Earlier this month we saw Microsoft’s Surface event, the launch of the NVIDIA RTX 4090, and several other major announcements. Although not as extensive as previous weeks this month, we saw several stories through our newsroom over the past seven days. Microsoft has introduced the first wave of new features for Windows 11 2022 Update, changing the default command line experience for the operating system.
Unfortunately, not all the news this week was good. Up to 1,000 Microsoft employees were reportedly laid off. In addition, a Microsoft vulnerability put 65,000 companies at risk.
Sexy new features for Windows 11
Shortly after the introduction of the Windows 11 2022 update, Microsoft released a number of new features for the operating system. The update brings a tabbed file explorer, suggested actions, a new task manager shortcut, as well as a few other new features.
Microsoft announced earlier this year that it will ship features to Windows 11 year-round instead of waiting for major OS updates. This week’s update included the first feature drop.
Later this month, Microsoft will also ship a new Photos app for Windows 11.
New default command line experience on Windows 11
Developers and those who use the command line have a new default experience on Windows 11. Microsoft has announced that Windows Terminal is now the default on Windows 11. It’s still possible to use other apps for command line actions, of course, but the operating system will automatically open Windows Terminal by default.
Microsoft first introduced Windows Terminal in 2019. The company has since rolled out several features like tabs and custom themes. It’s now ready for primetime as the default command-line experience.
Microsoft layoffs
Microsoft will reportedly lay off up to 1,000 employees as part of a restructuring. Because Microsoft is a massive company, 1,000 jobs make up less than 1% of its workforce, but it’s still unfortunate news for those affected. Business Insider reported that Microsoft’s strategic missions and technology team and Xbox division have been affected by the layoffs. The company’s legal department also planned layoffs confirmed by 15-year-old Microsoft vet Greg Chapman.
“Like all companies, we regularly evaluate our business priorities and make structural adjustments accordingly. We will continue to invest in our business in the coming year and hire in key growth areas.” Microsoft told Business Insider.
Microsoft security breach
Microsoft confirmed that a misconfigured system may have exposed customer data. The tech giant didn’t say how many people were affected, but security researchers from SOCRadar claimed data from 65,000 companies in 111 countries may have been compromised. Microsoft disagreed with that number, stating that it was quick to secure the endpoint.
“Our in-depth investigation and analysis of the data set reveals duplicate information with multiple references to the same emails, projects and users,” Microsoft said. “We take this issue very seriously and are disappointed that SOCRadar exaggerated the numbers in this issue, even after highlighting their error.”
Windows Phone 7 turns 12
There is a general rule when reporting on the anniversary of a major event. Journalists typically cover each anniversary for the first five years, then at five-milestone intervals. But some stories are just too big for standard conventions. This week we saw the 12th anniversary of Windows 7.
The mobile operating system took the best of Zune to deliver the flat design language of the Metro user interface that many still miss today. Our Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino recalled the fan-favorite phone operating system:
“But let’s face it, Microsoft’s flat design language Metro UI, which rejected skeuomorphism, was practically art. Its looks still resonate with people who have grabbed Windows Phone 7 boot devices like Samsung Focus, HTC HD7, Dell Venue Pro, LG Quantum, HTC Surround, and LG Optimus 7 daily.”
Check summary
Our team of experts not only covers the biggest news, but also regularly covers the latest games, gadgets and more. This week we looked at new flagship CPUs from AMD and Intel, played a library of new games, and put a high-end Samsung SSD through its paces.
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