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Microsoft was busy last quarter, here’s everything new in Windows, Microsoft 365, and Xbox

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Published onJanuary 26, 2022

published onJanuary 26, 2022

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In releasing their FY 22 Q2 earnings, Microsoft alsopushed out a new documentdetailing some of the product changes between quarters. We’ve given the document a look, and have a look at everything new in Windows, Office, and Xbox these past few months. It covers Windows 11, the launch of games like Forza Horizon 5, the launch of Office 2021, and so much more.

Windows

Of course, we start first with Windows. The biggest story? Between Microsoft’s financial quarters,Windows 11 launchedwith a new look for the Start Menu, and new tools, ways to connect. In addition, Microsoft also launchedWindows 11 SE, a special edition of Windows purpose-built for education and grades K-8 users.

Other Windows highlights include thelaunch of Windows 365, the newMicrosoft Store, and changes to store policies to welcome other storefronts likeEpic Gamesand Amazon. Oh, and let’s not forget the launch of theWindows 10 November 2021 update, which is focused on adding some enterprise features.

Office, Microsoft 365, Edge

As far as Office goes, Microsoft announcedOffice 2021, which comes with new co-authoring inking tools, data types, functions, and more. With Microsoft 365, meanwhile, Microsoft launchedViva Connections, Insights, Learning, to help ensure employees can stay connected to their organization’s culture. We’ll also include Edge here, too, which picked up features likeEfficiency mode, new shopping, and security features, and inking features for PDFs.

Teams

Teams is always big for Microsoft, and in between financial quarters, there were a ton of announcements. Microsoft launchedTeams Essentials, updates for Whiteboard in Teams, a Standout presenter mode, and tons of capabilities for Teams Phones. Also included is the ability to purchase third-party Teams app subscriptions through theTeams store,and end-to-end encryption in 1:1 callson Teams.

Xbox

On the Xbox side, things were very busy. Between quarters, Microsoft launched titles likeAge of Empires IV,Forza Horizon 5,Halo Infinite Campaign, and even Microsoft Flight Simulator: Game of the Year Edition. Other moments include the celebration of20 years of Xboxwith special controllers, a docu-series. Andlet’s not forgetMinecraft becoming the first property on YouTube to pass one trillion views. And while not mentioned in the document as the deal won’t close until next year, we have to mention too the blockbuster acquisition announcement thatMicrosoft is buying Activision / Blizzard.

Other highlights

We’ve just hit the major products most people care about, but Microsoft also launched new Surface devices between its quarters. That includesSurface Duo 2,Surface Laptop Studio, Pro 8, Slim Pen 2, Laptop SE. There were a ton of Azure announcements, too, centered around data centers, IoT, AI, and more. It definitely was a big quarter for Microsoft, and with the news thatWindows 11 is gaining momentum, things can only get better from here on out.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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