Microsoft is testing new firmware for Xbox Controllers that makes using them with iPhone and iPad even better. The update adds Bluetooth Low Energy support, and allows you to pair both an Xbox console and iOS device so that switching between the two is easier than ever before.
Apple CEO Tim Cook will discuss cybersecurity with President Biden this week
Apple CEO Tim Cook, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and other tech executives will meet President Biden at the White House this week. The focus of the meeting will be the efforts of private companies to improve cybersecurity following an increase in online attacks, one report claims.
Keysbuff offers lifetime Windows 10 activation for $14 + free game giveaway
This software activation post is brought to you by Keysbuff.
Keysbuff offers steep discounts on a variety of Microsoft software activation keys during its back-to-school sale event, now through September 1.
The company provides permanently activated global activation keys for products like Microsoft Windows 10 Pro and Office 2019 Professional Plus. As part of its back-to-school event, you can also win a free game key.
Microsoft just won’t let Clippy die
Windows users can’t escape Clippy. The much hated personal assistant is coming back. Fortunately, it’ll be far less prominent than back in 1997. And Mac users won‘t have to see it at all.
Apple has made its share of mistakes over the years. But few of these can compare to Clippy’s irritating attempts to help people using Microsoft Office.
Microsoft’s new Cloud PC feature streams Windows to Mac and iPad
Who needs Boot Camp when you can stream Windows to your Mac? Microsoft’s newly announced Windows 365 feature allows you to use Windows 10 and 11 on almost any device — including Mac and iPad.
With a Cloud PC, you get an instant-on experience and access to all your data, software, and settings anywhere. And you’ll be able to configure your setup to suit your needs. The service launches on August 2, 2021.
Microsoft copies Apple, puts Android apps on Windows 11
Windows 11 borrows a page from Apple’s playbook and can run applications created for smartphones. In the case of Microsoft’s just-announced operating system update, users will be able to install Android apps from Amazon’s software store.
That’s quite similar to M1-based Macs’ ability to run iOS and iPadOS software as easily as macOS apps.
Xbox cloud gaming for Safari rolls out to everyone soon
The ability to play Xbox games in Safari on your iPhone and iPad will soon be available to everyone.
Microsoft this week confirmed its new cloud streaming web app, which has been in beta testing since April, will roll out “in the next few weeks.” What’s more, it’s soon going to get even more powerful.
Netflix could offer new gaming subscription like Apple Arcade
Netflix is exploring an expansion into online gaming with a brand-new service much like Apple Arcade, according to new reports.
The service could see subscribers paying a monthly fee for unlimited access to a catalog of titles. However, sources familiar with the situation say that plans are “very much in flux” as things stand.
How to block ads in Microsoft Edge for iPhone and iPad
Microsoft Edge has some nice advantages over Safari on iPhone and iPad — especially if you typically use Windows on your desktop. But just like other third-party browsers, it can’t play nicely with content blockers.
However, Edge does have a built-in ad blocker on iOS and iPadOS. And in this guide, we’ll show you how to enable it.
Microsoft buys speech recognition company that helped power Siri
Microsoft has acquired Nuance Communications, the speech recognition AI company which helped* power Siri.
Microsoft snapped up Nuance for a massive $16 billion ($19.7 billion, inclusive of Nuance’s net debt). That’s the most it has spent on a company since buying LinkedIn for $26 billion in 2016.
Microsoft takes potshots at iPad Pro in Surface Pro 7 ad
Microsoft pretends to compare its Surface Pro 7 with the iPad Pro in a video released Monday. Not surprisingly, the Windows product comes out way ahead. But to make that happen, Microsoft had to leave out some facts and distort reality a bit.
To see all the ways Microsoft stretched the truth, watch its video now:
Cdkeysales cyber weekly deals: Original Windows 10 OEM lifetime license just $16
This software keys post is presented by CdkeySales.com.
If you run a PC, isn’t it about time you brought your operating system and productivity software up to date? Thanks to the folks at CdkeySales.com, you can do it on the cheap with discounts on a variety of Microsoft Windows and Office software activation keys.
