Irish officials have received a formal request to look into Microsoft regarding claims of unlawful data processing by the Israel Defense Forces.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), a human rights organization, filed the complaint with the Data Protection Commissioner, who is legally charged with overseeing all data processing activities within the European Union.
This comes after reports in August from the Guardian, along with Israeli-Palestinian publication +972 Magazine and Hebrew media Local Call, highlighted that substantial amounts of Palestinian phone communications were stored on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform as part of an extensive surveillance initiative by the Israeli military.
The ICCL asserts that the handling of personal data “aided in the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide by Israeli forces.” Microsoft’s European headquarters are located in Ireland.
“Microsoft’s technologies are endangering millions of Palestinians. These are not just theoretical data protection issues,” said Joe O’Brien, executive director of ICCL.
He remarked that cloud services “enable tangible violence” and emphasized the need for the “DPC to respond swiftly and decisively” given the “risk to life involved in the matter at hand.”
He further stated, “When European infrastructure is used to facilitate surveillance and targeting, the Irish Data Protection Commissioner must step in and utilize its full authority to hold Microsoft accountable.”
A collection of leaked documents reviewed by the Guardian has indicated that as early as 2021, the Israeli military’s intelligence unit, Unit 8200, started discussions to transfer large amounts of classified intelligence data to a cloud service operated by a US company.
The documents revealed that Microsoft’s storage facilities were employed by Unit 8200 to archive extensive records of Palestinian daily communications, which facilitated specific airstrikes and other military actions.
Following this revelation, Microsoft initiated an urgent external inquiry into its connections with Unit 8200. Preliminary findings led the company to suspend this unit’s access to certain cloud storage and AI services.
ICCL contends that Microsoft played a crucial role in enabling Israel’s military surveillance system known as “Al-Minasek.”
The organization claims that records of intercepted conversations between EU servers and Israel were reportedly “deleted,” obstructing evidence of unlawful processing before an EU inquiry could commence, violating the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that regulates personal data usage.
With Azure’s vast storage and computational capabilities, Unit 8200 was establishing an indiscriminate system allowing agents to collect, replay, and analyze cell phone calls from entire populations.
A spokesperson for the DPC stated, “We can confirm that the DPC has received the complaint and is currently evaluating it.”
Anearly two decades ago (specifically on December 1, 2005), I attended the launch event for the first video game console at London’s Leicester Square. The Xbox 360 made its debut in the US on November 22, 2005, and subsequently in the UK on December 2, 2005, only a few months after I began my first role as a junior staff writer at GamesTM magazine. My recollections from that night may be foggy due to a) the significant time lapse and b) an abundance of complimentary drinks, but I can distinctly recall DJ Yoda performing on a surprisingly empty dance floor. The atmosphere was overwhelmingly green; however, my memories of the console itself and the games played on it remain sharp. Xbox Crystal stands out as one of the best consoles ever created.
In 2001, the original Xbox disrupted the gaming landscape, particularly in Japan, selling millions more than Nintendo’s GameCube and ushering in the online gaming era with Xbox Live—a multiplayer service that outpaced the PlayStation 2. Despite its innovations, the PS2 ultimately sold over 150 million units, compared to the original Xbox’s 25 million. In contrast, the Xbox 360 achieved over 80 million sales throughout its eight-year run, matching the PlayStation 3’s figures (though it exceeded in the US market), which transitioned Xbox from a newcomer to a leading player in the industry.
Defying typical Microsoft standards, the Xbox 360 boasted a unique and appealing design, featuring a double curve interior (referred to as a “suck” by its designer) and an interchangeable faceplate. Its iconic Y2K startup animation coupled with a sleek, futuristic menu introduced features such as messaging, friends lists, and music. I still find Microsoft’s marketing from that era quite cringeworthy—view this developer video showcasing former Microsoft Entertainment chief J Allard with his renowned earrings, alongside a man juggling while discussing “three symmetrical cores.” Yet, despite the marketing missteps, the machines they produced felt modern and thrilling, particularly the new controller, which featured sleek white and eye-catching colors, a significant improvement over the bulky original Xbox controller. I know several gamers who exclusively use Xbox 360 controllers for PC gaming.
Captivating and striking… Microsoft’s Xbox 360 promotional video.
As the first gaming console to provide seamless connectivity, the Xbox 360 integrated various elements that shaped a gamer’s identity. Gamers could engage with a diverse range of titles online using a single unified gamertag. This concept drew from messaging capabilities, social features, and achievements, collectively creating a personal gaming history through the completion of smaller challenges. (Sony would soon follow suit with its trophy system.) Introducing a competitive element through the Gamerscore was a stroke of brilliance, incentivizing players to seek clout and fostering a community where friendships determined gaming choices. Personally, faced with the option to purchase a game for either PS3 or 360, I’d invariably choose the 360, as that’s where all my friends played.
