In the News

Remedy Entertainment’s Quantum Break has been a fairly large success. It’s the biggest selling new IP for the Xbox One from Microsoft Studios. Speaking on Xbox Wire, Aaron Greenberg, Marketing Executive, Xbox, revealed that, “Quantum Break was the #1 best-selling Xbox game around the world last week, and is now officially the biggest-selling new Microsoft Studios published IP this generation.” In addition, last week Quantum Break was the #1 most played new game on Xbox, worldwide.

Skype now works in Microsoft Edge without any plugins or downloads whatsoever. Skype had first announced, back in late 2014, that it was working on compatibility with ORTC technology, a standard for video streams over the Web. Meanwhile Edge became compatible with the technology in last September. It’s another step in making Skype accessible from more devices, following Skype for Web, and the ability to call anyone via a simple URL.

React is a framework developed by Facebook for developers to build single-page apps. React Native was an initiative to help them use the same skill to build native mobile apps for both iOS and Android. Microsoft has expressed the drive to bring React Native to Windows 10 and Tizen. When that happens, developers will be able to use the same framework to build apps for the Universal Windows Platform (PC, smartphone, and tablet) as well as Tizen-based smart TV’s and smartwatches.

Microsoft’s Garage incubator began the private beta for its Word Flow keyboard, allowing users to sign up for access to the application. Those who get access to it will be able to install an app that replaces the iOS software keyboard with one made by Microsoft. The Word Flow keyboard’s leading feature is a one-handed typing mode that curves the keyboard around one bottom corner of the screen or another, so that it’s easier for people who have another hand full to fire off a quick text message.

Microsoft may be de-emphasizing its Windows smartphone hardware, but it hasn’t stopped rolling out new updates on its Insider program. Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview Build 14322 was released and includes several tweaks as well as more substantial upgrades. Two new additions to the Cortana reminders, camera and media controls for the Windows 10 Mobile lock screens, new emoji, Lock screen and messaging upgrades are the features to look forward to.

At Microsoft Build, the company’s trade show for software developers, executives touted ambitions in artificial-intelligence-powered chat bots, cloud computing and other technologies. CEO Satya Nadella said Microsoft remains committed to the smartphone business. The company aims to blur the lines between smartphones and bigger devices through its Continuum feature.

In the annual National Association of Broadcaster’s show, Microsoft Azure Media Services announced a slew of new features. Microsoft added a new Indexer, for recognizing and tagging audio content in video. These can be used to generate close captions, transcripts or a searchable database. Eight languages are currently supported which include English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, Portuguese, Arabic and Chinese.

India, the second largest smartphone market in the world has manufacturers and sellers vying to get a slice of the market share. 15 smartphones were launched in the first fourteen days of April with Microsoft Lumia 650 Dual SIM on Windows 10 being one.

Microsoft is releasing Skype TX 4. The TX 4 can handle four Skype calls with one unit. Previously each unit could handle only one stream at a time. Skype TX 4 will be compatible with two modules to start with: The NewTek TalkShow VS 4000 and the Quicklink TX Multi. Broadcast networks have much more stringent video demands and TX 4 can optimize enough feeds to run simultaneously from one device at broadcast quality.

Microsoft is offering a slate of applications designed to make it easier for teachers and students to use the company’s products. Tony Prophet, Corporate Vice President, Education Marketing, Microsoft, said, “We feel great about our competitive position. We’re deepening our investment and focus.” Hundreds of Microsoft software engineers are working solely on education-focused projects, he revealed.