Microsoft has introduced a new feature in Visual Studio Preview projects, allowing developers to use AI-powered smart renaming with the GitHub Copilot Chat extension. This option allows developers to choose new names for variables, methods, and classes from suggested lists provided by Copilot Chat, based on their coding style.
Category: Software
Fake Russian version of 7-zip in Microsoft Store distributed malware
Researchers at the Chinese security firm QiAnXin identified a malicious installer posing as the Russian version of the 7Zip software available on the official Microsoft App Store. Despite it being uploaded in January 2023, the app was only removed by Microsoft after a series of complaints.
Microsoft introduced School Connection for Microsoft Teams Education
Microsoft has introduced a new feature called School Connection to the Microsoft Teams For Education app on mobile devices. This feature allows parents and guardians to track their children's progress in school.
Microsoft may offer free access to Xbox Game Pass after you watch ads
According to Microsoft Gaming Chief Financial Officer Tim Stuart, Microsoft is experimenting with a new approach to Xbox Game Pass by offering free access in exchange for viewing ads. Stuart also mentioned that Microsoft is actively seeking to expand Xbox Game Pass to other platforms like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, although Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has denied these plans.
Here’s how to recover your lost Google Drive files
Google has introduced a solution to address a synchronization problem that was causing the removal of files in Google Drive for certain users. The company has released step-by-step instructions to tackle this issue.
Microsoft Copilot is now generally available
Microsoft Copilot, previously known as Bing Chat, has completed its preview phase and is now available to the public. In November, Microsoft announced the rebranding of Bing Chat and Bing Chat Enterprise to Copilot.
The Phone Link app may soon allow using smartphone’s camera for PC video calls
The newest version of the Phone Link app for Android includes bits of code for streaming your phone's camera video to Windows. Apparently, Microsoft will eventually allow you to use your smartphone's optical sensors for video calls on your PC.
Xbox PC app introduces compact mode, useful for portable consoles
Microsoft has introduced a new compact mode in the user interface for the Xbox PC app, specifically designed for Windows portable gaming devices. It is the same update that was initially rolled out to Xbox Insiders in late October and is compatible with devices like Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go, as well as other portable PCs.
Samsung has released its Internet browser for Windows 11 and 10
The Samsung Internet Browser is now available as a standalone app on the Microsoft Store for Windows. It is again a Chromium-based app that blends traditional capabilities like tabs, bookmarks, and saved pages with viewing the browsing history from a Samsung smartphone. The latter requires you registering with a Samsung account. However, password synchronization is not currently supported.
GeForce RTX 40-series buyers can now get 3 months of PC Game Pass and GeForce Now
NVIDIA is currently running a promotion where buyers of GeForce RTX 40 series graphics cards can get three months of Microsoft's PC Game Pass and GeForce Now cloud gaming services for free. This offer is valid for purchases made between November 28 and January 8, and the subscription can be utilized until February 22.
