Microsoft has released a new Xbox app that would let iOS users stream Xbox games to their iPhones and iPads.

After months of tension with Apple, Microsoft has finally allowed Xbox gamers to stream games on iOS devices. The company has released a new Xbox app with a remote play feature. With this feature, you can stream Xbox games on your iPhone or iPad. 

Microsoft’s New iOS Xbox App

The Verge reports that this iOS service is not the same as Project xCloud. With xCloud, you stream games from Microsoft’s servers, not your Xbox. However, the iOS app will let you stream from your console, not xCloud’s servers. So, this app is more like Sony’s PS4 Remote Play feature for Android and iOS.

If you get this app, you can stream Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S games. However, you can’t stream Xbox 360 and original Xbox games. 

What Else Can the Xbox App Do?

With this app, you can also access your Xbox using Wi-Fi, LTE, and 5G. You can use your phone to control your console, and you can even boot it up while you’re still outside your house. If you do this, your Xbox will start silently and without the Xbox’s front light. When you disconnect, the machine returns to standby mode. 

Should I Get This App?

The Verge also says that the new iOS app is a lot faster than the previous version. Moreover, the new app matches the Xbox’s new UI design and dashboard. However, this new app doesn’t mean you can use xCloud for iOS. 

Apple had wanted to allow cloud gaming from xCloud and Google Stadia. However, Microsoft and Google would have to submit hundreds of games as separate apps to Apple’s review. So, Microsoft wasn’t happy about that.

The post Microsoft Rolls Out Xbox App for Streaming Games on iOS first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Microsoft announced that it plans to adopt a “hybrid workplace” for its staff, even when the pandemic is over.

Microsoft employees might work from home forever with the new announcement from the tech firm last Friday. And yes, they can have the remote work setup even after the pandemic.

Giving Employees Flexibility

Last week, Microsoft announced its intentions of implementing a “hybrid workplace” as the pandemic continues. The tech company even plans to make it permanent to give its staff more flexibility. Actually, the majority of its employees have reported to work from their own homes since the start of the outbreak. But with the new guidance from the company, Microsoft employees can plan their future even when the crisis is over.

Microsoft is letting employees work from home permanently https://t.co/DIt9doADKg pic.twitter.com/XGMdmTVjXh

— The Verge (@verge) October 9, 2020

“Flexibility can mean different things to each of us, and we recognize there is no one-size-fits-all solution given the variety of roles, work requirements, and business needs we have at Microsoft,” the company blog reads.

“To address this, we have provided guidance to employees to make informed decisions,” the blog further states.

New Arrangements for Microsoft Employees

With the new guidance, Microsoft will allow for their staff to work from their homes. The time should account for less than half of the working week. Additionally, employees can even transfer homes, if approved and if the role can accommodate remote work setup. They can even move from one country to another, but compensation will vary on location.

Moreover, the company will also pay for home office expenses if the staff will have a remote work setup. Furthermore, the working hours will be flexible, too. Employees can also opt for part-time office hours with manager approval.

But according to a Verge report, some of the job functions will still require to go to the office. Specifically, it includes employees that need to access hardware labs, data centers, and training.

A New Era of Working

Executive VP and chief people officer Kathleen Hogan, who also wrote the blog, indicated that the crisis posed a question about their workforce’s future. She noted that Microsoft aims “to offer as much flexibility as possible to support individual workstyles, while balancing business needs and ensuring we live our culture.”

And other companies have also implemented similar efforts. The Twitter staff could even permanently have remote work setups. Even the social media giant, Facebook, will also allow thousands of jobs to retain work-from-home arrangements. Chief exec Mark Zuckerberg even said that half of their workforce can even work remotely within the decade.

The post Microsoft to Allow Workforce Report From Home Even After Pandemic first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

The United States Labor Department has questioned the diversity efforts of Microsoft and Wells Fargo. Both companies have pledged that they will boost racial diversity across their management. But the US Labor wanted to look if the firms’ initiatives observe the laws.

Inquiry on Diversity Efforts

In a Bloomberg report, the Labor Department sent messages to Microsoft and Wells Fargo regarding their diversity efforts. The agency questions if those programs comply with laws preventing racial discrimination when hiring.