Microsoft Office 2021 will come to Mac … sometime
Microsoft on Thursday committed itself to releasing Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac and Windows. This is a one-payment version of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and OneNote. It’s separate from the Office 365 subscription service.
And there’s good news about pricing.
Will M1 Macs ever run Windows? It’s up to Microsoft.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, says Macs with the new M1 processor could run the version of Windows Microsoft created to run on similar chips. Apple did nothing to make that impossible. So whether Apple Silicon Macs ever run Windows depends on Microsoft.
Apple works to bring Xbox Series X controller support to iOS and Mac
Apple is working with Microsoft to make new Xbox Series X controllers compatible with iPhone, iPad, Mac and more.
Support for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and other controllers is already baked into the latest versions of iOS. It’s not yet clear if Apple will add support for the PlayStation 5’s new DualSense controller, too.
Feeling lucky? Google was the top iOS developer in October
Like most tech giants, Apple and Google have a strange “coopetition” relationship, whereby they simultaneously compete and work together.
The latest example? Google, the company that spawned the rival Android mobile operating system, was the top developer in Apple’s iOS App Store last month.
Microsoft Xbox gaming service coming to iPhone as a web app
Microsoft is reportedly using a workaround to get Xbox Game Pass on iPhone and iPad. Rather than going into the App Store, this cloud-gaming service will be available as a web application.
This is the same strategy Amazon took to get its own streaming game service on Apple handsets and tablets.
Microsoft takes veiled shots at Apple in its new ‘fairness’ principles
It’s been a hot minute since Microsoft and Apple were the big tech rivalry. But Microsoft is ready to renew cold war hostilities for old time’s sake. At least, if a new blog post is to be believed, that is.
In a new blog post promoting the Microsoft Store on Windows 10, Microsoft takes a few thinly veiled shots at Apple, cashing in on the current rough time Apple is having regarding its allegedly monopolistic running of the App Store.
Outlook gets a huge redesign for macOS Big Sur — out next month
Microsoft is working on a major Outlook redesign inspired by macOS Big Sur. Its new app, which is redesigned from the group up and promises to deliver a reimagined email experience, will land in October.
Apple requires streaming games to be listed individually in App Store [Updated]
Apple laid out new rules for streaming games services hoping to be listed the App Store. But it’s not clear if the changes will result in Microsoft, Google Facebook and others actually introducing iPhone and iPad versions of their services, which are already available for other platforms.
Microsoft’s folding, dual-screen Surface Duo now available, priced $1,399 [Updated]
Update: The Surface Duo is available to buy. Reviews haven’t been wholly positive, although most seem to agree there is plenty of promise for the future.
Microsoft’s folding, dual-screen Surface Duo is finally available for preorder. The Android device, which boasts two 5.6-inch displays, starts at $1,399. Orders will begin shipping on September 10.
Oracle could challenge Microsoft to acquire ultra-popular TikTok app
Oracle, the company co-founded by Steve Jobs’ “rich friend” Larry Ellison, is reportedly in the running to acquire TikTok.
Until now, Microsoft was the leading — and only reported serious — contender in the bidding to acquire the popular video-sharing app.
Europe will scrutinize Apple’s treatment of Microsoft and Facebook in antitrust investigation
The EU’s antitrust investigation of Apple is looking into how Cupertino made it tough for fellow tech giants Facebook and Microsoft launching their own streaming gaming platforms on the App Store. These include the Facebook Gaming and Microsoft’s Project xCloud apps.
App Store approvals mean major headaches for cloud gaming services
Google Stadia and Microsoft Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming services aren’t debuting on iPhone or iPad anytime soon. And the holdup isn’t for technical reasons. It’s about Apple’s App Store policy.
These services could bring desktop-level games to Apple mobile devices. But Microsoft’s offering definitely won’t debut in the App Store this autumn, and Google’s isn’t available, either.
Make older Macs feel new again by switching web browsers [Pro tip]
Got an old Mac that’s crawling to a halt every time you browse the web? It might not be your hardware that’s in need of a change. Before splashing out on new components, try switching browsers instead.