If you're seeing issues with Slack not working for you today, you're not alone. The online collaboration tool is currently down for users across the world.
The issue began around 6am PT / 9am ET / 2pm GMT on Tuesday 22 February, 2022, with users in multiple continents reporting issues.
There's been no word from Slack yet on what is causing the outage, so stay tuned and we'll keep you posted on all the latest updates and news below…
As we mentioned above, issues with Slack began appearing just as many workers in the US were signing on for the day.
Outage tracker site DownDetector showed a huge spike in complaints, with users also flocking to Twitter to report problems.
(Image credit: DownDetector)
The issues appear to be affecting users of the Slack desktop app, with multiple browsers affected.
Here's what we're seeing when trying to access Slack on Google Chrome – but users on other browsers have also reported not being able to access.
(Image credit: Future)
The official Slack status Twitter account isn't reporting any issues just yet, but we're keeping an eye on it – the outage reports have now topped six thousand within less than half an hour, so something serious must be wrong…
The web app of Microsoft OneNote is getting a range of updates and upgrades as the company looks to help users boost their efficiency and productivity.
The company has revealed a host of new features for the Microsoft OneNote web app, including a new mode switcher and an improved copy and paste experience.
Going forward, the company hopes that its note-taking app will play a crucial role in helping users across the world transition to the new way of hybrid working.
OneNote for web updates
“We are happy to announce a set of upcoming features and improvements in OneNote for the web and in Teams to better serve millions of customers who have turned to these experiences for their notetaking needs over the last two years,” Microsoft's Chetna Das wrote in a blog post announcing the news.
“We are also investing in making these experiences faster, more reliable, and on par with the OneNote desktop apps so users can confidently get their jobs done on whatever platform they prefer.”
Not all the updates have been released immediately, with some rolling out gradually, and one, improved link sharing within Teams, scheduled for the future.
Available now, the new mode switcher follows in the footsteps of other Office web apps such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to let users quickly switch between editing and viewing mode, helping prevent accidental changes to read-only sections or files where users may not have edit permissions.
The improved copy and paste function will allow users to paste rich content such as tables and lists from external sources to a OneNote page without losing the source format. Users can also paste from the context menu user interface (UI) in Teams and the Chrome browser using the Ctrl+Shift+V shortcut to paste text only.
There's also a zoom feature that will allow users to get a closer (or further away) look at their pages, and an option to lock pictures and printouts in place as a background. Also announced is the ability to re-size videos, an auto-inking with Stylus feature, and the ability for OneNote to remember the last page you were on.
By doing so, Microsoft was hoping to encourage even more users to try out OneNote, as well as removing any confusion over which app they need to install on their devices.
Microsoft has announced a range of updates for its productivity and collaboration software designed to address common challenges faced by workers in customer-facing roles.
The updates were informed by new research conducted by the firm, which suggests that frontline workers (who make up 80% of the global workforce) are too often overlooked when it comes to software deployment.
The survey found that the majority (63%) of frontline workers are excited about the opportunities technology creates, but many (55%) have had little support from their organization when it comes to adopting new tools. Meanwhile, 60% of those surveyed said their company could better prioritize culture and communication, and more than half said they did not feel valued as employees.
Microsoft believes technology will be crucial in establishing a line of communication between upper management and staff on the ground.
New Microsoft 365 features
Since the start of the pandemic, Microsoft has worked to deliver new functionality for its various software and services in an increasingly competitive market. However, the majority of these improvements have been geared towards so-called knowledge workers, rather than employees out in the field.
In the face of this new data, the company has developed a number of updates for its Microsoft 365 suite that it hopes will go some way to addressing the imbalance.
For example, Microsoft has announced the general availability of a new feature for Microsoft Teams that allows frontline workers (and anyone else) to use their smartphone or tablet as a walkie talkie, provided they have access to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
The firm has also partnered with rugged smartphone manufacturer Zebra Technologies, which has integrated a dedicated Microsoft Teams push-to-talk button into some of its handsets.
(Image credit: Zebra Technologies)
Separately, Microsoft Teams can now be used by frontline workers to manage scheduled appointments, providing customers with real-time updates on wait times, missed appointments and staffing delays to create a more transparent experience.
Finally, Microsoft has rolled out a number of improvements for Viva, its employee experience platform. The updates will give non-office-based workers easy access to payroll, HR and training resources, which should help businesses establish a more consistent culture.