The Department of Labor has sent letters to Microsoft and Wells Fargo questioning whether the companies' commitments to increase the number of Black employees in their leadership ranks constitute race-based discrimination https://t.co/ZsunWyCYSi

— CNN Business (@CNNBusiness) October 9, 2020

The federal department looks into Microsoft if the company could potentially commit “unlawful discrimination” and violate the law. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo said that the department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

Several months ago, the death of George Floyd under a cop’s watch had sparked intense protests against social injustice. So, Microsoft and Wells Fargo belong to a growing list of companies that pledge to diversify their workforce.

Scrutinized Efforts

Microsoft responded in a statement, saying that the company is confident it did not break any laws. “we look forward to providing the OFCCP with this information and, if necessary, defending our approach,” the tech company said.

On the other hand, Wells Fargo said that the company commits “to become a diverse and inclusive company,” it stated. Moreover, the bank also mentioned that several steps towards the goal are underway, which they can confidently say that “comply with US employment laws.”

Hindrance to Inclusivity?

The federal inquiries came only days after US President Donald Trump’s opposition to racial sensitivity training. The president expanded a ban to initiatives promoting awareness about discrimination. The ban would affect the contractors dealing with the federal government and companies receiving grant funds. Particularly, the prohibition extends to “efforts to indoctrinate government employees with divisive and harmful sex and race-based ideologies.”

Actually, the OFCP previously said it dedicated communication lines for reports against “offensive and anti-American race and sex stereotyping and scapegoating,” Bloomberg reports. The effort marks as a part of the administration’s campaign against divisive training. 

In a statement, the OFCCP said it “will send letters to other contractors” if the agency identifies the same question. However, the office did not reveal if it had already done similar actions to other companies, as well.

The post US Labor Dept. Questions Diversity Efforts by Microsoft and Wells Fargo first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Sam Arnold

Right in time for the holidays, Microsoft Edge will let you compare prices across different retailers. Moreover, the browser has a new screenshot feature that snaps photos of entire webpages. Microsoft plans to release these new updates this month.  

Compare Prices with Microsoft Edge

The Verge reports that Edge’s price comparison tool works when you shop online using the browser. Just put the products you want to buy in a Collection, and click a “compare prices” button to check.

Microsoft Edge now has price comparisons and a really useful screenshot tool https://t.co/oeFl6ZDUAZ pic.twitter.com/SessEtMIhq

— The Verge (@verge) October 11, 2020

While Microsoft would release this feature only to US retailers at launch, the company said it plans to add more tools to the feature. Microsoft adds that it wants to add coupons to the service.

Screenshot with Microsoft Edge

Microsoft has also added a new screenshot tool to Edge. This tool would allow you to capture a whole webpage with a single click. With other screenshot tools, you still need to scroll the page to grab your shots. This tool scrolls down the page for you. Microsoft also plans to add “inking capabilities” to this tool in the future. 

Other New Edge Features

If you come across many PDFs while you browse, Microsoft Edge has the tool for you. The browser’s new PDF feature supports a table of contents, so you don’t have to scroll down endlessly to reach the section you want. With Microsoft Edge, you can also export your webpages, images, or lists into Pinterest boards.

The Verge adds that Microsoft is still testing vertical tabs for Edge. For now, you should expect the new features to come to the browser in the coming weeks.

The post You Can Now Compare Prices with the New Microsoft Edge first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Since the pandemic struck, most companies send employees to work from home. Now, Microsoft is the first company to make working from home permanent. 

Microsoft’s Work from Home Policy

The Verge reports that Microsoft sent out an internal memo about working from home. According to the memo, Microsoft decided to open a “hybrid workspace.” This way, workers can choose to work from home permanently. They could also protect their families from COVID-19.

Cheers to a jeans-less future. https://t.co/gBDm0ApltR

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) October 11, 2020

Gizmodo also adds that each Microsoft employee can work remotely “for less than 50%” of the week. However, Microsoft could give employees a permanent work-from-home status.

Remote Work in Tech Companies

Other tech companies have also let employees work from home. Last May, Twitter granted its employees the option to work from home. On the other hand, Google looks like it still wants to get workers back in their offices. Google employees have begun working from home, but the company might want them at their desks a few days a week.

Facebook has also allowed employees to work from home. However, Gizmodo says the company hasn’t revealed if this status was permanent. 

