So, you’re looking for a new Windows PC? Great!

First things first. One of your most important decisions is choosing a processor. The CPU (central processing unit) chip, or brain of your computer, is key to everything—from the power you need for what you want to do, to everyday tasks like opening apps and adjusting what you see and hear.

We’re here with the details to help you choose the perfect Windows 11 PC to make the everyday easier.

Learn more at https://aka.ms/AAmrahi
AD: https://youtu.be/7ipjmyjeJGY

Source: Windows YouTube
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Hello Windows Insiders, today we are releasing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23560 to the Dev Channel. There will not be a SDK for this build.

Changes and Improvements

[Copilot in Windows*]

• We’re beginning to roll out the ability to use Copilot in Windows with ALT + TAB. Using the ALT + TAB hotkey now displays the thumbnail preview for Copilot in Windows among the other thumbnail previews of open windows, which you can switch between by pressing Tab.

Fixes

[File Explorer]

• Fixed an issue which could make the File Explorer dropdowns and context menu unexpectedly have a transparent background sometimes.
• Fixed an issue where the search box wasn’t showing the correct folder name when you were in Gallery.

[Taskbar]

• Fixed an explorer.exe crash impacting taskbar reliability.

[Narrator]

• Fixed an issue where languages other than U.S. English couldn’t preview Narrator natural voices in Settings.
• Fixed an issue where Narrator wasn’t reading out the time stamps on recommended items in Start correctly.

[Task Manager]

• Did some work to help improve performance when expanding the navigation pane in Task Manager.

NOTE: Some fixes noted here in Insider Preview builds from the Dev Channel may make their way into the servicing updates for the released version of Windows 11.

Known issues

[Start menu]

• Some apps under All apps on the Start menu, such as PWA apps installed via Microsoft Edge, may incorrectly be labeled as a system component.

[Copilot in Windows*]

• [NEW] Some Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel who are on the Home edition of Windows 11 Insider Preview builds may notice that Copilot in Windows* has disappeared from the taskbar. We’re working to resolve this issue in a future flight.
• The new Copilot icon is not shown currently in the latest Dev Channel builds. It will be updated in an upcoming flight – stay tuned!
• When first launching or after refreshing Copilot in Windows while using voice access, you’ll need to use “Show grid” commands to click in the “Ask me anything” box for the first time.

About the Dev Channel

REMINDER: The Dev Channel has been rebooted. Windows Insiders who were in the Dev Channel on 25000 series builds have been moved to the new Canary Channel. Going forward, the Dev Channel will receive 23000 series builds. Insiders who were moved to the Canary Channel and want to move back to the Dev Channel can follow these instructions to do a clean installation of Windows 11 and then re-join the Dev Channel to receive 23000 series builds.

The Dev Channel receives builds that represent long lead work from our engineers with features and experiences that may never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. It is important to remember that the builds we release to the Dev Channel should not be seen as matched to any specific release of Windows and the features included may change over time, be removed, or replaced in Insider builds or may never be released beyond Windows Insiders to general customers. For more information, please read this blog post about how we plan to use the Dev Channel to incubate new ideas, work on long lead items, and control the states of individual features.

In some cases, features and experiences may go out to the Canary Channel first before going out to the Dev Channel however the Dev Channel will provide better platform stability. As we get closer to shipping, some features and experiences will also make their way to the Beta Channel when they are ready.

The desktop watermark you see at the lower right corner of your desktop is normal for these pre-release builds.

*Availability of Copilot in Windows: Copilot in Windows in preview is being rolled out gradually to Windows Insiders in select global markets. The initial markets for the Copilot in Windows preview include North America, United Kingdom and parts of Asia and South America. It is our intention to add additional markets over time.

Important Insider Links

• You can check out our Windows Insider Program documentation here.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Thanks,
Amanda & Brandon

Source: Windows Blog
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Just in time for the holiday season, new Microsoft Surface devices are available to experience and shop. Whether you’re looking for yourself or someone you love, finding the right tech can feel overwhelming. To help make it easier, we asked our product experts at the Microsoft Experience Center in New York City for the top things to know about the new Windows 11 devices.

