new release for the Dev channel, Windows Build 23451, includes a number of new features. You will find a modernized "Details" pane in File Explorer, an improved UI for Windows Spotlight, a new Facebook widget along with the new widget picker and animated widget icons in the taskbar, and much more.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Windows 11 Build 25357 (Canary) adds a new Facebook widget
Microsoft today released Windows 11 Build 25357 to Insiders in the Canary channel. It belongs to the ZN_RELEASE branch, which is ahead of the upcoming stable Windows 11 release. It includes a new Facebook widget, and an updated Volume mixer.
Photos app has got new Slideshow experience, adds Timeline scrollbar and Spot fix
Microsoft is rolling out a major update to the inbox Photos app on Windows 11. It has received several improvements, including a new Slideshow experience. Also, Microsoft has restored much requested features, Time Scrollbar and Spot Fix. All the changes are already available in Photos 2023.11050.2013.0 in the Dev and Canary channels for Insiders.
Bing Chat is now in public testing, third-party plugin support is coming
Microsoft has recently announced some significant changes for their Bing Chat, which is based on ChatGPT. The updated version of Bing is now available in Open Preview and no longer requires a waitlist, making it easier for everyone to try the new Bing and Edge. All you need to do is sign in to Bing with your Microsoft Account to access the new features.
Microsoft forces links in Teams and Outlook to be open in Edge
An announcement in Microsoft 365 Message Center reveals a change to how Teams and Outlook will now open web links. If an URL received in Outlook and Teams for Windows apps points to web resources from Azure Active Directory (AAD) and Microsoft accounts (MSA), then it will be forced to open in Microsoft Edge.
You can now sign up for Known Issue Email Alerts for Windows updates
Microsoft has announced a new feature that allows users to sign up for email alerts regarding known issues with Windows updates. This feature is designed to keep system admins and IT pros informed of any known issues and provide them with a solution or workaround to resolve the issue.
Google Chrome replaces the “Lock” icon in the address bar with a “Tune” one
The Chromium project has announced an update regarding the lock icon, which is used to indicate a secure connection in web browsers. Starting in Chrome 117, which releases in early September 2023, the lock icon will no longer be displayed in the address bar of Chrome and other Chromium browsers. Instead, it will show a new "Tune" icon.
Microsoft has introduced a new, improved version of OneDrive
Microsoft has introduced a new, improved version of OneDrive that offers a faster, more organized, and personalized experience. The changes are coming to work and school users. Its new interface features an updated design that allows for easier navigation and management of files and folders. Additionally, OneDrive now offers more options for customization, enabling users to personalize their experience to best suit their needs.
Microsoft has launched Xbox Game Pass’ New Friend Referral Program
Microsoft has announced a new referral program for Xbox Game Pass. The program allows subscribers to refer their friends to Xbox Game Pass and receive a free month of service for both the subscriber and the friend.
Microsoft may already be ditching the Surface Duo
It appears that Microsoft's foldable dual-screen smartphone has been abandoned, at least from an external perspective. The Surface Duo last received a major software update in October 2022, when Android 12L was released. Since then, there has been little activity regarding new features and bug fixes.
