Microsoft News Roundup: Surface Duo app updates, Microsoft Store controversy, Windows Insider releases, and more

There are dozens of stories every week across the worlds of Windows, PC, and games. We cover the most important and interesting news as it comes out, but it’s easy to miss a few articles. That’s why we round up all the biggest stories every week.

Over the past seven days, we’ve covered Gboard and Talon optimized for the Surface Duo, a controversial Microsoft Store change, and more.

Surface Duo updates

Microsoft’s Surface Duo got a lot of love this week. An update shipped for the Surface Duo 2 that improved the camera experience on the device and improved ink responsiveness. The original Surface Duo also received an update, though it’s mostly focused on bugs and stability.

In addition to Microsoft’s own updates, app developers have rolled out updates focused on the Duo family. Talon for Twitter and Whereseek were each optimized for dual-screen support this week. The Talon update allows you to open different aspects of Twitter simultaneously, such as displaying tweets on the left panel while DMs are on the right screen. Whereseek acquired a similar feature, allowing users to place maps and points of interest on different Duo screens.

Google also recently added dual-screen support for the Gboard beta. The popular keyboard app can now be split into two halves, allowing for better thumb typing.

Builds for Windows Insiders

Microsoft rolled out not one but of them Windows 11 is entering the beta channel this week. Build 22622 brought the “Suggested Actions” feature that was rolled out to the Dev Channel a few weeks ago on the Beta Channel. Otherwise, updates are relatively mundane. They were more notable due to the fact that Microsoft shipped two beta channel builds at the same time.

Microsoft Store controversy

Earlier this week, upcoming Microsoft Store changes were highlighted online. Several new policies are scheduled to take effect on July 16, 2022, but one remained controversial. Starting next week, Microsoft will ban the sale of open source or generally free apps through the Microsoft Store. This has drawn criticism from the community as many app makers list their apps on the store to generate revenue. For example, Paint.NET charges a small amount to purchase it through the Microsoft Store instead of asking for a donation.

Luckily for developers, Microsoft’s new policy won’t target legitimate apps. Microsoft’s general manager of apps, partners and the Microsoft Store, Giorgio Sardo, clarified that the intent of the rule is to prevent copycat apps, scams and other illegitimate listings in the store.

Old Bungie directory working on Halo Infinite

On the gaming side, former Bungie head Paul Bertone has joined 343 industries to work on Halo Infinite. Bertone helped launch the first five Halo games during his time at Bungie from 2000 to 2012. In his new role as Technical Design Director, Bertone will help bridge the gap between design and programming teams across 343 industries.

“I’m pleased to confirm that veteran Paul Bertone has joined the team as the studio’s Technical Design Director,” Staten wrote in a Tweet. “Paul and I met in 1999, back in the days of Bungie in Chicago, and then we released Halo 1-3, ODST, and Reach together. I’m thrilled that Paul is helping lead the future of Halo Infinite.”

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