Category: Software

Microsoft introduces AI Shell, a console tool designed to integrate artificial intelligence capabilities directly into the command prompt. The software has entered public testing. It allows you to interact with various large language models and AI agents in a conversation mode, simplifying and automating tasks.

Microsoft has announced a new initiative called the Windows Resiliency Initiative, which is designed to improve the security and stability of the Windows operating system after the CrowdStrike incident in July that affected millions of devices. The initiative includes a number of key changes that will make it easier to recover from similar outages.

Microsoft has announced that Microsoft 365 Copilot will soon be able to use the NPU on Copilot+ devices to run AI models locally. This innovation will be highly beneficial, allowing users to work with AI without needing an active Internet connection. For instance, Copilot will be able to assist with writing documents in Word and Outlook even when offline.

Broadcom has announced that the VMware Workstation hypervisor for Windows and Linux and the VMware Fusion virtualization program have become free for everyone for commercial, educational, and personal use. Broadcom has decided to completely move away from a paid subscription for these products. To download VMware Fusion and VMware Workstation, you must register an account on the Broadcom portal.

Microsoft has unveiled the open source Hyperlight hypervisor project. The solution is designed to be embedded into applications for isolated execution of code that is untrusted or requires special protection. The project's source code is written in Rust and published on GitHub under the Apache 2.0 license.

Microsoft has revealed that it is rebranding its news services under the MSN brand. The change was first seen last week when the updated MSN logo appeared on the Microsoft Start website and the new tab page in the Edge browser.

Microsoft is rolling out new AI-powered personalization option for Outlook email clients today, called "Themes by Copilot." The new themes are available on all supported platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web-based versions. However, they require a paid Microsoft Copilot Pro subscription or a business license.

Microsoft has made available an updated Home experience for the Xbox app. Xbox Insiders can now evaluate the redesigned home page on Windows that combines the best and latest content from both the Game Pass and Microsoft Store tabs. The listing has been created based on user feedback collected for several months. It eliminates the need for you to switch between tabs.

Llama Group, which published the source code of the Winamp media player in September, has removed the project's repository from GitHub. The reasons for the removal are not explained. But the repo contained many leaks and copyleft license violations. They are pretty enough for the removal.

Microsoft has released a new PowerToys version 0.85. It is notable for including a new 'powertoy', New+. It is a custom implementation of the good old 'New' menu in File Explorer that allows you to create new files based on flexible custom templates.