“It’s no secret that the pandemic is reshaping work for all workers, and at a faster pace than we have ever seen,” said Emma Williams, Corporate VP at Microsoft.
“Empowering frontline workers remains essential for digital transformation. If done well, we believe technology can modernize workflows and enhance job performance while also improving workplace culture and communication.”
Since their release on Patch Tuesday, the updates have been breaking Windows, causing spontaneous boot loops on Windows domain controller servers, breaking Hyper-V and making ReFS volume systems unavailable. Threatpost
The banking trojan keeps switching up its lies, trying to fool Android users into clicking on a fake Flubot-deleting app or supposedly uploaded photos of recipients. Threatpost
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (or PUBG as it’s commonly known) spearheaded the popularity of battle royale games. It was a breakout hit that inspired countless competitors such as Fortnite and Apex Legends, but it still remains one of the most played games on Steam and Xbox Live.
Unlike its rivals, PUBG is a more simulation-focused affair, with real-world weapons and physics to consider, such as bullet drop and variable weather conditions. If you’ve been turned off by Fortnite’s flamboyant art style or the relentlessly fast gameplay of Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG is well worth a go – it’s also on Xbox Game Pass.
Since its meteoric rise from a Steam Early Access title to achieving the highest concurrent player count on Steam back in 2018, PUBG has made its way to PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, Android and iOS. There’s also PUBG Lite, a free-to-play adaptation of the game which can run on lower-spec hardware, such as laptops. PUBG also receives regular updates, adding new content, features and – perhaps somewhat predictably – plenty of fixes for annoying bugs.
Where we droppin'?
But what is PUBG? Well, if you’ve ever watched the film Battle Royale, you should understand the basic idea. 100 players drop onto a deserted island and quickly scavenge for loot. You’ll need to find armor, weapons and healing items, then do whatever it takes to survive until you’re the last man standing.
To make things more interesting, you’ll have to move to a constantly shrinking zone that randomly appears on the map, via land, air or sea. If you get caught outside of the zone, you’ll gradually take damage, which increases dramatically as the game progresses. Pro tip: don’t get caught outside the zone.
Should you manage to survive until the very end, you’ll see the coveted “winner winner chicken dinner” phrase appear on screen. And due to the overwhelming odds stacked against you during every match, you’ll probably want to screenshot it as they don’t come around very often – which makes them taste all the sweeter.
Despite the game now being available on multiple platforms, PUBG continues to evolve with the addition of new maps, survivor passes and modes for players to enjoy. We’ll show you what’s new, why it matters, and what’s planned for the future of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.
What's the latest PUBG update for PC?
Update 7.3 (on test servers June 10)
PUBG Corp has shared details of what's next coming to PUBG. Update 7.3 focuses on a host of vehicle changes, the addition of a new explosive and some quality of life improvements. It will hit the PUBG test servers on June 10, and make its way to live servers on June 17.
Vehicle damage
Vehicles will no longer explode instantly once they reach zero HP. Instead, players will now have a small window to bail, as the engine will be disable and the vehicle will set on fire first. After five seconds, the vehicle will then explode.
Vehicles will also now have multiple damage zones, with the engine being the best place to target your fire, and react more realistically to velocity.
New throwable
Speaking of explosives, PUBG is getting a powerful new throwable. C4 will be added to the battleground as part of update 7.3, and should make for some interesting new gameplay opportunities. You won't be able to throw C4 very far due to its weight, but its explosive range covers a massive 25 meter radius, which can also penetrate cover.
Parachute follow
The final noteworthy change is the ability to follow a teammate automatically while parachuting. You can choose to follow a teammate before you leave the plane, which should make it easier to coordinate exactly where you'll all be dropping.
Apart from the big three additions above, most of the other changes relate to bug fixes, quality of life improvements and the addition of some new purchasable skins.
Update 7.2 is now available for PC players to install. The sizable update introduces a number of pleasing changes to the game, the most crucial of which is Ranked Mode.
Ranked Mode
Ranked Mode replaces the old Survival Title system and is a separate mode to the new normal match, which will include the universally disliked PUBG bots. A player's rank will increase or decrease depending on their performance in each game and, perhaps somewhat controversially, ranked mode is only available to squads.
Each Ranked Mode match will include a maximum of 64 players (that's quite a bit less than the usual 100 player limit) and players will compete on either Erangel, Miramar or Sanhok. The red zone has also been removed, and the timing and speed of the blue zone have been increased.
