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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Minecraft: Bedrock preview is now live: Here's how to install it on any platform
Minecraft Bedrock players, a fresh beta update version 1.21.110.20 is now available across all platforms. This update introduces new gameplay features and bug fixes, giving players the opportunity to try out exciting new content before its official release. Whether you play on console, PC, or mobile, you can access this update now and dive into its additions. Here's how to download the Minecraft Bedrock 1.21.110.20 beta on all supported platforms.(Minecraft) This latest Minecraft Preview is already rolling out to testers. It includes a new functional block for decoration and enhances the behaviour of Copper Golems, which makes them more interactive and unique. If you want to try out this beta, here's an easy-to-follow guide on how to download Minecraft Bedrock 1.21.110.20 beta on various devices. How to Download Minecraft Bedrock Beta on Different Platforms Xbox (Xbox One, Series X/S) To access the beta on Xbox consoles: Ensure you have Minecraft Bedrock installed or an active Xbox Game Pass subscription. Go to the game library and search for Minecraft Preview. Select it and hit Install. Launch the preview to begin testing the new content. Also read: Microsoft launches Xbox Copilot beta on Android app to assist gamers with real-time support Windows 10/11 For current Minecraft Preview users: Open Microsoft Store. Locate Minecraft Preview in your library. Tap Update or select Get Updates if no update appears. For new users: Install the Minecraft Launcher from the Microsoft Store. Log in with your credentials. Select the Bedrock Edition, then open the dropdown next to Play. Then select the Latest Preview to begin the installation. Also read: Mafia: The Old Country releasing on 8 August, 2025: Here's everything you need to know Android Devices To access the beta version on Android devices: Open the Google Play Store and search for Minecraft. Scroll down to find the Join the Beta option. Tap to enrol. Once enrolled, update or install the game to get the preview version. iOS (iPhone/iPad) For iPhone and iPad users: Download and install TestFlight from the App Store. Register for the Minecraft beta via the official preview link. If spots are open, you will receive an invitation email with the download link. Also read: Apple Arcade to add UNO: Arcade edition, What the Car? and more in June game lineup PlayStation 4 and 5 To access the preview on PS4 and PS5: Open Minecraft on your PlayStation console. From the main menu sidebar, select Preview. Pick the version for your console (PS4 or PS5) and tap Download. What's New in This Preview Update Two key additions headline the 1.21.110.20 preview: functional shelves and updated Copper Golem behaviour.
Phone Arena
4 days ago
- Phone Arena
The most important Windows 11 features that no one is talking about (and how to use them)
Core OS optimization Built-in support for Android apps Windows 11 allows you to run Android apps directly on your PC through the Amazon Appstore. By integrating the Windows Subsystem for Android, mobile apps can now run natively alongside Windows programs. This creates a seamless experience for blending mobile and desktop workflows, whether it's for productivity apps, games, or messaging platforms. Windows 11 allows you to run Android apps directly on your PC through the Amazon Appstore. By integrating the Windows Subsystem for Android, mobile apps can now run natively alongside Windows programs. This creates a seamless experience for blending mobile and desktop workflows, whether it's for productivity apps, games, or messaging platforms. Steps to enable: Open Microsoft Store and search for Amazon Appstore. Install the Windows Subsystem for Android when prompted. Sign in with your Amazon account to browse and install apps. Launch Android apps directly from the Start menu like regular Windows apps. Phone Link and cross-device integration The Phone Link app has been redesigned for Windows 11, bringing deeper integration with Android devices. You can mirror your phone's screen, copy and paste content across devices, drag and drop files, or even make calls directly from your PC. This feature creates a unified experience between your phone and computer, making file management and multitasking far more convenient. The Phone Link app has been redesigned for Windows 11, bringing deeper integration with Android devices. You can mirror your phone's screen, copy and paste content across devices, drag and drop files, or even make calls directly from your PC. This feature creates a unified experience between your phone and computer, making file management and multitasking far more convenient. Receive the latest mobile news By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Steps to set up: Download Phone Link from the Microsoft Store. On your Android device, install the Link to Windows app. Pair both devices by scanning the QR code shown on your PC. Enable features like screen mirroring and cross-device copy-paste from the app settings. Multitasking powerhouse Windows 11 makes it easier to manage multiple tasks at once. You can snap windows into clean, organized layouts or split-screen views without dragging things around manually. If you're working on different projects, virtual desktops let you keep them separate and switch between them quickly. Built-in AI tools like Copilot are also just a click away, helping you get things done faster without leaving your workflow. Windows 10 users could take advantage of a similar multitasking tool, but you should definitely try it out in Windows 11. Windows 11 makes it easier to manage multiple tasks at once. You can snap windows into clean, organized layouts or split-screen views without dragging things around manually. If you're working on different projects, virtual desktops let you keep them separate and switch between them quickly. Built-in AI tools like Copilot are also just a click away, helping you get things done faster without leaving your workflow. Windows 10 users could take advantage of a similar multitasking tool, but you should definitely try it out in Windows 11. Steps to use Snap Layouts: Hover over the maximize button on any app window. Choose a layout (split-screen, grid, etc.) to organize your apps. Press Win + Tab to create or switch between virtual desktops. If you want, you can enable Copilot from the taskbar to boost productivity with AI help. Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) is designed to strike a balance between smooth visuals and better battery life, especially on laptops with high-refresh-rate displays (120Hz or higher). When you're scrolling or gaming, the screen switches to a high refresh rate for smooth performance, but when the display is idle or showing static content, it automatically drops to a lower refresh rate to save power. Recommended Stories Steps to activate/set up: Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display . Under Choose a refresh rate, select Dynamic (if supported by your hardware). Ensure your monitor or laptop screen supports VRR or high refresh rates for the best results. DirectStorage Support DirectStorage is a breakthrough feature that allows data to load directly from an NVMe SSD to your GPU, skipping the CPU bottleneck. This drastically reduces loading times in supported games and can also improve performance in certain apps. While Windows 10 supports DirectStorage on paper, Microsoft has optimized it for Windows 11, making it faster and more efficient due to improvements in the storage stack. Steps to activate/set up: Ensure you have an NVMe SSD. Update your graphics drivers to the latest version (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Use games or apps that explicitly support DirectStorage (many new titles are starting to adopt it). Check DirectStorage status by pressing Win + G , opening Settings > Gaming features. Auto HDR Auto HDR enhances the visual quality of older SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) games and apps by automatically converting them to HDR. This delivers richer colors, brighter highlights, and deeper contrasts without requiring developers to update their software. Initially exclusive to Xbox, Auto HDR is now built into Windows 11, provided you have an HDR-capable monitor or TV. Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) is designed to strike a balance between smooth visuals and better battery life, especially on laptops with high-refresh-rate displays (120Hz or higher). When you're scrolling or gaming, the screen switches to a high refresh rate for smooth performance, but when the display is idle or showing static content, it automatically drops to a lower refresh rate to save is a breakthrough feature that allows data to load directly from an NVMe SSD to your GPU, skipping the CPU bottleneck. This drastically reduces loading times in supported games and can also improve performance in certain apps. While Windows 10 supports DirectStorage on paper, Microsoft has optimized it for Windows 11, making it faster and more efficient due to improvements in the storage HDR enhances the visual quality of older SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) games and apps by automatically converting them to HDR. This delivers richer colors, brighter highlights, and deeper contrasts without requiring developers to update their software. Initially exclusive to Xbox, Auto HDR is now built into Windows 11, provided you have an HDR-capable monitor or TV. Steps to activate/set up: Go to Settings > System > Display > HDR. Toggle Auto HDR to On. Calibrate HDR using Windows HDR Calibration from the Microsoft Store for the best results. Be ready Windows 11 will be omnipresent one day – and that day is approaching fast. So it's a good idea to master it in advance and be on top of it in the near future! Some of those are Windows 11 exclusive, and others were present on Windows 10, but are now enhanced for the new OS. Let's dive deeper!Windows 11 has made significant improvements to how it prioritizes tasks and manages system resources. When multiple apps are open, it intelligently allocates power to the one you're actively using, resulting in smoother performance during demanding tasks such as video rendering or gaming. This system-level optimization is especially useful on mid-range or older hardware, allowing you to keep more apps open without noticeable slowdowns. Overall, it's system-wide enhancement that is working in your favor by default.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business Standard
Microsoft details on-device AI capabilities coming with Windows 11 update
Microsoft has announced a new Windows 11 update that will add a range of functional features for general users and Copilot+ PC owners. The update focuses on improving system interaction, accessibility, and everyday usability across key tools like Settings, Paint, Snipping Tool, and Photos. It also expands the role of on-device AI with features such as Click to Do, Copilot Vision, and a new agent for system settings. The update is available through this month's non-security preview release and Microsoft Store app updates, with gradual rollout expected over the next few weeks. How to get the update These features are rolling out gradually via controlled feature rollout (CFR) starting this month. To get early access: Make sure apps like Microsoft Paint, Photos, and Copilot are also updated through the Microsoft Store. What's new in the latest Windows 11 update AI Agent for Settings (Copilot+ PCs only) A new AI-powered settings assistant lets users search and change system settings using natural language. For example, typing 'turn on quiet hours' or 'connect Bluetooth' in the Settings search bar will now suggest one-click actions. This feature is initially available on Snapdragon-based Copilot+ PCs and will expand to Intel and AMD Copilot+ systems later. Click to Do: Expanded contextual actions The Click to Do preview has been updated with more AI-powered contextual tools. Users can now: Practice reading fluency with Reading Coach Read selected text in a focused format via Immersive Reader Generate document drafts with Draft with Copilot in Word Message or schedule meetings via Microsoft Teams directly from recognised email addresses Click to Do can be activated using Windows + click, Windows + Q, or gestures like swiping from the right on touch-enabled devices. Photos app: AI-based Relight The updated Photos app now includes a Relight feature, allowing users to apply up to three virtual light sources to images and adjust brightness, softness, color, and intensity—similar to professional editing tools. This feature is currently limited to Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X chips. Paint: AI sticker generator and object selection Two new tools are now available in the Paint app: Sticker generator: Create custom stickers using text prompts (e.g., 'a cat wearing sunglasses'). Object select: Use