When an overly confident Sony rolled out its pricier and less-than-attractive successor to the PlayStation 2 in late 2006, the Xbox 360 had already spent a year revolutionizing gamers’ experiences with its high-definition gaming approach. Players were accumulating game collections and online personas linked to their Xbox accounts. Major third-party publishers, finding the PS3’s technology cumbersome, began prioritizing Xbox for multiplatform releases. While the 360 struggled to gain ground in Japan, it emerged as the definitive console elsewhere, an impressive feat for Microsoft considering Sony’s dominance in the previous two generations with the PlayStation.
A peculiar monochrome world of limbo. Photo: Triple Point
Xbox Live Arcade played a significant role in ushering in the contemporary era of indie gaming. Throughout the ’90s and late ’00s, publishers and physical retailers largely dictated which games reached players, especially on consoles. In 2008, Xbox Live Arcade began providing a platform for smaller, affordable games to be downloaded directly to consoles without dependence on physical shops or publishers. This development paralleled what Steam later achieved for PC gaming, familiarizing players with digital distribution. Titles released through the arcade included Geometry Wars, Braid, Limbo, Bastion, and notably, the finest digital rendition of Uno ever. While I immersed myself in Oblivion, Mass Effect, and BioShock during my late teens, I also eagerly anticipated each new wave of Xbox Live Arcade games.
Reflecting on that period, the designers behind the Xbox 360 displayed a keen understanding of players’ motivations and desires for the next generation of gaming consoles. They recognized the transformative potential of the Internet, not merely for multiplayer gameplay but for enriching the social experiences surrounding games and shaping how people discover and purchase them. However, when Microsoft launched the Xbox One in 2013, it was an outright disaster, suggesting a loss of that insightful perspective. By then, Microsoft seemed to think gamers wanted to juggle gaming with watching picture-in-picture sports and mandated connected cameras to monitor their activities.
Microsoft has yet to recapture its former dominance in the gaming market. A revitalized Sony harnessed invaluable lessons from the Xbox 360, integrating them into the PlayStation 4, while the Nintendo Switch debuted in 2018, outperforming all competitors. Currently, Xbox finds itself trailing in a distant third in the shrinking console wars, seemingly opting for a semi-exclusive gaming subscription model rather than focusing solely on hardware. Franchises that defined the 360 era, such as Halo and Gears of War, are now accessible on PC and PlayStation, and others, including Fable, have dwindled for over a decade.
The 360 era represented an exhilarating juncture for gaming, characterized by significant change and rivalry introduced by online play. The console market was smaller yet unpredictable; a time before free-to-play games, still leaving space for “7/10 fun” games that sometimes became more memorable than the blockbuster titles. Games hadn’t yet congealed into the five dominant mega-series that currently prevail, and the emergence of indie titles on consoles truly revolutionized my gaming preferences.
What to play
Immerse yourself… in Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. Photo: Bizarre Creations/Steam
Writing about Xbox Live Arcade inspired me to revisit Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, the unexpectedly addictive Xbox Live Arcade top-down shooter that dazzles like fireworks and serves as a sensory sensation. I quickly downloaded it on Steam and found myself hooked once again. Developed by Bizarre Creations, known for Project Gotham Racing, the game consistently outperformed Uno as the most downloaded digital title during the 360’s reign and still retains that status. I had forgotten how mesmerizing the grid backgrounds are as they ripple with each explosion, providing a touch of high-definition flair to this arcade classic.
Available: Steam, Xbox (if you don’t mind trying the sequel instead) Estimated playtime: 10 minutes left until 2020.
What to read
A relentless challenge wrapped in humor… Baby Steps. Photo: Devolver Digital
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on challenging games. My ongoing interest led me to explore various perspectives on game design, culminating in this insightful article by veteran designer Raph Koster, titled Game design is actually simple, which is essential reading.
For fans of the original Xbox, you’ll be thrilled to know that Crocs has launched the Xbox Clog, inspired by the iconic black and green controller. It’s truly fantastically unattractive.
Poncle, creators of the BAFTA Game of the Year-winning Vampire Survivors, have announced a new title: Vampire Crawler. Check out the sarcastic trailer. It’s an eclectic mix of a card game and a classic first-person dungeon crawler.