We must start off by highlighting our two brand new Surface devices that are available today:

• Surface Laptop Studio 2 is the ultimate multitasking powerhouse with the coolest form factor in town. Whether you’re a professional or a student, this laptop has your back and delivers high-performance for everything your everyday life throws your way, from work to studying to gaming.
• That’s not the only game-changing device to join the lineup. Meet the lightweight yet powerful Surface Laptop Go 3. This compact device has the power and portability to be your trusted daily sidekick, as well as stunning color options to express your style.

Read on for our top six things to know about these new Surface devices, and don’t forget to check out the rest of the amazing portfolio in the Microsoft Store, where there are perfect devices, accessories and content for everyone.

1 – Harnessing the potential of AI has never been easier

Time and time again, we hear from Microsoft Store customers that they are excited about AI but feel overwhelmed or intimidated about where to start. The great news is the new Surface devices are designed to bring Microsoft’s incredible AI experiences to life for you, making the everyday easier.

Whether generating an image for a party invitation or creating a list for your holiday party, the preview of Copilot in Windows¹ is available today and ready to help you change the way you use your PC. We’ve updated our most loved inbox apps like Paint, Snipping Tool, Photos and more with AI capabilities, so you can really set your creativity free.

There’s also Bing Chat, that together with Microsoft Edge is your copilot for the web. Bing Chat can help you answer complex questions and find the best deals for shopping. It’s like having your own digital detective – ask Bing Chat to help you find the perfect holiday gifts and give yourself time back to spend more time embracing festivities with friends and family.

2 – A device designed to keep up with you, from work to play

Imagine this – your day starts with handwritten notes on a tablet during a team meeting or class, which are converted to typed document. You swiftly transition to presenting your presentation in PowerPoint, set up for success with AI-powered Windows Studio Effects and crystal-clear audio. Then, finally, time for a break and gaming is calling your name.

Here’s the best part, with Surface Laptop Studio 2, this all happens seamlessly on one powerful device. Whenever we show our customers how to flip the screen from laptop mode to studio mode to the perfect gaming setup in stage mode, it feels like magic!

Some pro tips from our break room: Pair your Surface Laptop Studio 2 with the Surface Slim Pen 2 for scribbling notes. And, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass membership, the Xbox app and a controller, you’re ready to game from anywhere.

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is the most powerful Surface device Microsoft has built, with versatility to match. With speed twice as fast as its predecessor and all-day battery life², it is the top gift for any multitasker who needs more horsepower.

3 – Elevated portability for those who are unstoppable

Are you always on the move? Have you experienced the back-breaking burden of a heavy laptop while traveling? We’ve been there too and have the perfect solution.

Surface Laptop Go 3 is the epitome of sleek and lightweight design, crafted from premium materials. It weighs under 2.5 pounds and easily slips into your bag, thanks to its slim profile. Whether sprinting from one meeting to another or exploring the far corners of the world, this device will not add an ounce of inconvenience to your journey.

At $799.99, the Surface Laptop Go 3 is also the most budget-friendly laptop in the Surface lineup, making it easier to find your or a loved one’s perfect device without breaking the bank. Bookmark this device on your Edge browser if you’re shopping for someone always on the go!

4 – Express yourself through bold colors

What we love most is having colorful conversations with our customers about how they like to express their personality. It’s all about matching and mixing colors between our devices and accessories. The possibilities are endless, and choosing the right color to match your personality and style is just plain fun.

We’re all about personalization, and the Surface Laptop Go 3 totally gets us. Colors, my friend, colors do the trick! Sandstone is our jam – it’s got that warm, neutral tone with a slick finish, and a favorite for so many customers. And if you want to keep it cool and refreshing, Ice Blue is a great choice or Sage and Platinum if you’re feeling fancy! Surface Laptop Go 3 is as fun and unique as you are, and when paired with the right Arc Mouse color, you can feel it all the way through your fingertips!

Whether shopping for a tech-savvy fashionista or someone looking to add a pop of color to their daily life, a Surface device will have your loved one jumping for joy.

