HONOR has introduced a Smart Game Update Feature for its devices in China, which automatically detects and downloads updated game files overnight while the phone is charging.
Microsoft is updating the Snipping Tool in Windows 11 with a new feature called Quick Markup, available in the Dev and Canary builds. This feature allows users to annotate screenshots before capturing them, streamlining the process. Users can activate Quick Markup via a button in the toolbar or the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + E. Other updates in Windows 11 include Paint's ability to save images as project files and an opacity slider for brushes, as well as Notepad's new AI features like "Summarize," "Write," and "Rewrite" for Copilot+ PCs.
Windows 11 includes several features that enhance productivity:
- Snap Layouts allow users to organize multiple applications on the screen by hovering over the maximize button.
- Virtual Desktops enable users to create and switch between distinct workspaces for different tasks by pressing “Windows + Tab” and selecting “New Desktop.”
- Focus Sessions help minimize distractions by setting a timer in the Clock app to create a “do not disturb” environment.
- Clipboard History lets users access a list of their most recent copied items by pressing “Windows + V.”
- The Xbox Game Bar provides a built-in screen recording function accessible by pressing “Windows + G.”
- Dynamic Refresh Rate automatically adjusts the refresh rate for smoother scrolling and battery conservation on compatible laptops.
- An Emoji and Symbol Picker can be accessed by pressing “Windows + period” for quick access to emojis, GIFs, and symbols.
Microsoft has made its Xbox Cloud Gaming service accessible to subscribers of the Game Pass Core and Standard tiers, allowing them to stream cloud-enabled games included in their subscriptions as well as select titles they already own. This change is effective immediately and does not extend to the PC Game Pass tier. Xbox Insiders subscribed to the Game Pass Core or Standard tiers can access select PC games through the Xbox app on PC. Xbox Cloud Gaming is available on Xbox consoles, PCs, and the web, as well as on Samsung and LG smart TVs and Fire TV devices. Users on smart TVs need to activate preview features in the Settings under the Account section to enable cloud-enabled games.
Microsoft is testing a semantic search feature and a redesigned homepage within its Copilot app for Windows, available to Insiders on Copilot+ PCs. The semantic file search allows users to find documents and images using natural language prompts. The Copilot app includes a robust permission system for user control over what the chatbot can access. The updated homepage displays recent apps, files, and conversations for easier access to resources. The Windows Insider team confirmed that Copilot does not scan the entire system or upload files without user consent. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced the Windows 11 Canary build 27928, which moves more time and language settings from the Control Panel to the new Settings app.
Users of Windows 11 in the Dev or Beta channels of the Windows Insider Program can install a new build. The cumulative update KB5064071 allows Dev channel users to upgrade from Windows 11 version 25H2 to build 26200.5751, and Beta channel users to upgrade from version 24H2 to build 26120.5751. Notable features in these builds include new selection modes in Click to Do, improvements to the Taskbar with new animations, enhancements in File Explorer with larger icons, and various fixes across multiple areas for a smoother experience.
Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 allows users to link consumer ESU licenses to personal Microsoft accounts, enabling use on up to 10 devices. Enrollment is simplified, requiring devices to run the latest Windows 10 update (version 22H2) and have administrator privileges. Users can enroll additional devices without separate enrollment. The ESU program extends security updates until October 13, 2026. For commercial devices, a fee is required per device for updates, with renewal options available for up to three years at increasing costs.
Adobe has released public beta versions of Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, and Media Encoder for Windows 11 on Arm architecture. These applications are expected to work well on Qualcomm Snapdragon X-based laptops and tablets. Certain features will be included in the final release of Premiere Pro, such as support for third-party extensions, ProRes support, and hardware-accelerated playback of H.264 and HEVC. However, some features will not be available, including the Loudness Radar effect and export to Wraptor DCP. For After Effects, issues include limited format support and the absence of certain features like Keylight and Mocha. Adobe recommends using the latest Qualcomm Adreno GPU driver for optimal performance. Beta versions of Audition and Media Encoder are also available for Windows 11 on Arm.
Today marks the tenth anniversary of Windows 10, which was unveiled on September 30, 2014. Microsoft is offering a complimentary copy of the Windows 10 Field Guide to users in celebration. A new free newsletter is available for subscribers, providing three time-saving tips every Friday and complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. Windows 10 was designed to operate across various devices and was announced as a free upgrade for users of Windows 7, 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 in January 2015. It was officially released on July 29, 2015, and received positive reviews for its adaptability and user-friendly experience, addressing design flaws from Windows 8. A free copy of the Windows 10 Field Guide is available at Leanpub until August 1, 2025.