On another note… Cyberpunk 2077. Photo: CD Projekt
Recently, reader Jude inquired about which video game world I’d most like to inhabit (with Cyrodiil from The Elder Scrolls topping my list). We’ve now posed that question to you all. The responses were delightful and varied. Here’s what you had to say:
“For a spot to grab a drink, Cyberpunk 2077 seems surprisingly inviting. ” – Spence Bromage
“I know it’s quirky, but I’m irresistibly drawn to the ship in System Shock 2! ” – Charles Rouleau
“I long to live in the universe of Dragon Age. Give me Fereldan, Denerim, and Orlais. A skyhold to call home and a bard to manage sounds perfect for me.” – Caitland Vernon
“I can’t help it if people label me a weirdo; I wish to exist in the world of Fallout 3. Witnessing a segment of humanity navigate the conflict between good and evil in the wasteland was quite impactful for me.” – Toby Darnall
“There’s something uniquely captivating about Animal Well. The freedom to explore a self-contained map filled with hidden nooks and crannies gives me a strong sense of orientation. Even after ‘completing’ the game, I’ve found a strange solace recently just wandering its spaces for delight.” – Ben Gibb Read
If you have a question for the Question Block or want to share anything else regarding the newsletter – Email us at pushbuttons@theguardian.com.
On Wednesday, Microsoft addressed worries regarding excessive spending on AI, showcasing increased profits despite interruptions in its Azure cloud services and 365 office software. This strong earnings report follows a deal with OpenAI that raised the tech leader’s valuation to over $4 trillion.
Following disruptions to both the Xbox and Investor Relations pages, Microsoft issued a statement, noting, “We are actively resolving an issue affecting Azure Front Door, impacting the availability of certain services.”
Despite the service interruption, the company’s financial outlook remained robust. Microsoft reported first-quarter earnings of $3.72 per share, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $3.68, with revenue reaching $77.7 billion against an estimate of $75.5 billion, as per Bloomberg consensus.
This marks an increase from $3.30 per share and $65.6 billion in sales during the same period last year.
The Azure cloud division, closely monitored by Microsoft, exhibited approximately 40% growth, exceeding forecasts. Operating income rose 24% to $38 billion, surpassing expectations, with net income reported at $27.7 billion.
“Our global cloud and AI factory collaborates with co-pilots across high-value sectors to promote widespread adoption and tangible impact,” stated Satya Nadella, Microsoft Chairman and CEO.
“This is why we are continuously enhancing our investments in AI, in both capital and talent, to seize significant future opportunities.”
The company revealed spending a remarkable $34.9 billion on AI initiatives during the quarter, a 74% increase from the previous year.
Microsoft’s earnings report arrives as investors are responding positively to modifications in its contract with OpenAI. This shift will transition the once nonprofit AI organization into a for-profit entity, further integrating Microsoft with the company.
Under the amended agreement, Microsoft will possess 27% of OpenAI Group’s PBC shares, amounting to approximately $135 billion, while OpenAI’s nonprofit division will hold $130 billion in stock of the profit-making enterprise.
The earnings report offers Wall Street an updated perspective on the company’s growth in AI and cloud services. Nvidia recently became the first company to surpass a $5 trillion market capitalization, coinciding with favorable signs for a U.S.-China trade agreement. Earlier this week, the overall U.S. stock market achieved record levels, spurred by substantial investments in AI.
Microsoft’s earnings hit the headlines as the week unfolds with reports from the Magnificent Seven, a group of the world’s most valuable publicly traded companies, including Meta Inc. and Alphabet, Google’s parent company.
Amid growing apprehensions about a potential market bubble in AI-related investments reminiscent of the overinvestment seen in the late 1990s, it is suggested that bubbles may not be apparent until they burst.
On the earnings call, Microsoft CFO Amy Hood attempted to ease concerns regarding a potential AI investment bubble, stating that the company’s rapid expansion of AI capabilities (up 80% this year alongside a plan to double its data center size in two years) is to fulfill already booked demand.
“The necessity for ongoing infrastructure development is extremely high, driven by business already booked, not new business,” Hood explained, noting that the company had been experiencing capacity shortages for several quarters.
“I hoped to catch up, but it didn’t happen,” Hood remarked. “Demand is escalating, and usage is growing quickly. When demand signs are visible and you know you’re lagging, spending is essential. But we’re investing with assurance based on our usage patterns and reservations, and we feel positive about that.”
Nonetheless, she cautioned that Microsoft is likely to remain “capacity constrained.”
According to Reuters, the collective valuation of AI and cloud computing firms is projected to hit $20 trillion, with the overall market return reaching 18%, or around $3.3 trillion, by 2025. Investors typically look for signs that AI capital expenditures meet expectations as the market continues to hit new highs.
Major tech firms like Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon are anticipated to invest hundreds of billions in capital next year, primarily directed at developing data centers and infrastructure for artificial intelligence. While investors might be unfazed by a lack of robust revenue growth, they may find reassurance in indicators of strong AI adoption. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a notable milestone of $47,943 on Wednesday morning.
“As five of the Magnificent Seven report this week, the market is eager for affirmation that all these AI capital investments are being made and that they are ensuring observable revenue and profit from AI,” commented Scott Wren, senior global market strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute in St. Louis, Missouri, to Reuters this week.