Other Perks of Microsoft’s Remote Work Policy

If Microsoft grants you a permanent remote work status, you can move across the country and keep your job. Moreover, the company also said it would cover its employees’ expenses for building a home office. This status would allow employees to work in a safer environment, even after the pandemic subsides.

The post Microsoft to Allow Permanent Work for Employees first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

While Microsoft Office continues to reign over workplace software, Google prepares its challenge. The company plans to merge its G Suite apps into a new brand called Google Workspace. If you want to subscribe, Google also plans to introduce a new tier called “Business Plus.” 

Google Workspace

The Verge reports that Google will combine Gmail, Docs, Meet, Sheets, and Calendar under Workspace. Along with the rebrand, Google will also equip Workspace with new features that integrate all G Suite apps. 

For example, if you open a Chat window, you can also open a new document for everybody without opening a new tab. In Google Docs, you can also start a video call with everyone actively working on a document. Similarly, you also don’t need to open a new window or tab.

Google vs. Microsoft

With the Fluid feature, Microsoft has tried integrating Office apps into one another before. Google’s plans to do the same thing for G Suite hints at a serious challenge to Microsoft Office.

Before, Google had already merged Google Meet with Gmail. The company plans to do the same things with the rest of the G Suite apps. Initially, you can see some small signs of integration. For example, you can already pull up document previews of documents inside the document you’re working on starting today. 

When Can I Get the Full Workspace Experience?

Google says you can use the rest of Google Workspace’s new features, such as the new video call mode, “in the coming weeks,” or “coming months.” If you’re a non-business subscriber, you’ll have to wait longer. 

The post Google to Transform G Suite to Google Workspace first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

If you want a budget laptop with great specs, you could check out Microsoft’s new Surface Laptop Go. The new laptop uses an Intel 10th-gen i5 processor, which means you can do many different things with it. 

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go

Gizmodo reports that the Surface Laptop Go feels a lot different from the Surface Go 2. Not only is the new laptop cheaper by a mile, but it also offers great specs. At just $550, the Surface Go has the Intel 10th-gen i5-1035G1 CPU, a 64GB eMMC drive, and 4GB of RAM. Not bad for a budget machine. However, there is a catch. You’ll need to go beyond $550 if you want more stuff, like a 256GB SSD or 8GB of RAM. This would be the best budget laptop for photoshop or other design/content creation apps.

Microsoft finally has a budget laptop https://t.co/7qlGXCQQPj pic.twitter.com/DfE48Ftnul

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) October 1, 2020

More Surface Go Specs

According to Gizmodo, the Surface Go is a small machine, too. With just a 12.45-inch, 1536 x 1024 resolution touchscreen display, the laptop is smaller than Apple’s 13” MacBook Pro. However, the Surface Go does have a glass trackpad. 

For easier log-ins, you’ll get a 720p webcam with Windows Hello. You can also get a fingerprint sensor, but, again, only if you’re willing to pay. The machine also has the Surface Connector port, an audio jack, and USB-C and USB-A ports. 

Moreover, you can also use the Surface Go for 13 hours on a single charge. Gizmodo says that this battery life exceeds the average battery lives of other budget laptops, which sits around 8 hours and 29 minutes.  

When Can I Buy the Surface Go?

Microsoft should start shipping the Surface Go on October 13, with pre-orders starting today. There are also three different models: Ice Blue, Sandstone, and Platinum. All of these models cost $550.

The post Microsoft Releases a New Budget Laptop first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Gamers may get one of the new next-gen consoles early this year. With Sony’s Playstation 5 releasing in the holidays, Microsoft looks like it’ll bump up the Xbox Series X to November.  

Will the Microsoft Xbox Series X Drop in November?

TechSpot reports that Microsoft CFO Amy Hood gave a telling answer to Bloomberg reporter Dina Bass during an investor call. Bass had asked Hood about a possible November release date for the new Xbox. Then, Hood told her yes. Bass tweeted about their conversation here and here.

It was in response to a question from me and I said "new console" and "November holidays." Her answer was the single word "yes."

— Dina Bass (@dinabass) July 22, 2020

According to TechSpot, November release dates are usual for Microsoft. Dating back to the first Xbox in 2001, every Xbox console went on sale in November. Only the Xbox One S and the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition went into stores outside November. 