5 – Content to help you do more of what you love

The best thing about these devices is that they run on Windows 11, and the Microsoft Store on Windows is your one-stop shop for all the best content.

With an ever-growing catalog of apps, games, movies and TV shows, Microsoft Store is ready for you – with content that’s tested for security, family safety and device compatibility. Check out some of the latest new content and offerings coming to Microsoft Store below:

• Shocktober Sale: Save up to 50% off a variety of spooky titles! And Game Pass members can save even more on select content from Oct. 3 through Oct. 31.
• Anime Collection: Check out our ever-popular Anime collection featuring popular titles like Naruto, My Hero Academia, Bleach, Cowboy Bebop, Chainsaw Man and more.
• Movie & TV Catalog: Save the date! We’re adding Haunted Mansion and Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1 to our collection, releasing on Oct. 4 and Oct. 10, respectively.

6 – Find your perfect device and accessories with ease

To make all this news even sweeter – the options don’t stop there. At Microsoft Store, we have plenty more devices, capabilities and colors to choose from. Check out our go-to recommendations:

• Surface Pro 9: Yet another wonderful option if you’re looking for the flexibility of a tablet and the performance of a laptop, all in one ultra-portable device. In addition to our signature Platinum, it comes in unique colors: Sapphire and Forest for the nature-loving earth sign in your life as well as Graphite for those wanting a more neutral look.
• Surface Laptop 5: Equipped with exceptional picture quality and cinematic sound, this laptop is perfect for students looking for a seamless transition from studying to streaming. And you guessed it – you can personalize with the colorway that best suits you: Platinum, Matte Black, Sandstone or Sage.
• From a dock, to a type cover, mouse or Xbox controller, make the most of your Surface device and check out accessories today. Great gifts for stocking stuffers!

Book a free personal shopping appointment at Microsoft.com and one of our product experts will guide you through choices that fit your or your loved one’s needs, lifestyle and budget. We’re also available to help set up your device or console – and even your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass membership – so it’s ready to go the minute the gift is unwrapped. We’re fun people to hang out with and understand the tech overwhelm firsthand, so the quick and easy appointment comes with zero pressure and all the helpful tips and laughs!

Shop smarter, not harder

With many options to consider when shopping for new tech, Microsoft Store is always here to help. The Microsoft Store Promise gives shoppers extra peace of mind with free 2-3-day shipping and returns, flexible payment options and a low-price promise – so you can ditch the “wait-and-rush” feeling that often seems inevitable when holiday deal hunting.

You can also bet on Microsoft Store offering lots of great deals on devices and more throughout the holiday season. Be sure to keep an eye on our Deals page!

Caption for top image: Surface Laptop Studio 2 (Platinum) and Surface Laptop Go 3 (Ice Blue) sitting on white tables

¹ Copilot in Windows will start to release in preview to select global markets as part of our latest update to Windows 11. The initial markets for the Copilot in Windows preview include North America and parts of Asia and South America. It is our intention to add additional markets over time.
² Battery life varies significantly based on device configuration, usage, network and feature configuration, signal strength, settings and other factors. See aka.ms/SurfaceBatteryPerformance for details.

Source: Windows Blog
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In October, Xbox spotlights the gaming and disability community – which makes up more than 400 million players.

Elle Vance, software engineer II for Xbox Player Services, shares the impact of being part of the gaming and disability community: “I understand the world through a different perspective. Unlike most neurotypical people who understand the world from a top-down perspective; I start with a bottom-up approach, focusing first on the details.”

Head over to Xbox Wire to read more from Vance. You’ll also find news about Xbox’s Special Olympics partnership (Gaming for Inclusion Esports tournament), how to support the gaming and disability community by donating points to organizations, exploring games curated by that community, feature stories about them and much more.

Source: Windows Blog
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As a person who is part of the disability community, creating products for our community is my passion. I am committed to ensuring we have technology that enables us to achieve more at work, in school and in our daily lives.

At Microsoft, we strive to close the disability divide by creating products that are accessible. As we enter Disability Awareness Month, we’re excited to share the products we have brought forward over the years – a variety of solutions to the many barriers to access the disability community faces across life and work.

