public testing

Winsage
April 30, 2025
Microsoft will transition hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 to a paid subscription model starting July 1, 2025, with a cost of [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: Microsoft has made a significant announcement regarding the future of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, a feature that allows administrators to apply security updates without the need for system restarts. As the company prepares for the general availability of this service, it will transition to a paid subscription model starting July 1, 2025. Subscription Details and Preview Phase In a proactive move, Microsoft is encouraging administrators to take advantage of the free preview of hotpatching before it becomes a subscription-based service. This opportunity will remain available until June 30, after which those currently testing the service will be automatically subscribed unless they opt out. “Hotpatching for Windows Server 2025, made available in preview in 2024, will become generally available as a subscription service on July 1st, 2025. With hotpatching, we are taking what was previously an Azure-only capability and now making it available to Windows Server machines outside of Azure through Azure Arc,” Microsoft stated. Upon the subscription launch, hotpatching will be priced at .50 USD per CPU core per month. To utilize this feature in multi-cloud environments or on-premises, users will need both a Hotpatch service subscription and an Azure Arc-connected server running Windows Server 2025 Standard or Datacenter. How to Enable Hotpatching Enabling hotpatching on your server is a straightforward process. First, connect your server to Azure Arc by following the specified steps. Next, navigate to Azure Update Manager within the Azure Portal, select your Azure Arc-enabled server, and check the hotpatching option as outlined in the provided documentation. A Brief History of Hotpatching Hotpatching has been a part of Microsoft's offerings since February 2022, initially available for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition. This feature allows for the deployment of security updates by patching the in-memory code of running processes, eliminating the need for reboots after each installation. However, it is important to note that servers still require reboots for updates delivered through the standard Windows update channel, which are not included in the Hotpatch program. This includes non-Windows updates, such as .NET patches, and Windows non-security updates. Microsoft began public testing of hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 in September 2024, with further expansions to Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 365 following in November 2024. By April 2025, hotpatch updates will be generally available for business customers using Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 on x64 (AMD/Intel) systems." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].50 per CPU core per month. A free preview of the service is available until June 30, 2025, after which users testing the service will be automatically subscribed unless they opt out. Hotpatching allows administrators to apply security updates without system restarts and will be available for Windows Server machines outside of Azure through Azure Arc. To enable hotpatching, servers must be connected to Azure Arc and configured via the Azure Update Manager. Hotpatching was initially introduced in February 2022 for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition and allows for in-memory code updates, but standard Windows updates still require reboots. Public testing for Windows Server 2025 began in September 2024, with general availability for Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 expected by April 2025.
AppWizard
February 15, 2025
KingDavidW, a modder, has collaborated with Ubisoft and Nvidia to enhance the 2006 game Dark Messiah of Might and Magic. This partnership has led to significant advancements in the modding community, including the "Dark Messiah: Restoration Mod," which fixes gameplay bugs and adds new content such as bonus missions, alternate levels, a previously cut level called The Caves, and several cut weapons. Ubisoft is also helping develop an advanced SDK, expected to be released soon. Nvidia's contributions are likely related to the Dark Messiah RTX mod, which involves extensive reworking of models and textures. Additionally, a cooperative mod for Dark Messiah is in testing and available on Github for public testing, with further refinements needed for optimal gameplay.
AppWizard
February 4, 2025
Mojang Studios has released a public testing update for Minecraft, introducing several new features. The update includes two new cow variants: the cold cow, which has a fluffy coat suitable for cold biomes, and the auburn warm cow, found in sandy environments. New plant life includes the firefly bush, which attracts fireflies at night and thrives in swamps and near water, as well as an unassuming bush that grows in green biomes like forests and plains. The update also enhances ambient sounds in desert biomes, with players hearing whispers of sand and sounds from the dead bush, including chirping crickets and rustling twigs. Players can incorporate these sounds into their creations by placing the dead bush on sand blocks or clustering sand or terracotta blocks. These features are available in Minecraft: Java Edition through snapshots and in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition via previews/beta.
AppWizard
February 3, 2025
Mojang has introduced a new content update for Minecraft, currently in public testing, featuring two cow variants: cold cows, which inhabit snowy biomes, and warm cows, found in desert landscapes. The update enhances desert biomes with new ambient sounds and allows players to create a desert atmosphere using dead bushes and sand blocks. Additionally, a new plant called the firefly bush emits glowing lights at night and can be cultivated with bone meal. Another bush variant can be found in various green biomes and can also be grown using bone meal. These features are available in the latest Java snapshot, with plans for inclusion in Bedrock beta versions. Mojang has shifted its content release strategy to smaller updates throughout the year instead of a single summer mega-update.
Winsage
October 14, 2024
Microsoft celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Windows Insider Program, which was launched in 2014 and has played a key role in the development of Windows 10 and Windows 11. The program has millions of participants who provide feedback on Windows and Microsoft applications. In recognition of the anniversary, Microsoft released two new wallpapers for download. The importance of the Insider community was highlighted when a lack of feedback during the rollout of Windows Recall led to significant issues. Microsoft plans to involve the Windows Insider Program in the reintroduction of Windows Recall to gather feedback before its general availability. Additionally, Microsoft continues its tradition of sharing free wallpapers, offering a variety of themes for users.
BetaBeacon
September 6, 2024
- India-based games studio Dot9 Games has started pre-registrations for its upcoming battle royale game FAU-G Domination. - The game is published by Nazara Publishing and dedicated to Bharat Ke Veer, a trust supporting India's Armed Forces Martyrs. - nCore Games' co-founder Vishal Gondal expressed pride in responding to PM Modi's call for a game made-in-India for India and the world. - Dot9 Games CEO Deepak Ail believes that India has talent in game design and development, signaling the country's arrival as a major player in the global gaming industry.
Winsage
August 21, 2024
Microsoft confirmed that the Windows Recall feature is on track for public testing this year, with initial preview builds expected for Insiders in October. Windows Recall, designed for Copilot+ PCs with a neural processing unit (NPU) of 40+ TOPS, captures snapshots of user activity and uses semantic search to help locate content. The feature faced delays due to security concerns and criticism over privacy, as data was initially stored unencrypted. Microsoft has since implemented enhanced security measures, including requiring Windows Hello biometric authentication and encrypting data when not in use. Full deployment of Windows Recall on production Copilot+ PCs may not occur until 2025.
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