Microsoft news recap: CMA appeal hearing date set, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart coming to Windows, and more

Microsoft news recap is a weekly feature highlighting the top Microsoft news stories of the past week. Sit back, grab some coffee, and enjoy the read!

Microsoft to kill Cortana app for Windows 10 and 11 later this year

Later this year, the standalone app for Cortana will no longer be supported on Windows 10 and 11. This isn’t a totally unexpected development, as the focus on Cortana has diminished over time, particularly after Microsoft tried to integrate Alexa into the mix, which didn’t lead to any success in increasing engagement.

Microsoft’s CMA appeal hearing set for July 24

Microsoft will have its chance to appeal the UKs Competition and Markets Authority ruling against its acquisition of Activision Blizzard on July 24, after the hearing date was set, on an expedited timeline.

PS5 exclusive Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is now headed to Windows PCs

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is making its way to Windows PCs on July 26, after it was announced that the previously PS5-exclusive title will find its way onto a new platform for the first time.

Microsoft lawyers could be examining Plan B to close Activision deal without CMA approval

Whilst a date for Microsoft’s appeal of the CMAs decision to block its ABK acquisition has been set, it has been reported that the company’s lawyers are looking at other options to complete the acquisition irrespective of the UK, should UK approval of the acquisition not come to fruition.

That’s it for this week. We will be back next week with more Microsoft news.