We put people with disabilities at the center. We believe in the saying, “Nothing about us without us,” when it comes to designing accessible products. The Inclusive Tech Lab on Microsoft’s campus gives us space to learn from members of the disability community about the barriers they face, and design solutions together. This facility is for people with disabilities, not about people with disabilities.

We guide designers and engineers to intentionally include people with disabilities in the products and services they create. We work with people with disabilities, organizations and therapists across numerous companies, school districts and rehab facilities to understand their needs and challenges.  We bring together designers, engineers, interns and external partners through Inclusive Design Sprints, Microsoft Hackathons and Microsoft Garage to co-create innovative solutions. Hackathons generate a variety of ideas and prototypes to address the many barriers to access that people face in different contexts. The resulting products can then be showcased, tested and improved by the wider community, leading to more inclusive and impactful outcomes.

We design with a “one size fits one” approach, creating products that are adaptable and can be customized by each individual user to fit their specific needs and preferences. We care deeply about design and how it impacts our users. We heard from our users with disabilities that they don’t want to feel singled out by using assistive devices, and that many of the assistive devices on the market today appear too clinical. Within the Surface portfolio, design is a priority, and that shouldn’t be any different for our accessible accessories. That’s why we created our accessible accessories with the same sleek, stylish and deliberate design choices as our other devices.

The evolution of accessible products at Microsoft

Xbox Adaptive Controller: The launch of the Xbox Adaptive Controller in 2018 made it possible for customers with limited mobility to enjoy gaming on Xbox¹ and Surface devices. The adaptive controller allows them to customize their controller setup with external switches, mounts and joysticks. A customer who has difficulty using their hands can use a foot pedal and a mouth-operated joystick to play their favorite games on their Surface Laptop Studio.

Surface Adaptive Kit: In 2021, we launched the Surface Adaptive Kit to enable customers who are blind, have low vision or experience limited mobility to make their Surface devices and peripherals more accessible. Customers with low vision can use the tactile labels to identify the keys on their Surface Keyboard and the port indicators to locate the ports on their Surface device². Users with limited mobility can use the openers as support to open the lid and stand of their Surface Pro more easily, and the keycap labels to quickly find shortcut keys.

Microsoft Adaptive Accessories: The Microsoft Adaptive Accessories were developed with people who have difficulty using a traditional mouse and keyboard and launched in the fall of 2022 as a way to increase their PC productivity. Customers with limited mobility can use the wireless adaptive hub and buttons to augment or replace a traditional keyboard to use their favorite apps more effectively. They can complete tasks such as sending emails, writing documents, gaming and editing more easily. Users can also customize their own adaptive mouse and buttons with 3D printing attachments available through Shapeways.^3,4

3D Printed Pen Grips for Microsoft Classroom and Business Pens: We released 3D Printed Grips for Microsoft Classroom Pen 2 and Microsoft Business Pen in 2022. The adaptive pen grips give students greater autonomy in the classroom, equipping them to write and take notes without relying on physical aid in class. Students with limited mobility or strength use a pen grip designed for their hand, reducing pain or discomfort. Professionals can use a pen grip that stabilizes involuntary hand movements, taking notes or signing documents with confidence.

New products coming this fall

We recently added two new products to our portfolio of accessible devices for Surface.

3D Printed Pen Grips for Surface Pen. Customizable 3D attachments are now available for Surface Pen. Now customers with limited mobility can be more creative and productive on their Surface devices⁵. We wanted to fix a mismatch and find a solution that enables people with disabilities to create, take notes and be productive in ways that the rest of the world takes for granted. Customers can choose from several shapes and sizes, with the option to add texture and select a unique tail cap. Every aspect of these designs was thoughtfully tuned through our partnerships with the disability community. We recognize that needs are always changing and we encourage others to invent and share their own pen designs with the community.

We partnered with Shapeways^3,4 to make pen grips customizable, printable and shippable. The designs are also free to download on the Shapeways marketplace.

