Microsoft turns to AI to clean out bad language from Xbox Live chats
Microsoft has announced that it is introducing new filters that will enable Xbox Live players to avoid language they may find offensive or unacceptable. It is hoped that the AI-powered system will help to reduce trolling and bullying.
The system will be optional and will offer three levels of language filtering, as well as the option of remaining unfiltered. It's an expansion of Microsoft's family settings, and the company says it recognizes "that while some adults use profanity without any ill intent while gaming, parents with small children likely won't find this same experience acceptable".
How to avoid Microsoft's problematic Windows 10 updates
Over the last few months there have been a seemingly endless stream of reports of updates from Microsoft that have caused various problems with Windows 10. From breaking the Start menu and interfering with game audio, to preventing printing and causing issues with Edge, Microsoft's quality control has been brought into serious question of late.
So how do you like the idea of avoiding updates while Microsoft -- hopefully -- sorts itself out and starts to implement more rigorous update tests before unleashing them on the public? Here's what you can do.
You won't be surprised to learn that yet another update is causing Windows 10 problems
Well, color us completely unsurprised! Another Windows 10 update -- KB4517389 this time -- is causing problems.
Continuing Microsoft's frankly appalling run of problematic updates, KB4517389 cumulative update is leading to problems with the Start menu and Microsoft Edge.
Windows 10 19H2 gets a new name and is ready for testing
Microsoft typically rolls out two feature updates a year for Windows 10, but changed its approach in 2019. Instead of two feature updates -- one in spring and the other in fall -- the software giant has opted to make the second release more of a service pack. It does have some new features, but it’s more about providing "quality enhancements".
This service pack update, codenamed 19H2, has finally been given an official name, and it’s available for testing too.
Leaked email shows Microsoft-owned GitHub renewing controversial ICE contract
GitHub will continue to sell software to ICE (the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency), a leaked memo shows.
Despite both Microsoft and the GitHub team having voiced concerns about some of the Trump administrations policies -- and disagreeing with them quite publicly -- the decision has been taken to renew a contract to supply ICE with a GitHub Enterprise Server license.
Apple Store now selling Microsoft Xbox One controller
The Apple Store is selling Microsoft hardware. Let me repeat. The Apple Store is selling Microsoft hardware! It's crazy, but true. Starting today, you can buy the Xbox One controller from Apple's online store. The world has seemingly gone mad these days, as this news follows Microsoft's announcement that it will use the Linux-based Android for its upcoming smartphone -- the Surface Duo.
Why would an Apple user want such a thing? It is quite simple -- the Bluetooth Xbox One controller is compatible with Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. With Apple Arcade now available to all, it makes sense for Apple to offer up such a wonderful controller to its customers.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 20H1 Build 18999 and adds calling to Your Phone
The Windows Insider program is currently looking for a new leader, but new Windows 10 builds from the 20H1 branch, due out next May, are continuing to roll out on a weekly basis.
Build 18999 makes the ability to move and resize Cortana’s window available to all Insiders, and calling is now available in the Your Phone app.
Microsoft warns Windows 10 users to upgrade as version 1803 nears end of support
Updates for Windows 10 might have been endlessly problematic of late, but Microsoft is still eager for users to update to the latest version of its operating system.
The company has now started to warn users of Windows 10 version 1803 that their software will soon no longer be supported, and will therefore no longer receive any security updates.
Big changes ahead for the Windows Insider Program as Dona Sarkar switches roles
Windows Insiders provide feedback on new test builds of Windows 10, and Microsoft has frequently talked up the importance of the community in relation to the development and direction of its newest operating system. In reality, however, Insiders mostly just identify bugs for Microsoft to (maybe) fix.
In recent months there has been a lot of negativity surrounding the quality control of Windows 10, with updates breaking everything from printers to the Start menu.
KB4517211 update is breaking search and VMWare Workstation in Windows 10
Microsoft has had an appalling run of problematic Windows 10 updates recently, and the spate of dodgy patches shows no signs of letting up.
With the recently released KB4517211 update, users are now reporting problems using Windows 10's search function, as well as finding that the update is preventing VMWare Workstation from launching.
Printer-fixing KB4524147 update is breaking the Start menu in Windows 10
Another update for Windows, and another set of unwanted side effects. Continuing Microsoft's recent run of problematic updates, users are reporting that KB4524147 is killing the Windows 10 Start menu.
KB4524147 was supposed to fix -- among other things -- a printing problem that was introduced by the KB4522016 cumulative update. But rather than helping, this latest update seems to be making things worse, resulting in people seeing the error message "Your Start menu isn't working. We’ll try to fix it next time you sign in".
Microsoft fixes Windows 10 printer problems with yet another patch
Microsoft's game of patching catch-up continues this week. After a raft of problematic updates, some Windows 10 users found that a recent update was causing problems with printing.
The company has now released a new update that addresses this and other issues in both Windows 10 and Windows Server.
Microsoft releases Windows 10 20H1 Build 18995 with new sign-in option and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) updates
Microsoft will begin rolling out the Windows 10 19H2 update very soon, but in the meantime it’s working hard on the next big feature release -- the May 2020 Update, due out next spring.
Fresh from its big hardware event yesterday, the software giant today rolls out a new flight to Fast ring Insiders. Build 18995 introduces a number of new features, including adding Windows Hello PIN sign-in support to Safe mode, and yet more improvements for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Microsoft's Your Phone app gains new features
Microsoft’s Your Phone app allows you to link your Android or iOS device to your Windows 10 PC, and perform tasks like viewing your phone's photos on your computer, and reading and sending text messages from the comfort of your desktop or laptop.
Today, the software giant rolls out a big update to the app that introduces some additional features that will be of particular interest to owners of a Samsung flagship phone.
Microsoft courageously omits headphone jack from Surface Pro X, but don’t worry -- there’s a dongle for that
Apple was one of the first companies to show true courage (yes, I’m being facetious) by removing the 3.5mm headphone jack from some of its devices. And now, Microsoft is following the iPhone-maker’s lead.
Yesterday, Microsoft unveiled several upcoming Surface devices, but one of them in particular was surprisingly lacking a headphone jack -- the Surface Pro X. This is a tablet/laptop combo powered by an ARM processor.
Recent Headlines
Most Commented Stories
Windows 12.1 is everything Windows 11 should be -- and the Microsoft operating system we need!
Apple Intelligence will launch in beta and that’s unacceptable for a trillion-dollar company
© 1998-2024 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy.