With Mesh VR, you can engage in virtual 3D meetings, and the spatial audio feature imitates the ability to have private conversations you have in an office by moving away from other co-workers in a virtual space. The amazing part about it is the 3D spaces are customizable and there are games like tossing bean bags or icebreaker questions for you to play with remote colleagues who you haven’t met before.

Is Microsoft Mesh Available for Users?

The standard features include 3D immersive experiences using next-generation technology that help virtual connections feel more like face-to-face interactions and are available on PC and Meta Quest VR devices. If you want to deploy it in your teams it is available in Microsoft Teams business plans and requires a Teams Premium license. The plans start for small businesses from $4 per user/ month and for enterprises, they have plans like Microsoft 365 E3 which is $36 per user/ month.

Enterprises Using Microsoft Mesh Today

Many organizations opted for the immersive 3D experience in Microsoft Teams. Beginning from Bp to Takeda, some of the biggest enterprises have done it.

Accenture

One of the largest consulting firms globally created a strategic partnership with Microsoft to design a solution that maintains authentic connections promotes cultural understanding, and encourages unity across the organization.

Ellyn Shook, Accenture’s Chief Leadership & Human Resources Officer in talks with Microsoft explained that the new onboarding experience helped the new employees understand the company’s culture, core values, and how Accenture drives value for the clients, people, and communities. All in a collaborative, immersive way that transcends space and place.

Takeda

Takeda had a unique challenge of finding a cost-effective way to help their geo-diverse workforce connect and further their common cultural understanding. They created a custom solution designed to inculcate engagement, strengthen the commitment to their corporate philosophy, and speed product innovation: the Hirameki Garden. The garden, created in Microsoft Mesh, enables a virtual location for large, company-wide events like town halls and all-hands meetings.

bp

They created a specialized physical meeting space called Highly Immersive Visualization Environments (HIVEs). This permitted experts to understand and team up on complex problems in a way that wouldn’t be possible with traditional tools. 

Roger Rohatgi, Vice President and Global Head of Design for bp, shares that “highly immersive visualization environments open the path to a more digital and collaborative future for bp. By partnering with Microsoft Mesh, we can explore how to use advanced technology for faster, more informed, and safer decision-making as we pursue our ambition to become an integrated energy company.”

Final Thoughts

Microsoft has always been in the news, whether it was stopping updates of Windows 10 or launch an in-house AI chip. This feature though being innovative and engaging needs to witness the adaptability and utility of most organizations. As Microsoft confirmed many international organizations have been using it, but overall how many companies use Teams as their mode of corporate communication? We have to see since the upgrade how many enterprises actively engage in it.

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The Significance of DALL-E 3

Microsoft Ensuring the Safety and Ethics

The post You Can Now Use the DALL-E 3 AI Image Generator in Microsoft Bing appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Windows 11 Updates Include Copilot Integration

The Cutting Edge New Surface Devices

Our Thoughts

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After the proposed Activision Blizzard merger, Sony and Microsoft reached an agreement to preserve the Call of Duty series on PlayStation for 10 more years. Sony and Microsoft have reportedly reached a binding agreement to maintain Call of Duty on PlayStation, according to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer.

This puts an end to the heated dispute between the two businesses that had been raging for the previous year, both in private and in public. Ever since Microsoft revealed its intentions to buy Activision Blizzard in January 2022.

Understanding the Revised Deal

Escalating Tensions Between Microsoft and Sony

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What Is a “Distributed Denial-Of-Service” (DDoS) Attack? 

For those who are not familiar, a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attack (DDoS) attack is a type of malicious activity that involves flooding a server or network with incoming internet traffic.  A frequent type of attack that allows criminals to affect the accessibility of internet services. Typically, it entails using maliciously infected, remotely exploited workstations. They are under the authority of hackers to send commands over the internet to overwhelm target network servers.  

Whom Did It Affect? 

The technology giant’s core cloud computing platform, Azure, as well as applications like OneDrive and Outlook email services, were impacted. Microsoft provides a wide range of cloud-based services. So, the attack may have had an effect on millions of its clients globally. Though the company hasn’t yet disclosed the full scope of the interruption. 

People Responsible for Attack 

When the incident first occurred, the cyber collective Anonymous Sudan claimed responsibility, and Microsoft still holds that group responsible. Microsoft made a few comments about the issue at the time.  But in a post over the weekend, it confirmed that distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks were to blame. 

