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.
Microsoft is finally killing the Windows 10 taskbar code in Windows 11
With the newly released Windows 11 Build 26002, Microsoft is testing the ability to completely kill the now-legacy taskbar inherited from Windows 10. The code is still present in the OS and can be used by third-party apps to restore the classic look. Microsoft must be not happy with the situation and wants to change it.
New Energy Saver can greatly extend Windows 11’s battery life
Microsoft is currently testing a new power saving feature in Windows 11 that allows users to extend the battery life of their PCs. This feature is currently available to Canary Channel insiders who have installed Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26002. The power saving feature offers advanced options for reducing power consumption and system performance.
Windows 11 Build 23595 (Dev) moves Copilot to the notification area (tray)
A new release for the Dev channel, Windows 11 Build 23595, comes with a number of changes made to Copilot. As earlier spotted, it is now resides in the system tray. It is also support multi-head configurations. There are also Ink, sharing, and Task Manager improvements.
Windows 11 Build 26002 (Canary) adds new Energy Saver feature
Microsoft is releasing Windows 11 Build 26002 to Insiders in the Canary channel. The new build includes a new Energy Saver feature that is available even when your PC is plugged in, improves Quick Actions, VPN management, and comes with some fixes.
Paint CoCreator is now available in Windows 11, stable versions
Windows 11 users running the stable OS version now have access to the CoCreator in Microsoft Paint, an image generator powered by the DALL-E 3 neural network. It has been available in the Canary and Dev channels since September and recently made its way to the Release Preview channel. Now, it is available to the public. Sadly, it is locked down to select countries.
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.
Microsoft offers a workaround for Outlook Desktop app crashes when sending emails
Microsoft has provided a temporary solution for a problem that causes the Outlook desktop app to crash when sending emails.
When you send an email from your Outlook.com account, Outlook crashes. This issue happens for users on the Current Channel (Preview) channel on build 17029.20028.
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.
