Author: Microsoft Stories

The Xbox One is getting a major firmware update, one which adds multiple new features (a lot of them oriented towards continuing to make the Xbox One a more social experience), and brings back older ones. Among the list of the updated features coming to the Xbox One, to be available from February 20, 2016, are the ability to organize one’s pins and to use them offline, a Gamerscore leaderboard, the ability to join a friend’s Twitch broadcast, the ability to see who is in a Party before one joins it, and several more.

Skype introduced the group video calling feature for Android, iOS, and Windows 10 Mobile in January this year. It has finally started rolling out the feature for users on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. The company adds that though the group video calling feature is limited to Western Europe and North America region for now, it plans to make it fully available worldwide by March.

Microsoft unveiled an upgraded version of its Wireless Display Adapter, a Chromecast-like dongle that allows people to mirror what’s on their phones, tablets, or laptops onto their television screens. Priced at $49.95, the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter is available for pre-orders via the Microsoft’s online store. The company added that the device will also be available on Best Buy and Amazon while being introduced in more markets soon.

Microsoft and Mendix announced the latter’s support for Microsoft Azure cloud platform & services and the availability of the company’s platform in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace. Mendix is a leading provider of application Platform-as-a-Service (aPaaS). Through the combination of Mendix’s rapid application development capabilities and the Azure cloud platform & services, global IT teams can accelerate the delivery of modern, multi-channel applications and better support business demands.

Microsoft added, following its earlier announcement of a partnership with Red Hat, Red Hat Enterprise Linux versions 6.7 and 7.2 to the Azure Marketplace. Developers who want to use the popular operating system now have an easy and Microsoft-approved path to get it running on Azure.

Microsoft has started rolling out the Windows 10 Mobile 10.0.10586.107 cumulative update to its latest smartphones – the Microsoft Lumia 950 and the Lumia 950 XL. The update will initially reach open market variants followed by other variants over the next week. The update includes improvements in reliability and stability, bluetooth connectivity with car and other accessories, PDF rendering and navigation in Microsoft Edge, and battery usage with Iris Recognition for Windows Hello.

Technology giant Microsoft has been working on a pilot project to link Skype with the Aadhar database. The project aims to explore whether the identification service can be used on video calls, including those with government institutions. The US-based software company expressed that it is very enthusiastic and has “embraced the universal ID system”. “We have been pursuing work, initially on a pilot basis, but it will continue to grow, to use that specific technology and integrate it into Skype,” said Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith.

Microsoft has been strongly advocating for protecting security of customers and their information. “Governments have a fundamentally important role in striking a balance between privacy and security. We want to live in a world where the public is safe and where privacy rights are secure. Governments need to strike a balance especially in democratic societies,” said Brad Smith, President and Chief Legal Officer, Microsoft.

The gaming world is still buzzing after Remedy Entertainment announced a Windows 10 version of Quantum Break (and slightly more forgiving recommended requirements) but Microsoft’s Aaron Greenberg says that the Xbox One is still a priority for the company. Speaking to Major Nelson on his latest podcast, Greenberg said, “People should know: Xbox is a big priority and a huge commitment. Please do not let the fact that we are also launching a game on the same day on Windows 10 change perspective on the importance of the console business [or] our commitment to innovating on console.”

Dalmia Bharat has announced a 4-month accelerator designed to mentor and invest in promising startups focused on smart city ideas. It’s a joint initiative between DLabs at ISB and Centre for Entrepreneurship at Ashoka University. The Dalmia Bharat AIM Smart City Accelerator Program is supported by Microsoft India, with focus on four broad verticals: healthcare, education, transportation and infrastructure. Microsoft will support this through its BizSpark program and the recently announced special initiative for Indian technology startups for smart cities. “This program will help entrepreneurs leverage Microsoft technology to develop innovative solutions that can support cities to become smart, sustainable and future-ready,” says Narendra Bhandari, General Manager and Developer Experience at Microsoft India.