AI to isolate and edit specific elements within an image. These features build on previous Paint enhancements like Cocreator and generative erase. Snipping Tool: Perfect Screenshot and Color Picker Perfect Screenshot: Uses AI to intelligently crop screen captures to relevant content (Copilot+ PCs only). Color Picker: Lets users sample any color from the screen and view it in HEX, RGB, or HSL format. This feature is available on all Windows 11 devices. Copilot Vision and Highlights (US only) Copilot Vision enables real-time AI assistance based on what's visible on screen. It can offer help, analyse content, and show step-by-step instructions with visual cues. Users can activate it from the Copilot app and choose what to share. This is a fully opt-in experience. Edge game assist Microsoft Edge now integrates Game Assist, offering: Game guides and tips Quick access to Discord, Spotify, and Twitch Available via the Game Bar (Win + G) for Windows 11 users. Faster recovery from unexpected restarts Unexpected reboots will now use Quick Machine Recovery through Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to auto-detect and fix issues. Microsoft also claims to have reduced restart screen time from 40 seconds to just 2 seconds for most users, along with a simplified UI for clarity. Windows 10 support transition As support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025, Microsoft is launching an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. A new setup wizard will help users enroll directly from their Windows 10 PCs, ensuring continued protection during the transition.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Indian Express
WhatsApp for Windows is going away: Here's what's Meta is replacing it with
WhatsApp, the Meta-owned instant messaging platform, has dedicated apps for various platforms, including Android, iOS, iPadOS, macOS, wearOS and Windows. These apps not only make messaging much easier but also come with numerous under-the-hood optimisations that make it much more useful than the web version. However, a new report by Windows Latest suggests that Meta is now dropping the native Windows app in favour of a web wrapper. The change comes with the latest version of WhatsApp beta for Windows, which looks significantly different from the current version of the app available for download on the Microsoft Store. To give you a quick recap, the desktop version of WhatsApp was launched back in 2021 and eliminated the need for users to use the browser version of the instant messaging app. While the reason behind the move is still unclear, it appears that the shift to a web wrapper may make it easier for WhatsApp developers to add new features, as maintaining a single code base that extends across various platforms is far easier than working on different versions. This may sound like a good decision at first, but many users have flagged that the web version of WhatsApp consumes more RAM and resources compared to the native version that's currently available on Windows. The publication said that in its testing, the new version of WhatsApp used approximately 30 per cent more RAM than the native app. However, the biggest downside is that Meta itself said that the web version of WhatsApp is slower than the currently available native Windows app. Also, the web wrapper looks out of place on Windows as it misses out on the Fluent Design System, which, like Google's Material 3 Expressive and Apple's Liquid Glass, is a set of guidelines for designs and interactions for Windows 10 and Windows 11 apps. And since the new WhatsApp for Windows app is a web wrapper, notifications will also work differently from the native version. But since the web version of WhatsApp has some extra features, they will most likely be available on Windows as well.
The Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Popular TV feature on Xbox is shut down in blow for 28 million gamers – what it means for your purchases
A POPULAR TV feature on Xbox has been shut down in a blow for 28 million gamers. Microsoft has suddenly shut its movies and TV store on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. 1 You can no longer purchase new movies and TV shows from the Microsoft store on Xbox or Windows. But you will still be able to access previously purchased content on your devices. Microsoft said: "Downloads will continue to be available on Windows and in HD max resolution." You'll have to continue using the Movies & TV app on Windows or Xbox to play the content you own, rather than accessing it from another service. Microsoft isn't offering a refund for purchases either. Ever since Microsoft shut down its Groove Music service in 2017, this change has been nervously anticipated by Xbox and Windows users. The company had originally launched a movies and TV storefront with Zune Marketplace in 2006. It was then replaced by Xbox Video in 2021 and then morphed into the Movies & TV app and store in 2015. A decade later and its gone. Microsoft is now leaving it up to Amazon, Netflix, Apple TV and other streaming services to cater for movies and TV content on Windows and Xbox. Microsoft finally reveals its brand new handheld console They will continue to provide support for any issues with previously purchased content. Users will be hoping the company keeps its servers online for years to come yet. The Sun also reported last month how millions of Xbox owners have been left with a bad taste in their mouths after the latest console update bombarded them with ads. While the new updates fix some long-standing issues, the Xbox user experience has also been impacted. In the update, Microsoft had finally fixed the heavily complained-about bug where video game box art and thumbnails were stretched or distorted on the home screen, following a previous update in July 2024. What first felt like an exciting change for the retro console, has left some gamers disgruntled. Elsewhere, Microsoft is also set to replace the iconic blue screen of death after 40 years of filling people with dread. In a bittersweet announcement, the tech giant said it is "streamlining the unexpected restart experience". "This change is part of a larger continued effort to reduce disruption in the event of an unexpected restart," David Weston, Microsoft's Vice President of Enterprise and OS Security revealed. A part of that is slashing the downtime during the worrying unexpected restart to about two seconds for most people. The blue screen of death will be replaced by a simpler black screen of death instead.