After the disruption, Microsoft claimed it had started monitoring behavior by the threat actor, which it had called Storm-1359 using a naming scheme it uses for groups while inquiries are in progress. It was further said that “the offender appears to be focused on disruption and publicity”. 

Anonymous Sudan first appeared at the start of this year. They claimed to target countries that interfere in Sudanese affairs or advance anti-Muslim ideologies. The group’s alleged affiliation with the pro-Kremlin hacking collective Killnet. Several security specialists, however, support the allegation that the group’s position on Sudan is essentially a lie.

Even while more information about the incident may still surface, the fact that Microsoft was unable to handle a DDoS attack may be the most worrisome. 

Conclusion – How Does Microsoft Defend Against DDoS Attacks on Its Azure Servers Then? 

According to Microsoft, the increase in attacks is due to the abundance of low-cost DDoS-for-hire services, which may tempt hackers to take down servers. Microsoft’s own Azure DDoS Protection team prevents the attacks. All Azure servers and all Microsoft assets are safeguarded by this team. Azure DDoS Protection features application layer protection, continuous monitoring, automatic network attack mitigation, and cutting-edge intelligence that can recognize traffic patterns over time. 

In conclusion, Microsoft is continuously striving for better results and safeguarding the interest of the users and wants the user to be aware of the same.   

The post Microsoft Says DDoS Attacks Were to Blame for Recent Service Failures appeared first on Tech Research Online.

End of Windows 8.1 Support 

The antiqued Windows 8.1 is approaching the end of its tenure. This is mainly because the operating system will soon lose support from Microsoft, starting from January 10 2023, after which users will no longer receive official patches to protect them from danger. To officially remind users that the end is nigh, the software giant will soon be sending users reminders to upgrade to upper versions as soon as possible.   

Starting from July 2022, Windows 8.1 users will begin seeing messages asking them to upgrade to a newer version of Windows. Users will get the option to disable these notifications until Windows 8.1 falls out of support (in case they are not interested). 

No ESU for the Ceasing Operating System 

Microsoft will send notifications similar to the ones used in the past to remind Windows 7 users about the end of support dates. Although Microsoft ended Windows 8 support in 2016, the Windows 8.1 update will cease support in 2023. Microsoft will not offer an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 8.1. Therefore, businesses will be unable to pay for additional security patches and will rather have to upgrade or accept the risk of running software without any security updates.  

The reception to Windows 8 was substantially improved by Windows 8.1. Windows 8 offered a new touch-centric vision for Microsoft’s future, but many PC users rejected it because of how abruptly it did away with the old desktop and Start button. The mobile-first OS didn’t fit with what people wanted, and Microsoft apologized by bringing back the Start button in Windows 8.1.  

 How good was Windows 8.1? 

Despite the improvements brought by the Windows 8.1 update, Microsoft and some of its users will be glad to forget the Windows 8 period. Faced with competition from the iPad, Microsoft tried to update Windows but instead alienated many of its devoted fans. When Windows 10 debuted in 2015, it undid many of Windows 8’s most drastic changes, and Windows 11 has gone much farther by deleting the Start menu’s Live Tiles and redesigning several dated features that have been part of Windows for decades.  

Windows 8.1 users now must decide whether to upgrade their operating system or purchase a new computer. Due to the general rigid CPU requirements, Microsoft admits that most Windows 8.1 machines will not even support Windows 11. “While most Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 devices will not meet the hardware requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, compatible Windows 8 and 8.1 PCs can be upgraded to Windows 10 by purchasing and installing a full version of the software,” Microsoft explains in a support note.  

That leaves Windows 10 as one of the most probable upgrade options, which will be supported until October 14th, 2025. Windows 8.1 machines will not cease to function on January 10, 2023, but continuing to use the OS without software updates and security fixes is a major risk. Microsoft’s support site contains a plethora of FAQs and articles to assist Windows 8.1 users in upgrading or migrating files to a new machine. 

Anwesha Mishra

Anwesha has been a creative writer for a while. Currently, on her pursuit of tech writing, she is diving into the realms of technology to produce better content on the forever-changing world of technology. In her free time, you’ll find her humming tunes of her favourite shows or reading a book.

The post Microsoft to end support for Windows 8.1; What happens next? appeared first on Tech Research Online.