Surface Laptop Studio 2 – Adaptive Touchpad. The precision haptic touchpad in Surface Laptop Studio 2, announced this September, is the most inclusive touchpad on any laptop. Thanks to adaptive touch mode, users with limited mobility can use the trackpad with different parts of their limbs, such as the palm, the foot, edges of the hand, or residual limbs. This means precise mouse control with imprecise contact. The adaptive touchpad uses software and haptic motors to create realistic feedback when you tap or click on it. The adaptive touchpad settings live in the Surface app and can be turned on with a simple toggle switch.

Check out our video below to learn more about how to set up the adaptive touchpad on Surface Laptop Studio 2.

Accessibility features in Windows

Hardware is a crucial component of the user’s setup that enables them to personalize and interact with their devices in ways that suit their preferences and needs. Surface hardware reflects accessibility enhancements to optimize the in-app and Windows OS accessibility experience with high-quality microphones for dictation, video cameras for eye-control, and intuitive multi-touch screens that make UI interactions more tactile and natural. We have consistently introduced accessibility features in Windows to help build a more accessible Surface and Windows ecosystem. Some of the accessible tools and features in Windows are:

Seeing AI is an app that narrates the world for users who are blind or have low vision. Learning tools are designed to enhance focus, comprehension and learning for all users. These tools span from immersive reading and writing assistants in Word, OneNote and Outlook to inclusive math and communication features, all tailored to support diverse learning needs across various applications.

A familiar set of assistive technologies built into Windows 11, like Narrator, Magnifier, Live Captions and Voice access to support users across the disability spectrum. Additionally, Windows 11 provides accessibility settings such as: New contrast themes designed to provide maximum differentiation between text, backgrounds and color combinations on the screen for people with low vision and light sensitivity. Voice Typing, to help everyone author text with their voice, uses state-of-the-art artificial intelligence to recognize speech, transcribe and automatically punctuate text.

For those on Windows 10, we are also offering this experience: Eye Control, which allows Windows 10 customers to use their eyes to control an on-screen mouse, keyboard and text-to-speech experience. Ease of Access, which makes Windows 10 easier to see with the addition of text size customization, which works with Magnifier. Narrator, used to improve navigation and overall efficiency. Accessibility features within Microsoft Edge, such as: Automatic Image Description, which provides auto-generated alt text for images that do not include it. Immersive Reader and Read Aloud, which help improve focus for individuals by having articles and other content read to them. Editor in Microsoft Edge, which provides text prediction and proofing tools to help our customers write more confidently on the web. Finally, Accessibility Insights, a free downloadable extension for Windows, Android and web browsers that helps developers find and fix accessibility issues.

Conclusion

At Microsoft, we are passionate about creating products and services that are accessible for people with disabilities. To enable transformative change, we’re working to weave accessibility into the fabric of what we design and build for every team, organization, classroom and home. When we design with disability in mind, our products become better for everyone.
 
 
 
 
Disclaimers:

1. Xbox Adaptive Controller is compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One X, Xbox One S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, Android, iOS.
2. Keycap labels of the Surface Adaptive Kit can fit on the keys on the Surface Go Type Cover and Surface Laptop Go but will require a more precise application due to the key size.
3. 3D print services provided and warrantied exclusively by Shapeways, Inc. subject to Shapeways Sales Terms and Conditions and Warranty at: https://aka.ms/ShapewaysTermsConditions. Microsoft is not responsible for their performance or compliance with applicable regulatory, compliance, safety or any other requirements.
4. Available 3D designs from Shapeways may vary from image shown and over time. See Get Started with 3D Printing for the latest offerings.
5. Compatibility details can be found at Surface Pen Compatibility. Pairing functionality requires Windows 10 or 11 with the latest updates.
6. Some software, accessories and devices sold separately.

Source: Windows Blog
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Hello Windows Insiders, today we are releasing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23555 to the Dev Channel.

Fixes

[Copilot]

• Fixed an issue that was causing explorer.exe to crash when trying to open Copilot from the taskbar.

[Narrator]

• Fixed an issue that was preventing you from previewing Narrator natural voices in Settings.
• Fixed an issue that prevented Narrator from reading the time stamp on Start’s recommended items correctly.

[Task Manager]

• Fixed an issue which was causing a Task Manager crash when changing Always on Top mode.