Bot opponents
Seemingly undeterred by the criticism from console players, developer PUBG Corp is adding bots to the PC version of PUBG with update 7.2. Thankfully there is a way to avoid them as they'll only appear in normal games, but it's a divisive addition nonetheless. Bots are also designed to appear less frequently as your skill increases, but that hasn't been the case sadly, which the developers are aware of.
Gameplay balances
More adjustments have been to made to the strength and characteristics of each weapon type, with the M416 receiving a slight nerf, while other assault rifles such as the M16A4, Beryl M762 and MK47 Mutant will get a nice buff.
One of the biggest new gameplay changes is how gas cans can be used. You can now pour fuel onto the ground and light it with a weapon or throwable, and you can rain fire down upon your opponents by shooting a thrown gas can while it's mid-air. Frustratingly, we'll have to wait a little longer for the gas can changes to arrive as PUBG Corp has pulled them from the latest patch due to technical issues.
Introducing Season 7: Vikendi returns, along with a ‘new’ weapon and Survivor Pass
Update 7.1 sees the long-awaited return of Vikendi, PUBG’s snow-covered map that was unceremoniously hooked during Season 6. The old Vikendi was generally disliked by players due to its many performance issues and rather uninspiring locations. That’s all changed this time around, though, as Vikendi has received a significant face-lift and a bevy of new attractions for players to wage war on.
The old dilapidated Dino Park has now been transformed into the fun-loving Dinoland, which has been completely remade to feel like a proper amusement park. There are also nine functioning trains that chug around the map – and yes, you can ride them to one of the 12 stations.
Further changes include tweaks and redesigns to certain locations, such as Abbey and Mount Kreznik, and you’ll notice there’s a lot less snow on the ground now, too. For that reason, the snow bikes and snowmobiles have been removed in favor of the standard motorcycle, and motorcycle with sidecar.
It wouldn’t be a big new update without a fresh weapon being added to the mix, although the Mosin-Nagant isn’t entirely new. It’s essentially a re-skin of the popular Kar98k, but it does sport its own unique look and sound effects. Hey, we’re all for variety, so it’s not a deal breaker by any means.
Finally, there’s a brand-new Survivor Pass to grind through, called ‘Cold Front’. It consists of 100 levels full of unlockable skins, experience bonuses, challenges to complete and emotes to collect.
What's the latest PUBG update for Xbox One and PS4?
Season 7 is out now
Since Season 6, developer PUBG Corporation has tried to align its PC and console updates more closely. Usually it takes about two weeks before consoles catch up with the PC version of the game, but that gap has closed recently, particularly with the release of Season 7 which arrived April 28. It brings all the goodies from the PC version, including new Vikendi and the Survivor Pass: Cold Front.
One of the biggest changes to PUBG on consoles is the addition of bots, which have been added to each map. While it’s an update that is bound to cause controversy among the purists, bots have been included to help new players get familiar with the game. In a recent blog post, PUBG Corporation outlined how bots will work in the game, with the intention that they act like your average human player, but are obviously easier to kill.
Console players will finally get to leave bots behind as the long-awaited Ranked Mode is now available as part of update 7.2. Frustratingly, it's only open to squads (four-man or one-man), so you'll need to partner up with some like-minded teammates to get the most out of it.
Yes! With PUBG mobile, you can win chicken dinners directly from your phone. The game is more arcade-like and accessible than the PC and console versions of the game, but it shares all the maps and features that players have come to enjoy. You can expect things like auto pick-up, aim assist and touchscreen controls and other mobile optimizations.
To play PUBG on your mobile, you’ll need to be using at least iOS 9 (that’s an iPhone 5S or newer) and Android owners must be using 5.1.1. Lollipop or later. You’ll also need 2GB or RAM to play the game, and 900 MB of free space.
In the latest patch, PUBG mobile has received a ‘Death Replay’ option, letting you see who the hell shot you in the back, and ‘Arctic Mode’, a brand new survival experience that will be available soon.
PUBG Lite is a stripped-down version of PUBG that’s designed for lower-spec hardware. PUBG is notoriously taxing on GPUs and CPUs, so PUBG Lite was created so that more people could get in on the battle royale craze. It’s a great alternative if you don’t own a powerful gaming PC or console to play on, plus it’s free-to-play.
