Game Changer: Xbox One Might Be Getting a Keyboard And Mouse Support

It has been long since Microsoft started teasing its audience about a keyboard and mouse support for the Xbox One, but it seems the wait is almost over. Microsoft has recently partnered with Razer for its Chroma RGB lighting support in most of its Xbox games.

Image source: theverge.com

According to sources, Microsoft and Razer laid their plans at the Xfest event this year. Razer will allow game developers to use its API to deal with Chroma lighting effects on some Xbox games. Chroma showed off how it works on games like DOTA2 and Overwatch. If this is the case, Xbox One users can see this change at this year’s update for the console. The presentation also stated guidance for app developers on how keyboard and mouse support for the Xbox will work. Unlike gamepads, the Xbox can only support one keyboard and one mouse in one gaming console. This update can give gamers an immersive experience of their game. Microsoft also provided pointers on how mouse and keyboard support can impact competitive multiplayer games. It is important for developers to keep in mind the presence of the mouse and the keyboard to help players make specific playlists based on what input device they are using.

Image source: knowtechie.net

What does this mean for gamers? This means that the jump from PC to Xbox One and other gaming consoles can grow. It can also mean the possibility of being able to play with other players using different gaming consoles.

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No Offense: Swearing Will Be Banned On Skype, Xbox, And Other Microsoft Products

Users will have to be careful with their words with Microsoft planning to ban offensive language on its platforms. Effective May 1, 2018, the company will update its Service Agreement to ban swearing on its products including Xbox, Skype, OneDrive, and Office 365. 

Image source: telegraph.co.uk

The new code of conduct states that users are prohibited from sharing inappropriate material including those with nudity, pornography, graphic violence, offensive language, and criminal activity. Microsoft made it clear that they will not watch on users’ movement or listen to conversations via Skype. Instead, they will only respond to customers who report other users of sharing inappropriate content. 

According to a tweet by Mike Ybarra, Microsoft’s Director of Xbox Programme Management, there is still no policy change for Xbox Live. Many people assume that these recent tweaks will make it easier for the company to catch users who post abusive content through its services. Xbox Live’s chat features are often used negatively by bullies to harass other gamers. 

On the other hand, some users think that this new agreement is potentially dangerous because it might involve rifling through one’s personal files. This might result in abuse of personal data, even if the company drafted the new agreement with only favorable intentions.

Image source: windowscentral.com

Eddie O’Brien currently works as the CEO of the Americas at Arvato Bertelsmann. He has also spent years working as an executive in Microsoft. Visit this page for more tech-related news.

Reflecting On The Microsoft Acquisition Of Linkedin

When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, it doesn’t get any bigger than Microsoft and LinkedIn. At $26 billion, not only is it the biggest tech deal in history, but it’s also one of the biggest acquisitions ever.

It was no doubt a surprise for all of those involved, especially the people who worked at LinkedIn. How it was kept a secret from everyone, nobody knows. The only sure thing was that when it was finally announced, the jaws of every LinkedIn employee had hit the floor. The whole acquisition involved a cash transaction, with LinkedIn shares being bought at $196 a share. This, of course, included the company’s net cash.

Image source: thenextweb.com

As with every merger and acquisition, certain provisions were such as the retention of LinkedIn’s brand and culture were set in place to ensure that LinkedIn employees still had their motivation to drive them. And although LinkedIn is still independent, its CEO now reports to Microsoft’s head honcho, Satya Nadella.

Some people still question the value of the acquisition -- $26 billion. Was it worth it? LinkedIn is the biggest professional network not just in cyberspace, but also in the world. After reaching the top of that mountain, LinkedIn has only continued to grow. And who knows what else it can achieve under Microsoft?

Image source: forbes.com

Eddie O’Brien is the CEO of the Americas at Arvato Bertelsmann, overseeing the growth and execution of the multibillion-dollar BPO services provider in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. He has held several executive positions in various multinational firms, including at Microsoft. Follow this Twitter page for more business news.

The buzz about Microsoft's new face-swap app

Face-swapping has been a trend nowadays. With apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and SNOW swapping faces of people into faces of their friends or celebrities, it seems this kind of app is here to stay. However, this game-changer from Microsoft is expected to set a higher bar in the world’s face-swapping standards. Microsoft’s Face Swap app is expected to bring seamless and more realistic results. 

Image source: winbuzzer.com

The Face Swap app not only allows users to place their faces on different faces but on different scenarios and scenery as well. This feature is unique only to the Face Swap app. This facial recognition software works with Microsoft’s Bing so users can swap their faces in different online images. Anyone can appear in space, on a red carpet, or on a beach. It is expected to take social media by storm. 

The app can also let users try on different outfits and hairstyles in their library of images. Users can get started by taking a selfie or by choosing an image from their smartphone’s photo gallery. The Face Swap app will then make something new with the user’s face, which can be applied to numerous scenes. This technology can also match lighting, head position, and skin tone for a more realistic swap. Results can be shared online or saved in a gallery. It is already available via Google Play in select countries like Australia, Canada, and the United States. 

Image source: betanews.com

Eddie O’Brien has spent more than a decade as an executive at Microsoft. Check out this blog to read more about the tech world and other business news.