Topic
microsoft
Technology Microsoft Teams finally rolls out Wi-Fi-based location tracking for workplace check-in
Microsoft Teams is rolling out a long-delayed feature that uses Wi-Fi networks to detect and automatically update a user's work location. The 'Workplace Check-in via Wi-Fi' tool is off by default, with admins deciding whether to enable it and users able to opt-in or opt-out. The feature aims to provide more visibility for hybrid team managers but raises privacy concerns.
Xbox is reportedly closing Ninja Theory, Double Fine and Compulsion Games
According to reports from The Verge and Bloomberg, Xbox is preparing to shut down or sell at least three studios: Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games. Studio leaders are attempting to buy themselves back to avoid closure. The move follows a wave of layoffs and leadership changes at Microsoft's gaming division.
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Pro Price Hikes Reflect Component Cost Inflation for OEMs
Microsoft has launched updated Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 chips, but starting prices have jumped to $1,599 and $1,499 respectively — a $600 and $500 increase over initial prior-gen pricing. The price hikes are attributed to persistent component supply shortages inflating RAM and storage costs, a trend with implications for enterprise hardware procurement and OEM manufacturing strategies.
Technology Xbox Game Studios Chief Craig Duncan Steps Down as Layoffs Loom, Memo Reveals
Craig Duncan, who became head of Xbox Game Studios in October 2024, is stepping down this week as Xbox braces for another round of mass layoffs. The departure comes days after a memo from Xbox leaders discussed a 'reset' due to revenue decline and overexpansion. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the need for economic viability after 25 years of investment.
Technology Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warns AI dominance could 'hollow out entire industries'
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warned that giving too much power to a few AI models could 'hollow out entire industries,' drawing parallels to the negative effects of globalization. In a post on X, he urged for a 'frontier ecosystem' where every organization owns its learning loop.
Manufacturing Microsoft Reveals Limited Edition Translucent Green Xbox Series X for 25th Anniversary
Microsoft announced a limited edition Xbox Series X console featuring the iconic translucent green of the original Xbox, with 25th anniversary branding. The console and matching controller will be available as a collection in select markets in November 2026. Pricing and preorder details have not yet been released.
Technology Microsoft bundles Windows 11 updates into single download to reduce reboots for IT managers
Microsoft is testing a unified update experience for Windows 11 that bundles .NET, driver, and firmware updates with the monthly quality update, reducing the number of reboots to one per month. The change is currently in the Experimental channel and aims to simplify update management for IT administrators.
Technology Gears of War E-Day arrives October 6 as an Xbox and PC exclusive - Engadget
Gears of War E-Day will launch on October 6, 2026, exclusively on Xbox, PC, and Xbox Cloud. The prequel, built on Unreal Engine, promises 4K 60fps gameplay with ray tracing. Microsoft's new Xbox head Asha Sharma confirmed the PS5 version is canceled.
Technology Helion, the Sam Altman-backed fusion startup, raises $465M to build a power plant for Microsoft
Helion raised $465M in Series G funding led by Thrive Capital, valuing the company at $15.5B, to build its first fusion power plant Orion, with a target to deliver power to Microsoft by 2028. The startup uses a unique magnet-based approach to directly harvest electricity from fusion.
Technology Microsoft Copilot AI deployed to 505,000 NHS England staff after world's largest healthcare AI trial
NHS England is rolling out Microsoft 365 Copilot to over half a million clinicians and support staff following a 30,000-user pilot that saved an average of 43 minutes per day. The initiative aims to reduce administrative burden and free up time for patient care.
Technology Microsoft inks 37,000-ton carbon removal deal with Indian startup Alt Carbon
Microsoft signed a three-year agreement to purchase nearly 37,000 metric tons of carbon removal credits from Alt Carbon, an Indian startup using enhanced rock weathering. The deal marks Microsoft's first enhanced-rock weathering purchase in Asia and highlights the increasing role of Global South suppliers in the carbon removal market.
Technology Microsoft Expands Local AI to Non-Copilot+ PCs via Nvidia GPUs
Microsoft is enabling local AI features on Windows 11 PCs without a neural processing unit by allowing use of Nvidia GPUs. An experimental update to the Windows App SDK brings Phi Silica small language model to a wider range of devices, reducing cloud dependency for basic AI tasks like text rewriting and summarization.
Technology LibreOffice Criticizes Euro-Office for Microsoft Alignment
LibreOffice has accused Euro-Office of reinforcing Microsoft's vendor lock-in by defaulting to the OOXML format. Concerns are also raised about Euro-Office's ties to Russian developers, questioning its claims of European digital sovereignty.
Technology Windows 11 Update Enhances Performance and Security
The June update for Windows 11 introduces a low-latency mode to enhance system performance and addresses over 200 security vulnerabilities. Microsoft aims to improve user experience and system security with these updates.
Technology Microsoft Defender Zero-Day Exploit Threatens System Security
A newly disclosed zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Defender, named 'RoguePlanet', allows attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges on Windows 10 and 11. Security researcher Chaotic Eclipse revealed this exploit, highlighting ongoing tensions with Microsoft over vulnerability disclosures.
Technology Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac to Become Read-Only in July
Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac will become read-only starting July 13 due to an expiring digital license. Users will need to upgrade to Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 to maintain full functionality.
Technology Windows 11 Update Boosts Performance with Key Features
The latest Windows 11 update introduces significant performance enhancements, including the Low Latency Profile for faster app and menu loading. Additional features include shared audio capabilities and improved search functionality.
Technology Microsoft's Record Patch Tuesday Fixes 200+ Security Flaws
Microsoft's June 2026 Patch Tuesday update addresses over 200 security vulnerabilities, marking the largest release to date. The update includes critical fixes for Windows systems, driven by AI-powered bug discovery.
Technology Microsoft Disables 73 GitHub Repos After Malware Breach
Microsoft has disabled 73 GitHub repositories after hackers used stolen credentials to plant malware. The breach affected multiple organizations, including Azure, and led to significant disruptions. Microsoft is investigating and has notified affected customers.
Technology Tech Layoffs and Visa Curbs Cool Dallas Housing Market
The Dallas housing market is experiencing a slowdown due to tech layoffs and H-1B visa restrictions. This shift affects suburban areas like Frisco and Prosper, previously driven by tech professionals.