Microsoft is set to invest approximately $80 billion in the development of advanced data centres throughout fiscal 2025, aiming to bolster its infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI) models and cloud-based applications. This announcement comes as the demand for AI-powered solutions continues to skyrocket, especially after the success of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, launched in 2022. The company’s…
Microsoft has announced plans to allocate $80 billion in fiscal 2025 to expand its data centre network and bolster artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The investment is aimed at supporting AI model training and the deployment of AI-driven and cloud-based applications, according to a company blog post on Friday. The move underscores the growing demand for…
Microsoft may be gearing up to challenge Sony’s PlayStation 5 DualSense controller with an innovative design of its own, according to details from a recently discovered patent. The patent, titled “Tuning Haptic Feedback of a Device,” outlines advanced haptic technology that could elevate Xbox gaming experiences to rival or surpass the features of Sony’s popular…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated a broad antitrust investigation into Microsoft, targeting the tech giant’s business practices. The agency has formally requested information from Microsoft as part of its inquiry, according to a source familiar with the matter. Neither Microsoft nor the FTC has commented on the investigation, which was first reported by…
Microsoft has breathed new life into its classic Paint application by adding cutting-edge AI tools as part of the latest Windows 11 update. Originally launched in 1985, Paint has remained one of Microsoft’s simplest and most enduring programs, yet it’s now equipped with powerful AI capabilities that allow users to create advanced visuals with ease….
Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, received a $79.1 million compensation package for the past fiscal year, marking a 63% increase from the previous year, despite his personal request for a reduction due to cybersecurity incidents. The pay package includes a substantial $71.2 million in stock options, with a reduced cash component of $5.2 million—over half of…
Microsoft is set to relaunch its AI-powered screenshot tool, Recall, in November after facing widespread criticism over privacy concerns. Originally described as a “privacy nightmare” when introduced in May 2024, the tool’s release was postponed after backlash from users and privacy advocates. Recall, which is designed to take regular screenshots of users’ activity to help…
Microsoft is set to discontinue its popular Paint 3D app later this year, disappointing many fans who have grown fond of the creative tool. The news was first revealed by the leaker ‘phantomofearth,’ who noticed a banner within the app stating that it will no longer receive updates or be available in the Microsoft Store…
Microsoft has announced a significant policy change affecting its employees in China, mandating that they use only iPhones for work purposes, effective September 2024. This move comes as part of Microsoft’s broader security initiatives aimed at standardizing employee identity management and device security protocols. According to an internal memo obtained by Bloomberg News, the decision…
In a dynamic shift within the tech industry, Nvidia recently became the world’s most valuable company, surpassing Microsoft, which had itself leapfrogged Apple. This milestone was noted with applause at a tech event in Copenhagen. Although Nvidia has since dropped to second place due to a decline in its share price, standing at a valuation…
Apple has reclaimed its title as the most valuable public company in the United States, surpassing Microsoft on Thursday. The tech giant’s stock surged following announcements at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), including new generative AI features for iPhones. Apple’s market capitalization closed at approximately $3.29 trillion, edging out Microsoft’s $3.28 trillion. Apple shares…
Microsoft’s unveiling of a new AI feature, dubbed Recall for Windows computers, has ignited privacy concerns among experts who fear potential misuse of the technology. The tool acts as a personal “time machine,” allowing users to retrieve past screen content, including documents, images, and websites, through AI-powered semantic search functionality. Unlike traditional keyword searches, Recall…
The United States government has enlisted the expertise of leading figures in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry to establish guidelines for safeguarding critical infrastructure against AI-related threats and disruptions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Friday the formation of a panel comprising CEOs from prominent technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. The…
Microsoft has introduced a groundbreaking artificial intelligence technology capable of bringing static faces to life, allowing for realistic animations synchronized with audio clips. Known as VASA-1, the AI model was revealed by Microsoft researchers last week. It has the remarkable ability to transform a still image of a face into a lifelike video, complete with…
Microsoft’s highly anticipated Xbox Mastercard, initially unveiled last year, has officially launched nationwide, extending its enticing benefits to all eligible US residents. Following a successful pilot phase with members of the Xbox Insider program, the Xbox Mastercard is now accessible to individuals aged 18 and above across all 50 states. Issued in partnership with Barclays,…
In response to antitrust concerns and ongoing investigations, Microsoft has announced that it will no longer bundle its Teams collaboration software with its Office 365 suite anywhere in the world. The decision to separate Teams from Office extends a previous announcement made last year, which initially applied only to the European Union. This move comes…
Recent revelations suggest that Microsoft is gearing up to enter the handheld gaming market with the launch of its Xbox handheld console, slated for release in 2026. Initial plans for the device surfaced last year through documents from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), hinting at Microsoft’s ambition to expand its gaming portfolio. While details have…
