Build 2024

Winsage
December 26, 2024
At Ignite 2024, Microsoft announced enhanced support for Windows applications on Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices, allowing users to access Microsoft’s suite of tools without additional software. Users can create multiple virtual windows for multitasking, such as switching between Microsoft Teams and spreadsheets. Previously, users accessed Windows apps via Air Link, Remote Desktop in Horizon Workrooms, or third-party software. The new integration allows streaming from a Windows 11 PC or virtual Windows Cloud PC, enabling quick access to Windows applications in an XR environment. This functionality includes creating multiple virtual monitors or a single large monitor while maintaining visibility of physical surroundings. The experience is supported by a program called “Volumetric Apps.” Microsoft has discontinued its “Windows Mixed Reality” platform but continues to support XR innovators. Microsoft also announced the end of software support for HoloLens 2 in 2027 and hinted at a new deal with Samsung for OLED displays for a future mixed-reality headset.
Winsage
October 19, 2024
Qualcomm has canceled the Snapdragon X Elite developer kit, which was initially announced at Microsoft's Build 2024 conference and priced at [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: What you need to know Qualcomm's journey with the Snapdragon X Elite developer kit has taken an unexpected turn, marked by a series of challenges that culminated in the recent cancellation of the product. Initially unveiled at Microsoft's Build 2024 conference, this developer kit was anticipated to be a game-changer for developers, priced at 0 and set to ship in June. However, the reality proved to be quite different. After a prolonged wait, the first small batch of units finally shipped to developers just days ago, but the excitement was short-lived. In a surprising move, Qualcomm announced via email that it would be canceling the developer kit altogether, offering refunds to all purchasers, including those fortunate enough to have received a unit. The timeline of events reveals a troubling narrative for Qualcomm. Following the initial announcement, pre-orders opened a month later on Arrow, with shipping estimates that quickly fell by the wayside. Developers who placed orders found themselves in a frustrating limbo, lacking clear communication regarding shipping timelines from both Qualcomm and Arrow. As the summer unfolded, Qualcomm encountered significant manufacturing hurdles. The developer kit was originally slated to include an HDMI port, a feature that was ultimately scrapped at the last minute. Compounding these issues, it appears the hardware failed to meet FCC regulations prior to shipping, leading to warnings on the few units that did reach customers, indicating they could not be resold and were not FCC certified. This series of missteps has raised questions about Qualcomm's foray into PC hardware, a realm that, despite their expertise in chip manufacturing, has proven to be more complex than anticipated. With the Snapdragon X Elite developer kit now off the table, the onus falls on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to step in and provide alternatives, likely in the form of mini PCs powered by Snapdragon X SoCs. There is speculation that Microsoft may refresh its Windows Developer Kit 2023, which initially launched in 2022 with the Snapdragon 8cx Gen3. The cancellation also means that the high-end X Elite SoC (the X1E-00-1DE), boasting a boost frequency of 4.3GHz, will no longer be available through the developer kit, making it a coveted piece of technology for those in the know." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"], with shipping expected in June. A small batch of units recently shipped to developers, but Qualcomm later informed purchasers via email of the cancellation and offered refunds. The product faced significant manufacturing challenges, including the removal of an HDMI port and failure to meet FCC regulations, leading to warnings on shipped units that they were not FCC certified. This cancellation raises concerns about Qualcomm's entry into PC hardware and leaves OEMs to provide alternatives, potentially in the form of mini PCs with Snapdragon X SoCs. The high-end X Elite SoC will no longer be available through the developer kit.
Winsage
September 28, 2024
Microsoft has revised its Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs, focusing on security. Recall captures snapshots of the Windows desktop, documenting application usage for future retrieval. Initially announced at Microsoft Build 2024, it faced criticism for privacy concerns, leading to a postponed rollout. By August, Microsoft announced adjustments and planned to release it to Windows Insiders in October. Recall is an opt-in feature, allowing users to enable or disable it, and it encrypts data stored locally on the device. Access requires Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, and users can delete snapshots or pause the feature anytime. Recall does not record private browsing sessions and allows users to exclude specific apps and websites. A sensitive content filter prevents capturing of passwords and sensitive information. Users can control content retention duration and storage allocation.
Winsage
August 23, 2024
Microsoft is testing its Windows Recall technology with Windows Insiders to address security and privacy concerns that arose during its initial unveiling at Microsoft Build 2024. The technology captures snapshots of a user's Windows desktop at regular intervals, allowing users to search through past activities. However, it faced backlash due to privacy implications, leading Microsoft to retract the broader release and focus on a limited rollout to Insiders. The company aims to gather user feedback before a full-scale launch on all Copilot+ PCs. Microsoft has indicated plans to incorporate "just in time" decryption and requires users to have a Copilot+ PC for testing.
Winsage
June 25, 2024
Upgrading WPF for Windows 11 will allow apps to access new color schemes, rounded corners, and features like Snap Layouts. Microsoft aims to improve accessibility and performance of apps built on WPF, while also addressing major bugs and issues within the framework. The company plans to prioritize fixing existing problems before adding new features like emoji support or SVG compatibility.
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