Microsoft - page 3

Fortnite returns to iPhone with clever workaround – here’s how to play!

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Fortnite returns to iPhone with clever workaround – here's how to play!
If you've been missing Fortnite, you can play it now on iPhone or iPad.
Photo: Cult of Mac

Fortnite got kicked out of the App Store as part of a legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, but you can play it on your iPhone today for free. Microsoft added it to Xbox Cloud Gaming so the combat game is playable on iOS and iPadOS devices.

Setting up your iPhone or iPad to play Fortnite from the cloud rather than the App Store is different from what you’re used to. Not hard, just different. I’ll walk you through it.

Apple, Google and Microsoft expand support for passwordless sign‑ins

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Face ID
You could soon be using Face ID to sign into more websites and applications.
Photo: Apple

Apple, Google and Microsoft committed themselves to expand support for a passwordless sign-in standard. The goal is to make it easier for websites and applications to offer consistent, secure and easy passwordless sign-ins.

It’s a move toward greater support for biometric security systems like the ones already included in iPhone, Mac and iPad.

Easter Sale! Get Windows 10 Pro for $15, Office for $28 and other software at best prices

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Keysbuff offers great deals on Microsoft software activation keys.
Keysbuff offers great deals on Microsoft software activation keys.
Image: Keysbuff.com

This post is presented by Keysbuff.

You may have a tummy ache from Easter candy like chocolate bunnies and those notoriously inedible marshmallow Peeps, but try to shop through the pain and save big on software. In an ongoing Easter Sale, Cult of Mac readers can get great discounts from software activation keys provider Keysbuff. You can save up to 90% off the full price on Windows 10 and find great savings on lots of other Microsoft software.

To do so, just use promo code COM at Keysbuff.com to get an extra 25% off the site’s already-low prices on keys for Windows 10 Pro Global, Microsoft Office 2021 Pro and others in the list below. You can purchase many products with lifetime licenses.

Windows 10 lifetime license for $13, Office for $26 — up to 90% discount in Big Easter Sale

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Big Easter Sale: Grab sweet savings on genuine Microsoft software.
Grab sweet savings on genuine Microsoft software.
Image: CDKeylord.com

This discount software activation keys post is presented by CDKeylord.com.

You may be partial to a good old-fashioned egg hunt around Easter, but did you know you also can find fabulous deals on software? In its Big Easter Sale, software seller CDKeylord.com offers fantastic discounts on genuine Microsoft products.

Cult of Mac readers can get 30% off the regular price of a Windows 10 Pro key and much more. And when you buy a Windows 10 key, you can get a free upgrade to Windows 11! Just enter the special discount code CULT when you check out to secure these great savings.

To see available discounts on various Microsoft software titles, see the list below.

Oops! Microsoft scraps embarrassing tweet that featured an M1 iMac

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Microsoft tweet features M1 iMac
That's unfortunate.
Image: Twitter

There’s one thing you don’t do if you’re on Microsoft’s social media team, and that’s promote Apple products. It seems at least one person forgot that last week when they posted a tweet featuring an image of the M1 iMac.

The post, which was removed after a few hours, was about cleaning Windows machines “safely and smoothly.” Microsoft should know better than anyone that it’s not even possible to run Windows natively on M1 Mac models.

Windows 10 lifetime license for $14, Office for $28 — get 90% off in Easter Sale

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Keysbuff offers great deals on Microsoft software activation keys.
Keysbuff offers great deals on Microsoft software activation keys.
Photo: Keysbuff.com

This post is presented by Keysbuff.

The Easter holiday is often associated with chocolate bunnies and candy eggs, but this year it also means big savings on software. Cult of Mac readers can get great discounts from software activation keys provider Keysbuff. You can save up to 90% off the full price on Windows 10 and get great savings on lots of other Microsoft software.

Just use promo code COM at Keysbuff.com to get an extra 25% off the site’s already-low prices on keys for Windows 10 Pro Global, Microsoft Office 2021 Pro and others in the list below. You can purchase many products with lifetime licenses.

Xbox Cloud Gaming gets ‘major’ improvements on iPhone and iPad

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Xbox Cloud Gaming gets major improvements
Try them out now and let Microsoft know what you think.
Image: Microsoft

Microsoft this week rolled out a big Xbox Cloud Gaming update that promises “major performance improvements” on iPhone and iPad. They should allow for smoother and more responsive gameplay, the company said.

The changes have already been well-received by Cloud Gaming users, with Microsoft seeing a “significant increase” in positive feedback from players.

Get Windows 10 for $12, Office for $25 and save up to 91% in School Season Sale

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When you buy Windows 10 at CDKeylord.com, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11.
When you buy Windows 10 at CDKeylord.com, you get a free upgrade to Windows 11.
Photo: CDKeylord.com

This discount software activation keys post is presented by CDKeylord.com.

