The Xbox Game Pass Beta app, which works as an access point to Microsoft’s cloud gaming service Project xCloud, has received a new update with quite a significant change. Now Surface Duo owners can run games from the cloud in dual-screen mode with the image on the top screen and touch controls on the bottom screen. Microsoft demonstrated these capabilities back in 2019 when the company unveiled Surface Duo. It took quite a while for Microsoft to ship Surface Duo and even more to deliver the promised gaming experience. It looks like the wait is almost over as the promised update is now available in the Beta app.
Category: Android
Dark Theme comes to Microsoft Office for Android
About a month ago Word got an enhanced dark theme in the beta version of Office and now it is time for Android apps. Dark mode comes to Word, Excel and PowerPoint on Android.
Google Password Checkup tool is now part of Android
Today, Google announced that the Password Checker feature is coming to every smartphone and tablet with Android 9 and newer to ensure you do not use breached passwords and notify about credentials leaks.
A new version of Surface Duo Emulator includes more app samples
Unorthodox devices, such as Microsoft’s Surface Duo, need extensive support from third-party developers so that users can enjoy all the features and capabilities of a new form-factor. To make optimizing apps for Surface Duo easier and provide a better understanding of how apps work on Surface Duo, Microsoft offers an emulator in which developers can test apps and see them in action without owning a device. A couple of days ago, Microsoft released a new Surface Duo Emulator version with new app samples.
Microsoft is now rolling out February firmware update for Surface Duo
Surface Duo owners noticed that their dual-screen smartphones receive a February firmware update. At the time of writing this article, there is no official word from Microsoft on what is new in this update. Microsoft finally published the official changelog for this update on February 19. The build number is 2121.115.52, and it is tiny – you need only 66 MB to install it.
Outlook for Android is out with new colorful themes
There are some significant changes to Outlook on Android. With the latest update, you can finally change the default Outlook Blue color to alternative options. Microsoft has generously provided users with five fresh colors: violet, pink, orange, red, and green. Also, a new setting allows you to switch between black and white themes. You can find these personalization options under Settings > Appearance.
Surface Duo is set to receive Android 11 this Summer
Despite promising three years of regular updates to Surface Duo, Microsoft so far has been relatively slow with releasing new firmware. While Google Pixel owners are already looking to get the first preview of Android 12, those rocking Surface Duo still wait for Microsoft to ship Android 11. There is no official information on when the new Android version for Surface Duo lands, but rumors say that the first major update will come out this Summer.
Microsoft brings Password Autofill to Chrome and mobile platforms
Today, Microsoft announced a big update to its Authenticator app and a new Autofill extension. These updates will help you keep all the passwords safe in your Microsoft Account and make them available not only in the Edge browser but also in Chrome and the apps on your smartphone.
Outlook Beta on Android receives new colorful themes, one-tap search, and more
Outlook has been always known for its bright blue color but with the recent update, you can finally change it to a different accent color. Outlook Beta v16.0.13801.20004 is currently available for Office Insiders on Android.
Project Latte will bring native Android apps to Windows 10 Desktop
Microsoft is working on a new software layer that will allow Android apps to run in Windows 10 with no modification from app developers (or with a slight modification for some apps). Currently known as Project Latte, it will also allow devs to publish their Android apps on Microsoft Store, so users will be able to get them the same way they get modern Windows apps today.
