Microsoft issues massive updates for Surface Pro 4 and Surface Laptop

Owners of the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Laptop now have some updates available to improve stability, system reliability as well as resolve potential security issues. The security updates are targetting Intel's Spectre and Meltdown exploits.

“On July 25th we released updates for Surface Pro 4 and Surface Laptop running Windows 10 Fall Creators Update version 1709 or greater to Windows Update,” Microsoft’s Scott McArthur explains in separate posts for each to the Surface Blog for IT Pros.

The updates took around 20 minutes to install on both our Surface Laptop and Surface Pro 4, they also required a restart.

Source: Thurrott.com

Microsoft reveals accessible packaging for Xbox Adaptive Controller

Microsoft unveiled its accessible packaging for the Xbox Adaptive Controller, the first-of-its-kind device designed for gamers with limited mobility. All Xbox Adaptive Controller units will ship with the accessible packaging in September 2018, and pre-orders are available now at Microsoft Store.

Recognizing that reality, Microsoft’s Packaging Design team faced a unique challenge in creating a box for the new Xbox Adaptive Controller, designed to accommodate gamers with limited mobility. The box for the device, which will be available for $99.99 in September through the Microsoft Store, needed to be as accessible as what was inside. It had to enable gamers with limited dexterity, who might be using just one hand or arm, to easily open the box and remove the controller. And it had to be as high-quality and aesthetically appealing as any other Xbox packaging.

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Amazon Echo smart speakers can now control GM vehicles by voice

"Alexa, start my Chevy Bolt!"

Owners of Amazon Echo devices who also happen to own recent vehicles from GM, Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles using the multifunctional smart speaker can now remote start/stop their vehicle's engine or lock/unlock their vehicle using their voice, without the need for keys or  even a smartphone.

GM says that, "starting today, more than 800,000 owners of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles in Canada will be the first in the country to be able to control their vehicles using just their voice. By linking their Owner Center accounts with their Amazon account, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac owners can now enjoy the convenience of the myChevrolet, myBuick, myGMC and myCadillac Alexa skills."

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Legendary International Basketball Manager is back on Steam for Summer 2018

For true basketball fans, U-Play Online will be launching their classic management game International Basketball Manager on Steam later this summer. The game will feature updated fictional squads corresponding to season 2017-2018.

International Basketball Manager brings us back to the court to put ourselves in the shoes of a basketball club manager. Sign the best players for your team, train them effortfully and win as many trophies as you can. The game contains 12 national leagues, 2 European competitions, and 7 national squad competitions.

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