In a strategic move highlighting its commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, Microsoft has appointed British AI pioneer Mustafa Suleyman to helm its newly established division, Microsoft AI. Suleyman, renowned for his co-founding role at the esteemed AI firm DeepMind, currently heads start-up Inflection AI, which has quickly risen to prominence in the generative AI…
Microsoft has announced a significant shift in its approach to the integration of OneDrive with Windows, now allowing users to uninstall the cloud storage service from their systems permanently. This move comes after years of the company promoting OneDrive as the default cloud storage solution for Windows users, often to the frustration of many. In…
In a recent revelation, Microsoft disclosed a significant breach by Russian state-backed hackers, indicating a more extensive intrusion into its core software systems than previously acknowledged. The tech giant disclosed in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission that hackers gained access to its source code repositories and internal systems, exploiting information stolen…
A Microsoft employee has voiced concerns over the potential harm caused by the company’s artificial intelligence systems, particularly in generating offensive images, prompting a letter to the US Federal Trade Commission. Shane Jones, a principal software engineering lead at Microsoft, highlighted issues with the AI text-to-image generator Copilot Designer, citing its tendency to produce inappropriate…
Amidst a flurry of rumours swirling around the future of Xbox, speculation has intensified over Microsoft’s purported plans to venture into handheld gaming territory, akin to Nintendo’s wildly successful Switch. While these rumours remain unconfirmed, they have ignited anticipation among gaming enthusiasts eagerly awaiting official announcements from the tech giant. Reports circulating on the Xbox…
In the aftermath of Microsoft’s monumental $69 billion merger deal with Activision-Blizzard, the tech giant’s gaming division is set to lay off nearly 2,000 employees, according to a memo from Xbox chief Phil Spencer. The memo, verified by Microsoft, outlines the company’s intention to reduce its workforce by 1,900 out of the current 22,000 staff…
In a historic moment on Wednesday, Microsoft became the second company ever to reach a staggering valuation of over $3 trillion, propelled by the ongoing artificial intelligence boom that propelled its stock to new heights. Surging by nearly 1.5% to approximately $405 per share, Microsoft’s market capitalization exceeded $3 trillion, following in the footsteps of…
During the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared his positive outlook on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in a conversation with Klaus Schwab, chairperson of the World Economic Forum. Nadella discussed the direction he believes the AI industry is heading and emphasized the importance of safety measures. Nadella acknowledged the…
In a groundbreaking collaboration with the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Microsoft’s AI, powered by the Azure Quantum Elements cloud platform, has identified a novel material poised to transform rechargeable battery technology. The tech giant’s AI algorithms, working in tandem with PNNL, accelerated the research on materials beyond lithium, a move aimed…
In a significant shift, Microsoft has claimed the title of the world’s most valuable publicly traded company, surpassing Apple as of the market close on Friday. Microsoft’s stock (MSFT) concluded the day at $338.47 per share, resulting in a market capitalization of $2.89 trillion, while Apple’s stock (AAPL) closed at $185.92 per share, with a…
In a monumental stride toward enhanced user interaction, Microsoft has unveiled the “Copilot” key, marking its most significant update to the Windows keyboard in three decades. This innovation introduces a dedicated button that seamlessly summons an AI-powered assistant with a single click, propelling Microsoft into what they dub “the year of the AI PC.” The…
Microsoft’s President, Brad Smith, has adjusted his stance on the UK’s business landscape, retracting comments made last year in which he labelled the country “bad for business.” The shift comes after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) initially blocked Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard. In a recent interview with the BBC’s Today…
In a year dominated by advancements in artificial intelligence, Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella has been recognized as CNN Business’ CEO of the Year for 2023. Nadella’s strategic multi-billion dollar investment in AI, swift commercialization of AI tools like ChatGPT, and his adept crisis management have set him apart in the tech industry. Under Nadella’s guidance,…
In the aftermath of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard King, Sony foresees a challenging future, projecting a significant financial setback of $1.5 billion by 2027. The tech giant perceives Microsoft’s strategic move as a potential game-changer that could propel it ahead of Sony in the fiercely competitive console market. Sony had vehemently opposed the merger…
Recent leaks from industry insiders suggest that Microsoft is contemplating breaking away from the traditional console release timeline and launching its next-generation Xbox earlier than anticipated. While both Sony and Microsoft have historically synchronized the release of their gaming consoles, new information hints at Microsoft deviating from this pattern, potentially introducing a new Xbox as…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has called on a federal appeals court to intervene and block Microsoft’s recent $69 billion acquisition of video game publisher Activision Blizzard. The FTC argues that District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, who allowed the deal to proceed in July, was too lenient in accepting Microsoft’s promises about the future of…
