Paul Hill

Microsoft has released Build 2302.221206-2200 to the Xbox Alpha ring. It comes with a new controller firmware update that fixes two controller issues. The Alpha ring is invite-only.

Microsoft has helped launch the Industry Data for Society Partnership to bring private-sector data to the public. It hopes the initiative will help tackle big societal issues such as climate change.

WhatsApp now has avatars that can serve as your profile picture. Your avatar can also be used in 36 expressive stickers that you can send to friends and family. The update rolls out today.

The Linux Mint 21.1 'Vera' Beta is now available for download. The update brings big changes to the Linux Mint theme, introduces a new default cursor, adds new system sounds and more.

Samsung and NAVER are partnering up to make semiconductors more efficient at processing AI workloads. Samsung is good at hardware and NAVER develops AI algorithms - they aim to combine these talents.

Microsoft has released a Developer News extension for Visual Studio, restoring similar functionality that was present in older Visual Studio versions. As it's an extension, it's optional.

There are several launches planned for this week. Among them is a private mission to the Moon that was originally scheduled for last week but got delayed. There's also a recap of this week's launches.

The Beta ISOs for Linux Mint 21.1 are now undergoing last-minute checks. Once released, beta testing will run for a few weeks. The final Linux Mint 21.1 release is due around Christmas.

The analyst firm, Canalys, has said U.S. PC shipments fell by 12.1% in the third quarter compared to the same period the year before. It said business demand had been falling during the period.

Microsoft has unveiled the games that are part of Xbox's Free Play Days this weekend. The titles include Battlefield 2042, Batora: Lost Haven, and Rainbow Six Siege. There are big discounts too.

Jim Cramer, from CNBC's Mad Money, called former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried a "pathological liar" and "con man" following the CEO's first interview since FTX filed for bankruptcy last month.

Kraken has announced it's cutting 30% of staff as it tries to endure the crypto winter. Just like non-crypto companies, Kraken is having to make tough decisions due to macroeconomic conditions.

Netflix has added nine more games to its library, the company announced. Its latest title, which arrived on Tuesday, is Hello Kitty Happiness Parade. Read on for trailers of the new games.

Samsung has said that its foldable smartphones are becoming increasingly popular with enterprise customers. Year-on-year, between January and October, shipments to enterprises rose by 105%.

The UK's CMA has found that intervention on its part is unlikely to boost the incomes of smaller artists that release music on streaming platforms. It said the government may be able to do something.

Gartner has downgraded its semiconductor revenue growth estimate for next year. The analyst has earlier predicted higher growth, but now revenue will fall by 3.6% in the coming year.