Microsoft has announced that they are going to release DirectStorage 1.1 with GPU Decompression to developers by the end of 2022. It will include GPU decompression of game resources which is nearly 3x faster that the classic CPU process.
Category: Software
PowerToys are getting a new hosts file editor tool and settings backup
New tools are coming to the PowerToys suite. First of all, it will be easier to create a backup copy of its options with the "Settings backup and restore" utility. The other tool will allow you to make changes to the hosts file with a convenient UI.
Microsoft ditches the “Office” branding from its modern unified app
At Ignite 2022, Microsoft unveiled a major update to the Office app for Windows, Android, and iOS that brings an updated user interface and several new features. The application now has a new name, Microsoft 365, to stay in line with the eponymous service. Of course, it also features a new logo.
Microsoft releases a new Photos app with iCloud integration to Insiders
The Redmond software giant has announced the availability of iCloud Photos integration in the Photos app on Windows 11. The company is rolling out a new app version 2022.31100.9001.0 to Insiders in the Dev channel.
PowerToys will soon allow you to find what app prevents deleting a file
You may be familiar with the Unlocker freeware app that allows deleting files in use. The app is able to find what process is locking the file. The similar functionality now comes to PowerToys with a new "File Locksmith" utility.
The new unified Outlook app for Windows is now available to all Office Insiders
The Project Monarch app goes live for Office Insiders. Microsoft was testing it since May of this year. But at that time only select customers and some Office Insider program participants on the Beta channel could access it. Microsoft today announced that the new app is available to all Office Insiders on the Current channel, whether they have a personal or corporate Microsoft 365 subscription.
Discord voice chats are now available to all Xbox users
A new update the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles brings support for Discord voice chats. This doesn't mean that Xbox now has a full-fledged Discord application. There is now only the ability to redirect a voice call to a game console using the Xbox mobile app.
Windows Terminal 1.16 adds themes, new colors and text rendering engine
Microsoft today released a new preview version of the Terminal app. It brings with it themes, so you can change the style and appearance of Terminal with a couple of clicks. Besides themes, it also features new color schemes and a new GUI for managing them. Finally, Terminal has switched to a new text rendering engine, "Atlas". It is now active by default.
Microsoft is testing a new Xbox homepage
The Xbox team starts a series of experiments to find the best solution for building the best experience for Xbox home page. They try to create a more personalized dashboard based on contribution and feedback from users. Starting this week, some Xbox Insiders on the Alpha Skip-Ahead channel will notice changes to the layout and design of the dashboard. There will be new groups of gaming content and collections that appear in the below area when you scroll the screen.
uBlock Origin ad blocker with Manifest V3 support is available for testing
Raymond Hill, the author of uBlock Origin advanced ad-blocker, published an experimental "uBO Minus" browser add-on that is built around the declarativeNetRequest API of Manifest V3. Unlike the classic uBlock Origin, the new version directly uses built-in browser's capabilities to filter content. It also no longer need a permission to access site data.