TechSpot also reports rumors that Microsoft had wanted to launch the new Xbox in August to beat Sony. But COVID-19 ruined those plans. 

Should I Buy the Xbox Series X?

If you have older Xbox consoles, Microsoft said that you could play all your games there on the Series X. Better yet, the company also noted that several more past games would run better on the new Xbox. Think of games running at “120 frames per second, and added HDR.” Some of your previous Xbox games could even go to 4K. 

You might have to get a new TV to take advantage of the Series X’s specs, though. The Xbox Series X uses HDMI 2.1 technology, and only high-end TVs support it. 

Should I Buy the Xbox Series X at Launch?

With a November release, you could buy the Xbox Series X on Black Friday. But it probably won’t have a discount.

The post Microsoft Bumps Up Release of Xbox Series X to November first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

Epic Games is accusing Apple of putting game developers in danger by threatening to revoke iOS support for the Unreal Engine. This move is also part of Apple’s threats to revoke Epic’s access to iOS developer tools and accounts. On Sunday, Epic submitted a new motion with these charges.

Now, Microsoft has defended Epic in its battle with Apple. 

Epic Games vs. Apple

According to The Verge, Epic said Apple’s threats would risk other developers, who have nothing to do with the case. If Apple pushes through with its threats, it will punish a lot of game developers, when only one dev broke the rules.

However, Apple noted revoking access was within its rights. The company was just enforcing its policies. Yet they didn’t deny that iOS support was on the line.

In response, Epic added that Apple wants to intimidate other companies that defy the company. The company intends to retain its access to iOS tools and accounts even though they had taken Apple to court. 

Apple’s Response

Engadget reports that Apple had said Epic was provoking them to respond because they had broken App Store policies. Moreover, the company said that Epic Games was trying to “deceive Apple,” and companies who do that “lose access.”  

Microsoft’s Statement

As this legal battle continues, Epic seems to have found an ally in Microsoft. A tweet from Xbox boss Phil Spencer announced that Microsoft had made a statement in support of Epic. 

Today we filed a statement in support of Epic's request to keep access to the Apple SDK for its Unreal Engine. Ensuring that Epic has access to the latest Apple technology is the right thing for gamer developers & gamers https://t.co/72bLdDkvUx

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) August 23, 2020

The company said that if Apple revoked access, a lot of game developers wouldn’t be able to patch bugs or fix security issues in their games. If this happens, even Microsoft won’t be able to keep supporting its iOS games, like Forza.

The court will decide on this issue.

The post Microsoft Backs Epic Games in Fight With Apple first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins

While Sony sticks to its holiday release schedule, Microsoft pushed up the release of the Xbox Series X to November. Both Sony and Microsoft usher in the next generation of gaming with brand-new consoles. Later this year, Sony will release the Playstation 5. 

Xbox Series X in November

In a blog post, Microsoft announced the new Xbox’s November launch. The company also announced the delay of Halo: Infinite to 2021. Moreover, Kotaku reports that Microsoft will also launch over 50 new games for all Xbox generations, which will also be optimized for Series X. 

The Xbox Series X launches in November: https://t.co/I7OQ1flLtz pic.twitter.com/MlKAyuCmwx

— Kotaku (@Kotaku) August 11, 2020

What Can I Play on the Xbox Series X?

Xbox gamers who buy the Series X at launch can expect to play a bunch of next-gen games right away. You can also play “over 100 optimized for Xbox Series X titles.” Among these next-gen games are Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Gears Tactics, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and Watch Dogs: Legion.

Among the Series X-optimized games are Destiny 2, Forza Horizon 4, Gears 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and Madden NFL 21.

With the Xbox Game Pass, gamers can also buy Xbox exclusives like Tetris Effect: Connected and Scorn. 

The Xbox Series X’s New Features

As Microsoft’s flagship next-gen console, the Xbox Series X carries a ton of features. It’s the company’s first console that supports Direct X raytracing, that plays games at 120 fps, and speeds up loading times.

Xbox Series X also features Smart Delivery. Buy the games just once to play their best versions across generations of Xbox consoles. With Quick Resume, you can pause multiple games at once and pick up right where you left off.

With this news, Microsoft looks to land the first blow against Sony. 

The post Microsoft to Launch Xbox Series X in November first appeared on Tekrati and is written by Irene Hawkins