The summer solstice has come and gone, but our days are still long on news. Lots of great people stories this week. Check it out.
“We are far from done,” is something you may often hear Microsoft’s Kevin Wang saying. The founder of TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools), a program supported by Microsoft YouthSpark, Wang has the kind of determination and laser focus it takes to succeed. And succeeding he is, perhaps because of proclamations like the one above. Wang was named to Fortune’s “Heroes of the 500” list, for his work on TEALS.
Speaking of the importance of computer science, also hot off the digital presses this week, an inspiring tale of how the Miami-Dade school district is using Windows devices to make a difference in the lives of its students.
This time of year means long, sun-filled days (even in the great Northwest). It also means Pride, and Microsoft employees around the world are gearing up to participate in the weekend’s events. This year’s theme: “This is me. Do great things.” Participation in the parades is part of Microsoft’s global effort to celebrate diversity and inclusion, which has resulted in the company consistently ranking as a top place to work for LGBT equality.
Sway, which, like magic, makes content beautiful, is now available for iPad, and optimized for the larger screen. The app allows you to create, view and share Sways in landscape and portrait mode, and includes a few additional capabilities. A new Sway native app experience is also in the works this summer for Windows 10.
Every day, Bing’s home page takes you to different places around the world with amazing images and videos. The search engine home page now has sound to immerse you even more in the experience. The feature debuted Thursday with a video of geese taking flight over the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. A new audio enhancement will be offered every day. To hear it, click the sound bar circle located at the bottom-right of the page.
In apps this week, journey to a realm where great battles are fought over kingdoms and crowns, challenging millions of players in fast, tactical combat as you break through their castle defenses using both raw might and your mastery of magic in “Siegefall,” free from the Windows Phone Store. Even heroes need to rest. After all that adventure, ensure you still get some Zzzzzzs with Sleep Machine, a new Windows Phone app with customizable white noise and ambient music options, as well as a clock and silence timer.
Wishing everyone long, sun-filled days, and the opportunity to do great things this weekend. More Weekend Reading, same time and place, next Friday.
Posted by Aimee Riordan
Microsoft News Center Staff