At Microsoft’s Ignite 2019 conference, the company announced the general availability date for its new Edge web browser. The Chromium-based Microsoft Edge will be available on January 15 and it appears that the migration will happen in the background through an over-the-air software update. In updated support documentation, Microsoft quietly announced that Chromium-based Edge will be rolled out to Windows 10 computers via a Windows Update. It makes sense since the Chromium-based version of Edge is not tied to Windows or any operating system releases. The document suggests that users will not have the option to keep the old Edge and the new browser would be deployed ‘automatically’ for all systems running Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update) or newer. “To help our customers become more secure and up-to-date, Microsoft will distribute Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) through Automatic Updates for Windows 10 RS4 and newer,” the company said. While the consumers will be forced to try the new Edge experience, Microsoft says it will launch a Blocker Toolkit for organizations so administrators can control the installation of the new browser on configurations with automatic Windows Update enabled. Microsoft is hoping to address the bugs and add new extensions to the store ahead of the browser’s general availability in January. Microsoft is inviting developers to update their existing Edge extensions and as well as migrate their other extensions to the new browser. The classic Edge never got a significant number of browser extensions due to its low adoption and Microsoft’s strict policy of manually reviewing each extension. While Microsoft will still review the extensions and the process could be slow, Edge users will be able to install Chrome or Chromium extensions from other marketplaces such as Chrome web store. Chromium-based Edge currently has more than 100 extensions available on its add-ons website, but the store is likely to get many more add-ons ahead of the browser’s general availability in January. Follow this and more on OUR FORUM.

Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox Series X, its flagship next-generation console succeeding Xbox One, promising leading performance at up to 8K or 120Hz. While formerly teased under the Project Scarlett moniker, it closes the year with an early glimpse of its top-tier SKU on track for late 2020. That includes a sleek all-black tower-style casing, with a refined Xbox controller characterized by a fresh look and share button. The Xbox Series X is expected to go head-to-head with the Sony PlayStation 5 next holiday, kicking off a new hardware cycle scrambling for performance. Microsoft has detailed sizeable CPU and GPU upgrades under the hood, backing our previously-reported Xbox Series X specifications, looking to support improved resolutions, framerates, and overall graphical fidelity. And while pledging to deliver Xbox Series X in 2020, Microsoft is yet to open preorders for the console. With a formal price yet to be unveiled, we're yet to receive the opportunity to lock down a payment – assumedly on hold until closer to launch. While some third-party retailers allow buyers to "register" interest and subscribe to future updates, there's no official option to preorder in late 2019. With the Xbox Series X reveal, GameSpot sat down with Xbox partner director of program management, Jason Ronald, discussing the team's current stance of preorders. "We think, in the end, what people want from us is ... to put a controller [in their] hand," Ronald told GameSpot. "People tell me, 'Hey, I want to pre-order right now,' and we definitely love that--like it's great to have those fans--but I also know that these investments aren't trivial for families. I want to be transparent about what our design goals are." So, when will Xbox Series X preorders go live? That's currently unclear, with Microsoft remaining coy on plans and when future updates are expected. Redmond is still locking down the final hardware configuration planned for the console, which makes sense given the full year before launch. When preorders do go live, expect Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, and all other major retailers to stock the device. Pricing for the Xbox Series X also remains a mystery, although with both Xbox One and Xbox One X positioned at $500 from launch, expect a somewhat similar ballpark for the next console. Whether the Xbox Series X sees a dedicated reveal event next spring, similar to the original Xbox One, or Microsoft shelves the device until E3 in June, expect to more on pricing, and how to place your order in 2020. Follow this thread by visiting OUR FORUM.