Microsoft News Roundup: Rebranded Your Phone, Xbox Game Pass Family Plan, and more

An exclusive story about Xbox Game Pass having a family plan on the way headlines our news recap this week.

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Every week we cover the biggest stories in Windows, Microsoft, and gaming. With how much information scrolls through your news feed in a week, it’s easy to miss a story or two. Our weekly news recap covers the biggest stories from each week, all in one bitesize piece.

This week we covered Microsoft’s Your Phone getting a new name, Xbox Game Pass' plans to roll out a family plan, and the unveiling of Intel’s first Arc GPUs.

Your Phone gets a new name

Microsoft’s Your Phone app got anew name this week. It’s been rebranded as Phone Link, and its accompanying app on Android has been renamed to Link to Windows. The name change didn’t come with any new features for the app, but that could change soon.

Microsoft has plans to move its Surface Duo OS, SwiftKey, Phone Link, Microsoft Launcher, and several other Android app teams into a new department called “Android Microsoft Platform and Experiences.”

Our senior editor Zac Bowden reported thatMicrosoft has big plans for Android and Windows, including deeper integration between the two operating systems. “Microsoft wants to position Android smartphones as an extension to Windows PCs, with the goal of creating interoperable experiences similar to what can be had with an iPhone and Mac,” said Bowden.

Xbox Game Pass will get a family plan

The biggest news of this week is thatXbox Game Pass will gain a family plan. The new plan is set to launch at some point this year and will allow up to five players to access gamers across the entire Game Pass library. While pricing details haven’t been revealed at this time, our senior editor Jez Corden said that a family plan will be much cheaper than five separate Xbox Game Pass accounts.

Some details are still up in the air, and Microsoft hasn’t shared any information about its plans. We will likely hear from the company about family plans for Xbox Game Pass in the near future.

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Microsoft makes it easier to swap default browsers

Until recently, it’s been a cumbersome process to swap your default browser onWindows 11. Microsoftimproved the processa bit with an optional cumulative update. Now, when you change your default browser through the Settings app, it swaps your default for several file and link types. Previously, you had to manually change your default for every type of file and link.

Mozilla, the maker of Firefox,said that Microsoft’s move was a step in the right direction, but that more could be done.

Intel unveils Arc A-series GPUs

After months of teasing and fanfare,Intel unveiled its first Arc GPUsthis week. The new Arc A-Series GPUs support AI-enhanced XeSS Upscaling, Intel Deep Link Technology, and several other technologies that should improve performance. The new Arc GPUs, specifically the Arc 3 versions, will launch in laptops that are powered by Intel’s 12th Gen CPUs.

The Arc 3 chips will ship in devices this spring, but the more powerful Arc 5 and Arc 7 GPUs aren’t expected until later this summer.

Halo TV series sets viewership records

The Halo TV series premiered on March 24, 2022. While the show’s first episode receivedmixed reviews, it drew in a large audience. The initial episode was themost-watched premiere in Paramount Plus' history, according to the streaming service.

If you’re in the United States, you don’t need a Paramount Plus subscription to check out the first episode of the Halo TV series. Paramount Plus put theentire series premiere on its YouTube channelfor free.

If you want to watch the rest of the show, you’ll need to subscribe to Paramount Plus. Xbox Game Pass subscribers canget a free monthof the streaming service as part of a promotion.

MrMobile takes a long-term look at the Surface Duo 2

Microsoft’s Surface Duo 2 has been out for months now. With several software updates, the device has had some time to mature. Michael Fisher, aka MrMobile, took a long-term look at Microsoft’s dual-screen phone.

Fisher notes that Microsoft has improved the overall experience of the Duo 2 with software updates. There are, however, some shortcomings that remain. The device’s camera system is still subpar, and Fisher believes the Duo 2 is overpriced.

There’s a chance thatAndroid 12Lwill change things even more for the Duo 2, but for now, Fisher’s 13-minute video outlines the state of the foldable.

For another perspective, you can check out our executive editor Daniel Rubino and senior editor Zac Bowden discussing theSurface Duo 2 after five months.

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.