The notable homepage of Microsoft, widely accessed as MSN.com and Microsoft Start, has come under scrutiny due to the emergence of misleading and bizarre stories. As a primary source of news for millions of Americans, the site’s transition to relying more on automation and artificial intelligence (AI) for content curation seems to have led to…
Major tech companies are seeing a remarkable turnaround from the challenges they faced last year, with Alphabet, Microsoft, and Snap leading the way by announcing robust sales results for the third quarter of 2023. Alphabet, Google’s parent company, released its Q3 earnings report, revealing quarterly sales of $76.69 billion, marking an 11% increase compared to…
Microsoft is set to expand its implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in Outlook to assist corporate users in composing more effective emails. The Microsoft 365 Copilot tool, positioned as an “everyday AI companion,” aims to help users craft concise and error-free emails while also providing summaries of lengthy email threads to facilitate quick drafting…
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has expressed concerns over Google’s continued dominance in online search, emphasizing its impact on internet security and the emerging field of artificial intelligence. Nadella’s comments came during his testimony in the US government’s ongoing antitrust trial against Google. He pointed out Google’s role as the default search engine on mobile devices…
Microsoft’s multibillion-dollar acquisition of Activision Blizzard has moved a step closer to approval in the UK as regulators signal that an amended version of the deal could resolve their concerns. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued a statement stating that Microsoft’s proposed changes, which involve the sale of Activision’s cloud gaming rights to…
Microsoft is bringing a new and handy feature to its Paint application in Windows 11, allowing users to easily remove backgrounds from images with just a single click. This enhancement is currently being rolled out to Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Canary channels, offering a simplified and efficient image editing tool. The updated…
Google has expanded its AI offerings with the introduction of Google Duet, a plug-in designed to cater to corporate teams seeking optimized functionalities in their workspace. Available for a subscription fee of $30 per month, Google Duet is poised to streamline document translation and integration across various Google apps, simplifying complex tasks for business professionals….
Microsoft has taken a significant step to address regulatory concerns in the UK as it strives to finalize its massive acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The companies have jointly presented a fresh proposal to the UK’s antitrust watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which stands as the sole global regulator hindering the $69 billion deal….
In a proactive move to combat toxic behaviour among its gaming community, Microsoft has unveiled a novel enforcement initiative for Xbox. The tech giant laid out the framework of this innovative program in a blog post, accompanied by a systematic diagram designed to clarify the application of penalties based on violations. This approach aims to…
Microsoft and Activision have jointly announced an extension of their merger deadline by three months, signaling their commitment to completing the $69 billion acquisition despite ongoing negotiations with the UK government. The new deadline for finalizing the deal is set for October 18, with the previous deadline being July 18. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair…
In a significant development for the gaming industry, Microsoft has announced that it has signed an agreement with Sony to ensure that the popular game franchise “Call of Duty” remains available on PlayStation even after Microsoft’s merger with Activision Blizzard. The agreement aims to address concerns raised by Sony regarding competition following the $69 billion…
Federal Appeals Court Clears the Way for Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision BlizzardIn a significant setback for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a federal appeals court has decided not to block Microsoft (MSFT) from finalizing its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This ruling marks the second major defeat for the FTC this week in a…
Leading African payments technology company, Flutterwave has announced it is working with Microsoft to build its next generation platform on Microsoft Azure, powering payments infrastructure across the African continent and beyond. Through this engagement, Flutterwave will support the accelerated growth of transactions processed on Flutterwave platform for global clients like Uber, Netflix, and Microsoft, solidifying…
Amazon, Hilton Hotels, Adecco, and Microsoft are among the companies pledging to hire or provide career support to 5,000 Ukrainian and other refugees in Europe, in an effort to assist those fleeing persecution. The global number of forcibly displaced individuals has reached a record high of 110 million.Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission, expressed…
A US judge has granted the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) request to temporarily block Microsoft Corp’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a video game maker. The judge, Edward Davila, scheduled a two-day evidentiary hearing on the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction to take place on June 22-23 in San Francisco. Without the court order, Microsoft…
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action to halt Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, seeking a court order to block the $69 billion deal. The FTC filed a lawsuit against the companies in San Francisco and requested a temporary restraining order. The regulatory body expressed concerns that if the deal were to proceed…
Microsoft is exploring the use of its AI capabilities to enhance its advertising business. The company has filed a patent for a machine learning model that incorporates “incrementality estimation” to predict the performance of sponsored content. Microsoft defines incrementality as the impact of ad budget on performance. The model is trained to forecast how content…