It’s time to get educated about fantastic software deals. In its School Season Sale, software seller CDKeylord.com offers a whole new class of deals on genuine Microsoft products. Cult of Mac readers can get 30% off the regular price of a Windows 10 Pro key. And when you buy a Windows 10 key, you can get a free upgrade to Windows 11! Just enter the special discount code CULT when you check out to nab these great savings.

See the list below for currently available discounts on various Microsoft software titles.

Microsoft OneDrive is now optimized for Apple M1 chips

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Microsoft OneDrive now optimized for Apple M1
Faster, more efficient, and not broken under macOS 12.3.
Image: Microsoft/Cult of Mac

Microsoft on Monday rolled out a major OneDrive update that adds full Apple M1 support for the first time. Version 22.022 now runs natively on Apple silicon chipsets, which should mean improved performance and efficiency.

The update also eliminates a kernel extensions issue, which broke both OneDrive and Dropbox, that macOS 12.3 beta testers recently ran into.

Microsoft Teams emoji gets a cute 3D makeover

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Microsoft Teams 3D emoji
A sweet emoji upgrade.
Image: Microsoft

How do you make your emoji stand out in a sea of similar designs? You give them an awesome 3D makeover, of course! That’s exactly what Microsoft is doing with more than 1,800 emoji characters inside Microsoft Teams.

The redesign, which starts rolling out today in an early preview, will be available all platforms — including macOS, iOS and the web.

Microsoft does what Apple won’t and opens up its Windows Store

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Microsoft Store
Developers can accept third-party payments without punishment.
Image: Microsoft/Cult of Mac

While Apple fights to maintain its strict App Store rules and its 15-30% cut of all purchases and subscriptions, Microsoft is taking the opposite approach. The company on Wednesday announced major changes to the Microsoft Store that will make it fairer, more open, and more transparent.

Its new Open App Store Principles — which include allowing developers to accept alternative payments systems without fear of retribution — are designed to show that Microsoft (unlike Apple) is committed to adapting to new regulation that promotes competition in app markets.

US states and Microsoft back Epic Games in fight against the App Store

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Epic Games vs. the App Store
It's getting harder for Apple to defend its rules.
Image: Epic Games

The Department of Justice, 35 U.S. states, and Microsoft have all backed Fortnite developer Epic Games in its fight against the App Store.

Briefs filed by Epic’s supporters with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit say last year’s ruling — which said the App Store was not a monopoly — is wrong. They also claim Apple is stifling competition.

Get a New Year’s discount up to 91% off: Windows 10 lifetime license for $14, Office for $26

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Keysbuff offers great deals on Microsoft software activation keys.
Keysbuff offers great deals on Microsoft software activation keys.
Image: Keysbuff

This software activation key sale post is presented by Keysbuff.

Cult of Mac readers can kick off 2022 with some of the best tech deals of the year from software activation keys provider Keysbuff. You can save up to 91% off the full price on Windows 10 and get great savings on many other Microsoft software titles in the Keysbuff New Year Software Sale. Just use promo code COM at Keysbuff.com to get an extra 30% off the site’s already-low prices on keys for Windows 10 Pro Global, Microsoft Office 2021 Pro and others in the list below. You can purchase many products with lifetime licenses.

Experts say Apple is missing out on the cloud gaming boom

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Nvidia-GeForce-Now-MacBook-Pro
Cloud gaming is taking off in a big way, and Apple isn't part of it.
Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Apple is missing out on another major revenue stream by ignoring cloud gaming services, according to market experts.

While rivals like Amazon, Nvidia and Microsoft are reaping the rewards of a gaming industry boom that’s only expected to get bigger, Apple is leaving money on the table. But there is a simple way it could enjoy a piece of the pie.

Apple loses another key chip designer as Microsoft swoops in

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Groups oppose Apple photo scanning
Why is Apple struggling to hold onto its chip-makers?
Photo: Benjamin Balázs

Another key chip designer has left Apple for Microsoft. Mike Filippo, who joined Cupertino in 2019 after a decade with Arm, is the second processor engineer Apple has lost in as many weeks after Jeff Wilcox left to join Intel.

Filippo will reportedly work on server chips for Microsoft’s Azure group, which is said to be pushing forward with its own silicon for cloud computing services.

Microsoft ditches its only Forza game for mobile

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Forza-Street-iPad
Forza Street is just too different to actual Forza.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Microsoft has confirmed that it is throwing in the towel on the only Forza game we got for mobile devices. The free-to-play Forza Street will get its final update this month before closing this spring, just two years after it landed.

“We’re proud and grateful for the community of players we were able to build with Forza Street,” Microsoft said. “We want to use what we learned on building new and exciting Forza products.”

