black Ops map, is now available free for PS4, Xbox One and PC users. the Nuk3town Personalization Pack which adds a Nuk3town themed weapon camo, three themed weapon reticles and a themed calling card is also added in the deal. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 recently received the Awakening DLC, adding four new maps to the four new maps to the mix, while a free update added some new weapons for players to earn through the Black Market.

Real Time Media Engine 2.0 is now available for Linux-based thin clients. It means users can benefit from new features and HD video conferencing. The HDX Real Time Media Engine 2.0 allows high-quality HD video conferences as well as Enterprise VoIP telephony via Microsoft Skype for Business. Citrix is also decoupling the functionality so that Microsoft Skype for Business Server 2015, Microsoft Lync Server 2013 and Office 365 (Skype for Business Online) are supported.