Can I play PUBG on Stadia?
You sure can! The game is free to Stadia Pro members, and supports cross-play with Xbox One and PS4. It's the most up-to-date version of the game, too, which means it includes all the maps and the latest features from the recent 7.1 update. There's no download or patches, either, so you can start playing instantly.
What's coming to PUBG on PC?
Although new content is always in the pipeline along with regular performance updates, the developers of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds are taking the fight to cheaters in 2020. In a dev letter to players, Taeseok Jang, executive producer of PUBG PC, outlined the company’s plans.
“The fight against cheat programs is never-ending and something we’ve been trying very hard to find a solution for. Last year, we spent time working on various measures to block cheat programs. Most of these actions focused on blocking cheat program developers to make it more difficult for them to create these highly lucrative cheats,” Jang explains.
“As these cheat developers excel at adapting to our measures, we chose to keep these efforts secret to increase the time it takes for them to react, as much as possible. The unfortunate side effect of this is that it makes us look like we’re doing nothing against a high-priority issue. This year, we will be making improvements to ensure players can feel the impact of our efforts."
PUBG Corporation is also turning its efforts to address PUBG’s performance issues, which continue to be a source of frustration for many players. The game has often been prone to game-breaking bugs, such as hard crashes and fluctuating frame rates, which can mean the difference between life or death in a fire fight.
Jang admitted that the developer has struggled to get the balance right between adding new content and dealing with performance. “First of all, we know it hasn’t been the best year for this category so far, with persistent network, server, and game client issues. Although providing a high level of service is always one of our top priorities, specific issues have endured for far too long and overshadow any good improvements we make. Hitching and game crashes especially have increased and remained persistent in the recent months. Your feedback has been heard loud and clear and is completely justified.”
What's coming to PUBG on Xbox One and PS4?
Along with reducing the content gap between the PC and console versions of PUBG, the developers want to continue to improve the game’s performance on console, bring further console-specific adjustments, and strengthen anti-cheat detection.
PUBG Corporation has also released a blog post that says they are investigating the possibility of bringing a 60fps performance mode to Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, which would be a huge boon for console players. Currently, PUBG is locked to 30fps on consoles, while other competitive battle royale games, such as Call of Duty: Warzone and Apex Legends, treat players to a silky-smooth 60fps experience.
Several recent Windows 10 updates are seriously impacting the speeds of PCs they are installed on.
According to Windows Latest, Windows 10 updates KB4535996, KB4540673 and KB4551762 could all make your PC slower to boot.
While KB4535996 is an optional update, and has been accused of introducing various problems into Windows 10 since its launch on February 27, Windows 10 KB4540673 and KB4551762 are standard updates, which means they are more likely to have been installed on your PC.
Not only are these updates making PCs slower to boot, when Windows 10 does load up, some people have noticed that their computers act more slowly than before – for example taking longer to load up apps or open folders.
Not everyone will be affected by these issues, but in its testing, Windows Latest found that Windows 10 KB4535996 was particularly bad at slowing down various PCs.
New Windows 10 KB4551762 issues
Windows Latest is also reporting on performance issues with the Windows 10 KB4551762 update. This update, which is for people running Windows 10 1903 and 1909 versions (the two latest major Windows 10 releases) is causing people to notice abnormal processor and disk usage – which can seriously impact the performance of the computer.
One of our biggest concerns is that Windows 10 KB4551762 is billed as an important update that is supposed to bring a number of fixes. That means Windows 10 users are being encouraged to install it.
People in Windows Latest’s comment section, as well as Microsoft’s support forums and on Reddit, have been complaining about issues their PCs are having after installing the update, including slow boot times, system crashes and the dreaded Blue Screen of Death.
Some people are also stating that the update itself fails to install, instead throwing up an error message. This might be a blessing in disguise.
How to fix these problems
For each of these faulty Windows 10 updates, the easiest way of fixing the problems they have brought is to uninstall the updates themselves. Once uninstalled, users have reported that the issues have cleared up.
Thankfully, the process of uninstalling a Windows 10 update is pretty simple. Open up the Settings app (the cog icon in the Start menu, or by pressing Windows + I on the keyboard), then click 'Update & security'.
From the window that appears, click 'Windows Update' on the left-hand menu, then 'View update history'. Click 'Uninstall updates' then select the name of the troublesome update to uninstall it. The problems should now be fixed.
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