Get Windows and Office deals for Christmas using coupon ‘CULT,’ prices start at $12

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In the CdkeySales Christmas Sale, you can get Windows 10 for $15 and a free upgrade to Windows 11.
In the CdkeySales Christmas Sale, you can get Windows 10 for $15 and a free upgrade to Windows 11.
Photo: CdkeySales.com

This Christmas software activation key sale post is presented by CdkeySales.com.

Just as with previous sales events, Cult of Mac readers can grab special discounts on the already-low-priced software activation keys available at CdkeySales.com. Now it’s time for the Christmas Sale, featuring deals up to 35% off regular prices.

PlayStation Now was on its way to iPhone before Sony changed its mind

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PlayStation Now
Sony changed its mind.
Photo: Sony

PlayStation Now, the streaming service that gives players access to more than 500 PlayStation 3 and 4 games, was on its way to iPhone and iPad back in 2017, according to documents that have surfaced as part of the Epic vs. Apple trial.

Apple had inside knowledge of Sony’s plans back in 2017, before PlayStation Now made its official debut. But for reasons currently unknown, the Japanese company never followed through on support for mobile devices.

Microsoft was open to bringing Xbox exclusives to iPhone, Apple wouldn’t play ball

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Microsoft wanted to bring Xbox exclusive to the App Store
Halo Infinite could have hit the App Store.
Photo: Microsoft

Microsoft told Apple that it was willing to turn big Xbox exclusives into iPhone and iPad games before negotiations over bringing its Xbox Cloud Gaming service to the App Store broke down earlier this year, internal emails show.

Microsoft was also open to releasing individual apps for each of the titles available in its streaming catalog to comply with App Store rules. It changed course when it became apparent that appeasing Apple was just too difficult.

How to get the Microsoft OneDrive preview that runs natively on M1 Macs

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Get OneDrive for M1 Macs
The preview release is available to anyone.
Image: Microsoft

Microsoft is now testing a new version of OneDrive for Mac that runs natively on Apple M1 chipsets. The update enables faster syncing and better performance — particularly for larger files — with no need for emulation anymore.

Although this release is only a preview build for now, anyone who uses OneDrive on macOS can get their hands on it. We’ll show you how.

Apple passes Microsoft to again become world’s most valuable company

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Apple money cash
Apple is back on top, with a valuation higher than Microsoft. And Google, too.
Photo: Cult of Mac

A sharp rise in Apple’s share price allowed the Mac-maker to regain the title of publicly traded company with the highest market capitalization n the world. It beat out Microsoft, who’d held the top spot for less than a month.

An unconfirmed report of Apple’s aggressive plans to make self-driving cars helped drive a 6% increase over the past week.

Microsoft overtakes Apple to become world’s most valuable company

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Microsoft overtakes Apple world's most valuable
Apple's market cap has fallen to $2.43 trillion.
Screenshot: Cult of Mac

After Apple stock tanked following the company’s earnings call on Thursday, arch rival Microsoft overtook it to become the world’s most valuable company with a market cap of $2.46 trillion. But Apple isn’t far behind.

Cupertino’s market cap currently sits at around $2.43 trillion. Apple has warned, however, that ongoing supply issues could lead to weaker-than-expected results for the final quarter — typically Apple’s most lucrative — of the year.

Apple hints at Apple Music for ‘gaming consoles’ after PS5 leak

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Apple Music for gaming consoles
Is a rollout imminent?
Photo: Apple/Sony

Apple’s website has been updating to include a reference to Apple Music for “gaming consoles.” It comes less than a week after the service was first spotted (but unavailable to download) on PlayStation 5.

The reference all but confirms Cupertino is indeed working to bring Apple Music to the latest game systems from Microsoft and Sony, alongside Apple TV, which is already available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X.

M1 Max chip could deliver even greater graphics than PlayStation 5

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Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PlayStation 5
Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PlayStation 5.
Photo: Marvel

MacBook Pro’s mind-blowing M1 Max chip could deliver even greater graphics than Sony’s newest PlayStation 5 console, according to early estimates. It has even more raw GPU power, at least on paper, with up to 32 graphics cores.

Apple already promised that it would offer “similar performance” to a “high-performance discrete GPU” in competing laptops. But whether Mac users actually get similar gaming experiences is another matter.

Microsoft says Windows 11 on Apple Silicon is ‘not a supported scenario’

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Windows 11 not supported on Apple Silicon. It's not surprising, but it is a shame.
It's not surprising, but it is a shame.
Photo: Dwayne/Flickr CC

Microsoft has dashed hopes that Windows 11 might one day be available on Apple Silicon machines. The company says running its newest operating system on an M1 Mac is “not a supported scenario.”

The statement comes after Parallels Desktop 17 users ran into hardware compatibility errors when running Windows 11 on newer Apple devices.