Microsoft has released a new Clock app version for Windows 11 Insiders in the Canary & Dev channels. Build 11.2408.9.0 of the app brings with it two new widgets, Countdown and Timer.
Author: Sergey Tkachenko
Microsoft has released Office 2024 LTSC
Office LTSC 2024 is now available. It is a classic version of the app suite that can work offline and doesn't require a subscription for its apps and basic features. Office LTSC 2024 will be supported for five years.
Microsoft Edge Ditches Rounded Tabs Before Stable Release
In February 2023, Microsoft introduced a revamped version of the user interface of the Edge browser. Among others visual changes, such as Mica and menus, it included rounded tabs. The redesign aimed to align the browser more closely with the Windows 11 aesthetic while also giving it a distinctive personality to stand out from its competitors. However, something went wrong with the rounded tabs.
The Sticky Notes app gets a major feature update
A new version of Sticky Notes is coming to users, finally featuring a dedicated shortcut to open it. It appears in the Start menu when you install or update OneNote. In addition, you can quickly copy a note, or make it always-on-top.
Microsoft to Lay Off About 650 Xbox Gaming Employees
Microsoft has announced a new wave of layoffs within its Microsoft Gaming division, impacting around 650 employees. This follows a previous round of cuts several months ago, during which the company laid off 1,900 workers from Activision Blizzard and Xbox, and shut down several game studios, including Arkane Austin (half of Arkane Studios) and Alpha Dog Games.
KB5038603 (build 26120.1252) causes multiple Windows 11 issues
KB5038603 is the latest update for Windows 11, which updates the OS to build 26120.1252. It is based on Windows 11 version 24H2, and includes several experimental features and security fixes. Several users on the Internet are reporting multiple issues after installing the patch.
Xbox Game Pass Standard Plan Launches at $15 Per Month
Microsoft has launched a new subscription option, Xbox Game Pass Standard. It replaces the Basic plan and costs $15 per month. Being announced back in July 2024, it offers a middle tier between Xbox Game Pass Core (the successor to Xbox Live Gold) and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Microsoft Launches Public Preview of UWP App Support for .NET 9
Microsoft has announced the launch of public testing for .NET 9 for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications. So the latest version of .NET can be used for building modern apps. Among the new features of the platform update is the support for Ahead-Of-Time (AOT) compilation. It will significantly improve performance by compiling directly to machine code.
Android APKs may soon refuse to sideload if the developer decides so
Google is inventing a special mechanism for app developers that will allow disabling APK sideloading for the app. If the feature is enabled for an app, it will refuse installing from any other source besides the Google Play store.
Microsoft reminds that Windows 11 versions up to 22H2 will soon reach end of support
Microsoft notifies Windows 11 users that specific releases of the OS will reach end of support in a month. This includes customer editions of Windows 11 21H2, and consumer version of Windows 11 version 22H2. On October 8, 2024, these will release their last security updates.