The new Notepad sports a completely overhauled UI and features rounded corners, Mica material, and other tweaks. The design of the renewed notepad aligns with the visual design of Windows 11.  

Microsoft states that the changes aim to provide a “modern spin on the classic app” with improved functionality. 

The all-new Dark Mode is the highlight of this version of Notepad. This feature was added due to the ‘demand from the community’. This version can adapt to the system’s theme preference by default with the addition of the font options.  

Microsoft has also redesigned the notepad’s ‘find and replace‘ option for an improved workflow. The undo feature allowed users to go back only one step in previous versions. 

 Microsoft is also working on improving its Notepad’s performance when users open very large files. 

In the company’s Insider program, announced on 2014, they have allowed owners of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server licensee to gain access to pre-release builds of OS.  

Today, the program boasts millions of users who provide valuable feedback and engage with Microsoft engineers. Its platform features three channels – Dev, Beta, and Release Preview.  

Read Also: Instagram to Introduce Parental Control Features

The post Microsoft Testing Notepad on Windows 11 With Multi-Level Undo Feature appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations are files we often use regularly, whether at home for general life admin or work.   

Microsoft Office comprises Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. After the early success of MS Word (launched in 1983), it was announced as a package by Bill Gates in August 1988.  

Microsoft Office has been a staple software package for universities and workplaces. Everyone who has been enrolled in schools and universities in the past 15-20 years has some familiarity with using MS Office.  

Following Microsoft’s initial domination in the world of the operating system, Apple came to the fore. Steve Jobs bought high-tech hardware as well as software to the tech scene.

Being a Microsoft program, Apple’s computers did not come with preinstalled MS Office. Instead, the company encourages users to delve into their business solutions, such as iWork.    

Despite the many hurdles, Microsoft and Apple have remained top players and competitors in the tech world. Let’s take a look at the differences and similarities of Office v iWork to uncover which software is best for you:  

Operating Software  

The key factor to consider while choosing between MS Office and Apple iWork is their operating system. Apple’s iWork is available to use on Apple devices (Mac, iPad, iPhone) and can only be used on a Windows device via iCloud.

Besides, Apple does not offer a compatible desktop version of iWork. However, when using Mac, you can download Office and Apple iWork from the app store.  

Compatibility  

When you are working solo or with other Mac users, it is relatively easy to use Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. However, you might find a lot of compatibility issues when sending and receiving iWorks files in a room full of PC users.   

To resolve this issue, Apple has allowed an easy import and export of files to popular Microsoft Office formats, such as .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx. However, image sizing, fonts, and layouts can sometimes be hard when converting between file formats.  

Functionality  

Take a first look at the basic function upon initial glance, both the office suites perform in a very similar way by offering similar functionality. When you compare several features in both the application, iWork’s applications act as a like-for-like substitute for MS Office in many ways for a standard user. However, once you start digging deeper and you will find differences between the two packages.   

User interface  

Many users find the simple and less crowded interface of the iWork suite more aesthetically pleasing. So much so that MS Office has tried to copy some designs in its latest update.   

To make the device as such, Apple has taken steps away from overwhelming menu options like Windows. They left the most utilized features easily accessible even to users with no training.

However, the same design can be a hindrance when creating more complex documents as useful tools are hidden in obscure places compared to Windows.  

Mobile Integration and Cloud Storage   

iWork allows you to store and access files from anywhere for free as it is fully integrated with iCloud online storage. Besides, it works across multiple devices which means that you will never have the stress of losing a file due to a corrupt memory stick ever again.   

In the case of MS Office, only business users have the option to store files online on a monthly price plan. This means that they’ll need to have an Office license assigned and SharePoint online, via OneDrive.  

Sharing and Collaboration  

Both Apple and Microsoft allow multiple users to seamlessly collaborate on the same document in real-time, for free using their collaboration tools. These tools are supported across many devices.  

Individual Applications at a Glance:  

Word vs Pages  

Software packages, MS Word and Pages, are both very similar when it comes to their offered features. Both have basic word processing features including custom headers and footers, text formatting, footnotes, bullets and number lists, pictures, and images.   

But from here the difference starts as Pages comes with its document design, particularly for flyers, leaflets, and posters to help you format them with ease. Besides, it allows you to add charts to the document which is a major feature missing from MS Word.   

However, Microsoft Word outperforms Pages when it comes to writing tools, including spell-checking and word count tools. Also, Word provides a variety of formatting options.

