Microsoft news recap: CMA blocks Activision Blizzard acquisition, Phone Link for iOS launches, and more

Jack Wilkinson

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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 signs another 10-year deal with Nware, despite Activision Blizzard deal block

On the back of the CMA blocking Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft signed another 10-year deal, this time with Nware, a Spanish gaming service that offers the ability to stream games from Steam, Epic Game Store, and Ubisoft Connect.

Microsoft will no longer provide Windows 10 feature updates

Microsoft will stop providing feature updates for Windows 10, with the last version being Windows 10 2H22. However, security updates will still be released until October 14, 2025, and some Long-Term Servicing Channel releases will continue to receive updates beyond that date. Microsoft suggests upgrading to Windows 11 for the latest features.

Microsoft rolls out Phone Link for iOS on Windows 11 support worldwide

Microsoft is rolling out Phone Link for iOS to Windows 11, available in 39 languages across 85 countries. Phone Link for iOS will offer support for calls, messages, and access to contacts. Now it’s not just Android users that can enjoy the benefits of Phone Link, but iOS as well. Not all users will receive the feature at the same time, as it is a phased rollout.

Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition halted as CMA blocks deal

The Competition and Market Authority (CMA) in the UK has blocked Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, citing “reduced innovation and less choice for UK gamers” as their reasoning to end a six-month long investigation into the viability of the two companies merging. Microsoft plans to appeal the decision.

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