It might not get the same kind of attention as Google and Apple, but Microsoft is still one of the biggest and most powerful tech companies operating today. It runs Azure, one of the biggest cloud computing services, and maintains Windows 11 and the whole Office suite of software. It also makes plenty of Surface hardware and has a whole slew of gaming products, including the Xbox Series X. But the company is ever expanding — building new hardware, acquiring new game studios, and making sure that even if Microsoft doesn’t run your phone, it can touch plenty of the apps on it.
How we use the internet is changing fast thanks to the advancement of AI-powered chatbots that can find information and redeliver it as a simple conversation.
Notepad will include analyses and scoops from a veteran Microsoft reporter.
The ad encourages you to “recruit your squad” with a free trial of PC Game Pass that you can share with friends. Microsoft says the ad will only appear if you’re signed into your Microsoft account and “meet the required eligibility criteria,” similar to the other Game Pass ad it tested last year. It’s rolling out now to the Dev and Beta Channels in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3281.
With Google and Apple already having made the change, Microsoft’s Bing has also now swapped Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” in accordance with President Donald Trump’s ridiculous executive order. For now, the new name is apparently only visible in the United States — and Gulf of Mexico is still showing in search and other parts of Bing Maps.
Two zero-day holes being fixed on this Patch Tuesday could potentially allow attackers to delete your files and gain unmitigated system-level privileges, Bleeping Computer reports, so update ASAP.
In lighter news, the KB5051987 update continues rolling out a feature that improves taskbar previews. Plus, a new system tray icon will appear when using apps that support Windows Studio Effects on computers with a neural processing unit, like new Copilot Plus PCs.
Microsoft discontinued the HoloLens 2, and is handing off the Army’s version to Anduril, but is it done done with HoloLens hardware? No other products? I asked the company just in case.
Microsoft mixed reality CVP Robin Seiler:
We are transitioning away from hardware development but will continue to provide support for HoloLens2 hardware and software through 2027, as announced in October. We remain committed to the IVAS program and will shift our focus to cloud and AI technologies, which will serve as the foundation for IVAS as a situational awareness platform.
Stick a fork in it.
In a joint press release:
Through this partnership agreement, and pending Department of Defense approval, Anduril will assume oversight of production, future development of hardware and software, and delivery timelines. This agreement also establishes Microsoft Azure as Anduril’s preferred hyperscale cloud for all workloads related to IVAS and Anduril AI technologies.
It’s only been five months since Anduril first teamed up with Microsoft; Microsoft’s been adapting HoloLens for the US Army since 2017, eventually securing a $21.9 billion contract while combatting various comfort issues. This may be the end of Microsoft’s involvement in HoloLens, as it discontinued its other business in October.
0
Following up on an earlier report, Business Insider reports some Microsoft employees have been let go with letters citing “your job performance has not met minimum performance standards and expectations for your position,” and several reported receiving no severance.
Asked about the plan earlier this month, Microsoft spokesperson Frank Shaw said, “...When people are not performing, we take the appropriate action.”
Microsoft is announcing new Intel-powered Surface devices today, but it’s also showing some love to its Surface Hub 3. The collaboration hub is getting access to web apps, personal content, the Edge browser, and Miracast support soon. Edge will run in InPrivate sessions every time, so it always wipes session data on the Surface Hub 3. You can read more about the changes here.
Asked by reporters if Microsoft is in talks to take over TikTok’s US arm, the president was succinct: “I would say yes.” The company is reported to be among several investors, including Oracle, working on a joint bid. Microsoft previously tried to buy the social site back in 2020, which CEO Satya Nadella called the “strangest thing I’ve ever worked on.”
[Bloomberg.com]
The President was asked about the talks, which NPR reported yesterday afternoon also involve Microsoft, during a flight to Florida Saturday. His response, according to Reuters:
“No, not with Oracle. Numerous people are talking to me, very substantial people, about buying it and I will make that decision probably over the next 30 days. Congress has given 90 days.”
