Microsoft has announced the start of testing for the Xbox Game Pass Core subscription, which will be replacing Xbox Live Gold. Alpha Skip-Ahead and Alpha Ring Insiders are getting access to the new plan if they have an active Xbox Live Gold subscription.
Category: Software
Microsoft has already started shutting down Cortana
Microsoft is taking steps to discontinue Cortana support for Windows 11. Insiders on the Dev and Canary channels are receiving a new app update that removes the voice assistant's functionality. Upon startup, a message informs users that Cortana in Windows is no longer running as a standalone application, with a "Learn More" button that directs them to the Microsoft Support page.
StagingTool is the official ViVeTool-like app by Microsoft
Microsoft accidentally published an app, StagingTool, that allows enabling hidden and WIP features in Windows 11. The app much like the famous ViVeTool that is a third-party solution for the same purpose. It can also bypass A/B testing and enable required features even if they are not officially available on this device.
WSA 2307 Preview adds app launch protocol, Vulkan support, and more
Microsoft has released an update for Windows Subsystem for Android to those who participate in its Preview program. The released version is 2307.40000.2.0, and it comes with improvements made to advanced settings and graphics reliability. Microsoft has also implemented a few features that WSA users were highly requesting.
PowerToys 0.72 now requires less disk space, adds new Run plugins, and more
In the latest version of PowerToys 0.72, several improvements have been made. These include reducing the installed space significantly, with the installed size reported in the Installed Apps screen going from 1.15GB to 785MB, and the size in File Explorer properties for the installation folder decreasing from 3.10GB to 554MB.
Microsoft discontinues the Xbox Console Companion UWP App
On July 28, 2023, Microsoft announced that they will discontinue the Xbox Console Companion UWP App in a month. After August 28, 2023, app users will have to switch to the newer Xbox app for Windows.
Remote Code Execution Vulnerability affects VirtualBox, a fix is already available
According to the Zero Day Initiative profile resource, a vulnerability with the CVE code 2023-22018 has been identified in Oracle VirtualBox. It allows the remote execution of arbitrary code on virtual machines via an RDP protocol session.
The new Xbox dashboard is now available for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
The Xbox team has revealed that a revamped homepage will now roll out on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. The team aimed to incorporate user feedback in the development of the new dashboard, such as providing more room for background images and making important sections of the system more accessible.
ChatGPT will soon work in Google Chrome and Safari
According to Microsoft's director of communications, Caitlin Roulston, Bing Chat access is currently being tested on Safari and Chrome for select users. Once standard testing procedures are complete, access will be expanded to more users.
New Outlook will replace Mail and Calendar for some users already in August
Microsoft earlier announced that the support for UWP Mail and Calendar apps for Windows 10 and Windows 11 will cease by the end of 2024. They will be replaced by a new Outlook client for Windows, which has been in testing for several months. Some users will get the new app already in August.