NOTE: Some fixes noted here in Insider Preview builds from the Dev Channel may make their way into the servicing updates for the released version of Windows 11.

Known issues

[Start menu]

• Some apps under All apps on the Start menu, such as PWA apps installed via Microsoft Edge, may incorrectly be labeled as a system component.

[Windows Copilot]

• [NEW] The new Copilot icon is not shown currently in Dev Channel builds. It will be updated in an upcoming flight – stay tuned!
• We heard feedback from Insiders in the Dev Channel that the Windows Copilot Preview is not available in some regions. We found an issue and plan to re-enable it for these Insiders with a fix in a future flight.
• You can use Alt + Tab to switch out of Windows Copilot, but not back into it. Windows + C will move focus back to Windows Copilot
• When first launching or after refreshing Copilot while using voice access you’ll need to use “Show grid” commands to click in the “Ask me anything” box for the first time.

For developers

You can download the latest Windows Insider SDK at aka.ms/windowsinsidersdk.

SDK NuGet packages are now also flighting at NuGet Gallery | WindowsSDK which include:

• .NET TFM packages for use in .NET apps as described at aka.ms/windowsinsidersdk
• C++ packages for Win32 headers and libs per architecture
• BuildTools package when you just need tools like MakeAppx.exe, MakePri.exe, and SignTool.exe

These NuGet packages provide more granular access to the SDK and better integration in CI/CD pipelines.

SDK flights are now published for both the Canary and Dev Channels, so be sure to choose the right version for your Insider Channel.

Remember to use adaptive code when targeting new APIs to make sure your app runs on all customer machines, particularly when building against the Dev Channel SDK. Feature detection is recommended over OS version checks, as OS version checks are unreliable and will not work as expected in all cases.

About the Dev Channel

REMINDER: The Dev Channel has been rebooted. Windows Insiders who were in the Dev Channel on 25000 series builds have been moved to the new Canary Channel. Going forward, the Dev Channel will receive 23000 series builds. Insiders who were moved to the Canary Channel and want to move back to the Dev Channel can follow these instructions to do a clean installation of Windows 11 and then re-join the Dev Channel to receive 23000 series builds.

The Dev Channel receives builds that represent long lead work from our engineers with features and experiences that may never get released as we try out different concepts and get feedback. It is important to remember that the builds we release to the Dev Channel should not be seen as matched to any specific release of Windows and the features included may change over time, be removed, or replaced in Insider builds or may never be released beyond Windows Insiders to general customers. For more information, please read this blog post about how we plan to use the Dev Channel to incubate new ideas, work on long lead items, and control the states of individual features.

In some cases, features and experiences may go out to the Canary Channel first before going out to the Dev Channel however the Dev Channel will provide better platform stability. As we get closer to shipping, some features and experiences will also make their way to the Beta Channel when they are ready.

The desktop watermark you see at the lower right corner of your desktop is normal for these pre-release builds.

Important Insider Links

• You can check out our Windows Insider Program documentation here.
• Check out Flight Hub for a complete look at what build is in which Insider channel.

Thanks,
Amanda & Brandon

Source: Windows Blog
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Devices with “Red, Green, Blue” (RGB) lights can help users personalize their Windows experiences beyond the screen. With the latest feature update, Dynamic Lighting on Windows 11 enables users to control their RGB devices right in Windows Settings. They can use it to extend their Windows accent color onto the devices around them, synchronize RGB effects across devices from different brands and exercise finer control over how their apps control their device’s lights. 

Dynamic Lighting helps create cohesion across the RGB devices market and enables new and engaging experiences across applications that are enhanced by RGB lights. In collaboration with partners like Acer, ADATA/XPG, ASUS ROG, HP, HyperX, Lenovo, Logitech G, MSI, NZXT, Razer, SignalRGB, SteelSeries and Twinkly, we’re making RGB experiences more accessible and easier to use for everyone. 

Many existing RGB devices work with Dynamic Lighting already, with more new products on the way. Check out the list of supported devices. 

Learn more about the feature and see our walkthrough.

Source: Windows Blog
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