The best part is that it allows you to add special effects to text such as 3D or shadow. You can even add special effects to imagery such as reflection, drop shadow, and much more.  

Excel vs Numbers  

In general, Excel, despite its aesthetically unpleasing design, is far easier to work with than Numbers. Excel is particularly great while working with large amounts of raw data.

Both Excel and Numbers are packages that work for everyday budgeting and planning. However, Excel is better for academic or professional use as it offers a larger range of features and functions.  

Apple used the same clean-cut approach it did for its other software when creating Numbers. This means that formulas and shortcuts are not obvious to find when compared to Excel’s menus.   

From a learning perspective, compared to Numbers, you can find a great range of resources and ‘how to’ tutorials for Excel.  

PowerPoint vs Keynote  

Keynote exceeds PowerPoint when it comes to design. Keynote allows users with no design background to create sleek and stylish presentations easily.

It offers them easy options to pull images, sounds, and video with a wide range of in-built themes, layouts, animations, and fonts.   

While PowerPoint is far more functional than beautiful, it is powerful presentation software. If you can use it to its full potential then it can provide a lot of control over your design.

However, its complexity can become a hindrance for users who don’t know how to use it. Besides, it’s always easy to create ugly presentations with over-the-top transitions.  

Conclusion:  

iWork works well in a Mac operating environment, while MS Office works well in a Windows operating environment. Former allows immersive experience in the Apple ecosystem without additional software, while latter offers familiarity and comfort when transferring files without compatibility issues.  

Apple applications have a beautiful and clean design keeping with Apple’s sleek aesthetic pleasing look. It can fulfill almost all of the requirements of everyday users. Office software, overall, includes features and better user control and functionality (which are not utilized every day, but useful to have).  

If you are looking for the perfect operating software for you, don’t limit yourself to Apple and Microsoft. But you can also look for other alternatives, such as the free “LibreOffice” and Google’s online competitor G Suite.  

Author Bio:

Shreeya Chourasia is an experienced B2B marketing/tech content writer, who is diligently committed for growing your online presence. Her writing doesn’t merely direct the audience to take action, rather it explains how to take action for promising outcomes.

The post Microsoft Office vs. Apple iWork Review: Which is Better? appeared first on Tech Research Online.

The software giant’s streaming Xbox Game Pass Ultimate games are now ready to expand the reach of its xCloud technology in these markets.  

The company will be making XCloud available to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers in Brazil and Mexico later today. This will mean that they will technically launch it, in Australia and Japan, in the early hours of October 1st.   

Users will have to access XCloud Gaming separately through a dedicated Xbox Windows or Android app, or they can opt for the web for other devices.  

The software giant has now expanded its Xbox Cloud Gaming in 26 countries.  

“Since cloud gaming is powered by custom Xbox Series X consoles, that means these games are being played on an Xbox in the cloud, bringing faster load times and improved frame rates to the gameplay experience,” explains Catherine Gluckstein, Microsoft’s head of Project xCloud.  

Alongside the expansion, Microsoft has also announced, later today, the arrival of Scarlet Nexus on Xbox Game Pass during its Tokyo Game Show broadcast.    

Read Also : Microsoft Releases New Updates and Features for Xbox App For Apple Users

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This week, Panos Panay, Microsoft’s head of Windows, has teased the Focus Sessions Windows 11 feature on Twitter. The integration of both these technologies seems like a new way to focus on work.   

Windows 11’s Focus Sessions will include Spotify integration which will allow users to create a focus timer to work while listening to music.  

Also Read: Microsoft is Said to Buy RiskIQ, Cybersecurity Company  

While Microsoft is yet to start testing its Focus Sessions in public builds of Windows 11, but from the teaser video, it appears to be built into the OS’s Clock app.   

Windows 11’s Focus Sessions looks quite similar to the Pomodoro Technique, which is a method of managing time by breaking it down into smaller chunks of work with short breaks.  

Today, there are a variety of Pomodoro websites and apps that helps users focus on a list of tasks.   

Microsoft’s integration with Spotify might be their way of trying to stand out from the crowd.  

Besides, this is also the first time that we are seeing some significant Spotify integration in Windows since the Groove Music service retired in 2017.   

This is not the first time that both the giants have worked together. Previously, they have joined hands on a Windows 10 app and a separate app for Xbox consoles.  

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