Microsoft news recap: Cortana app dropped from Windows, Discord to add Xbox game streaming, and more

Jack Wilkinson

Microsoft

Microsoft news recap is a weekly feature highlighting the top Microsoft news stories of the past week. Sit back, grab some coffee, and enjoy the read!

Microsoft drops Cortana app in Windows, introduces advanced AI productivity tools

Microsoft has decided to drop the Cortana app in Windows, but is introducing new AI productivity tools to replace it. These tools will use AI to provide more relevant taskbar search results, allow users to dictate text into any app, and suggest appointments and reminders.

cortana interface

Discord adds Xbox game streaming, enhancing gameplay sharing in chat

Discord is adding Xbox game streaming to its platform, allowing users to stream Xbox games to their computers and other devices.

This is a major coup for Discord, as it will allow users to share their gameplay with their friends and communities in a more immersive way. It will also make it easier for gamers to collaborate on games, as they will be able to see each other’s screens and talk to each other in real time.

Microsoft to disable TLS 1.0 and 1.1 in Windows OS for enhanced security

Microsoft is to disable TLS 1.0 and 1.1 in Windows in the coming months. These protocols are outdated and no longer considered secure. Disabling them will help to protect users from security vulnerabilities.

TLS 1.0 and 1.1 were first released in 1999 and 2006, respectively. They have since been superseded by newer, more secure protocols, such as TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3. However, some older applications and devices may still use TLS 1.0 or 1.1.

Microsoft is giving users until September 2023 to update their applications and devices to use a more secure protocol. After that, TLS 1.0 and 1.1 will become disabled by default in Windows Insider releases, and in future Windows releases further down the line.

Starfield will officially be an Xbox Play Anywhere title with cross-save support

Starfield, the upcoming sci-fi RPG from Bethesda, will be an Xbox Play Anywhere title. This means that players will be able to buy the game once and play it on both Xbox and PC. The game will also support cross-save, so players will be able to pick up their saves where they left off, regardless of the platform they are playing on.

That’s it for this week. We will be back next week with more Microsoft news.