Microsoft Unveils Upcoming Plans for Video Gamers

The Xbox logo is seen while gamers wait for the Microsoft Xbox E3 2017 media briefing in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2017. (Reuters)
The Xbox logo is seen while gamers wait for the Microsoft Xbox E3 2017 media briefing in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2017. (Reuters)
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Microsoft Unveils Upcoming Plans for Video Gamers

The Xbox logo is seen while gamers wait for the Microsoft Xbox E3 2017 media briefing in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2017. (Reuters)
The Xbox logo is seen while gamers wait for the Microsoft Xbox E3 2017 media briefing in Los Angeles, California, US, June 11, 2017. (Reuters)

In a virtual event attended by Asharq Al-Awsat, Microsoft unveiled its upcoming plans in the videogaming field. The new updates will enable users to play the latest Xbox games on their TV, using a mobile app and a controller.

The company is working on improving its browser experience by focusing on a player-friendly content, as well as upgrading the Windows 11 system to provide advanced features, and a large collection of titles scheduled to launch in July.

Microsoft also announced it plans to launch an Xbox app, compatible with smart TVs in 2022, in partnership with Samsung. The new app will allow users to play the latest games through a cloud service that streams the content directly on their screens.

As of June 30, the service will give users the opportunity to play hundreds of titles, using a controller that connects wirelessly to the TV and a monthly subscription.

These games can also be played via a smartphone app available for Android and iOS, or on PCs.

Microsoft also launched the Moorcroft Project, which allows players to try a demo of the new games before their official launch, notably those developed by independent developers or small start-ups from around the world.

The new version of the Edge browser will display a special gaming content every time the user opens a new tab. Edge users will receive the latest gaming news, recommendations to overcome hard rounds in their favorite game, livestreaming of other gamers’ competitions, virtual competitions, new games, and suggestions of related content.

The company plans to equip its browser with another feature that allows users to enhance the resolution of cloud gaming, and supporting it with a collection of free, popular games.

Speaking about Windows 11, Microsoft revealed it is planning updates targeting players. Game performance will be optimized for windowed games, and other exciting gaming features will be unlocked, including Auto HDR and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for a better gaming experience on any screen.

The company announced Sunday that it plans to launch over 50 new titles in the coming months in many categories, including racing, RPGs, combat, space exploration, sci-fi, horror, martial arts and others.



Meta Hit with Fines by Türkiye after Refusing to Restrict Content on Facebook, Instagram

Instagram app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken, July 13, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Instagram app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken, July 13, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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Meta Hit with Fines by Türkiye after Refusing to Restrict Content on Facebook, Instagram

Instagram app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken, July 13, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
Instagram app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration taken, July 13, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Meta said it has been hit with a hefty fine for resisting Turkish government demands to limit content on Facebook and Instagram.

“We pushed back on requests from the Turkish government to restrict content that is clearly in the public interest, and have been fined by them as a consequence,” the company said in a statement.

The social media company did not disclose the size of the fine, except to say it was “substantial” and did not provide any more details about the content in question. The Associated Press has approached the Turkish government for comment.

“Government requests to restrict speech online alongside threats to shut down online services are severe and have a chilling effect on people’s ability to express themselves,” Meta said.

In recent years the Turkish government has increasingly sought to bring social media companies under its control. When protests erupted following the March 19 arrest of opposition Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, many social media platforms such as X, Instagram and Facebook were blocked.

More than 700 individual X accounts, including those belonging to journalists, media outlets, civil society organizations and student groups, were blocked, according to the Media and Law Studies Association. X said it would object.

Dozens have been arrested for social media posts deemed to be supporting the protests.