Elements of the AI economic surge might stem from cost-saving measures. Microsoft announced approximately 9,000 job reductions at the start of summer, while Amazon is reportedly considering cutting up to 30,000 corporate positions, or 10% of its white-collar workforce, to mitigate overhiring during peak pandemic demand.
As AI technology adoption increases, business leaders are increasingly tasked with justifying human hires, including roles in human resources and other executive positions that entail additional costs like health insurance and pensions, particularly when positions could be executed by AI. Consequently, human resources departments are likely to be among the initial areas downsized as AI continues to grow.
Beginning Tuesday, Microsoft will cease offering standard free support for Windows 10, the operating system relied on by millions of computer and laptop users globally.
As of September, data indicates that four out of ten individuals worldwide still use Windows 10, despite the release of its successor, Windows 11, in 2021.
What’s Changing with Windows 10?
Effective October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer offer standard free software updates, security patches, or technical support for PCs running Windows 10.
While computers utilizing this software will continue to operate, their vulnerability to viruses and malware will increase as new bugs and security issues come to light.
Microsoft states that Windows 11, a more advanced system, “meets modern security demands by default.”
What Are the Risks?
If Windows users take no action, they might find themselves particularly exposed to hackers attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in large systems.
The consumer group Which? has highlighted that around five million British users intend to keep using devices running this software.
Regardless of location, continuing to operate on Windows 10 places users at risk for cyberattacks, data breaches, and fraud.
According to Lisa Barber, editor at Which?, criminals “will target individuals and exploit vulnerabilities to steal data.” – Technology magazine.
How Can I Mitigate the Threat?
The simplest solution is to upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost.
If your PC is less than four years old, it is likely capable of running Windows 11. To confirm, check your computer specifications. The minimum specifications for Windows 11 include 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, and the machine also requires a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0) that securely stores credentials, similar to modern smartphones.
Microsoft provides a free tool to determine if your Windows 10 PC is compatible with Windows 11. For additional compatibility checks, you can use online tools based on your CPU.
What If My Computer Lacks the Necessary Hardware to Upgrade to Windows 11?
If you don’t take any action, you could be exposed to malware and security risks. One option is to enroll in a one-year agreement with Microsoft for Extended Security Updates, which will be available until October 13, 2026.
This provides an additional year to plan for the end of support and arrange for replacements.
Registration is free if you log in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account to sync your settings. Otherwise, it will cost $30 (excluding tax) or you can redeem 1,000 reward points.
Are There Alternatives to Windows 11?
You can use your PC safely with other operating systems if it cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.
A viable solution is installing Linux, a free family of operating systems that offers various distributions.
Ensure you back up all your files to an external drive or secure storage, as switching from Windows may delete or complicate file access.
Among the most popular and user-friendly versions of Linux is Canonical’s Ubuntu, which is free, open-source, and regularly updated for security. Installing it in place of Windows requires a USB flash drive; Canonical provides a step-by-step installation guide.
While many applications support Linux, be mindful that not all Windows software is available for Linux.
Alternatively, if your computing needs can be met via a web browser, Google provides a lightweight version of ChromeOS, which can be installed for free on many PCs. Ensure your model is supported and refer to Google’s installation guide, which also requires a USB flash drive.
Buying a New Computer
If you cannot install alternative software or still require Windows, consider purchasing a new PC equipped with Windows 11 and ongoing support.
Many retailers offer trade-in programs where you can recycle your old computer and get a small discount on a new model. Refurbished Windows 11 devices are also readily available from various retailers. Check out options like Currys, Back Market, and manufacturers like Dell for affordable options.
Numerous Microsoft employees have taken over the East Campus in Redmond, Washington, to conduct operations in Gaza and protest the exploitation of software by Israeli forces for Palestinian surveillance.
Just three months post the initiation of an independent inquiry into the utilization of Azure software, current and former employees established a “free zone,” displaying placards with messages like “Join the Workers Intifada” and “Martyred Palestinian Children’s Plaza.”
The demonstration is organized by a group advocating for justice and demands Microsoft to divest from operations in Israel. Earlier this year, employee Joe Lopez interrupted a speech by CEO Satya Nadella at a developer conference.
“Satya, do you think Microsoft is complicit in killing Palestinians?” Lopez questioned.
Protester Hosam Nasr expressed on Tuesday his decision to escalate actions due to a lack of adequate response from Microsoft.
He emphasized that the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) seemed personally driven to act after the targeted killing of Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al Sharif, one of five media members killed during surgery earlier this month.
“He reported relentlessly on Gaza amidst the hunger and bombing campaigns. He was intentionally targeted,” Nasr stated.
“This happened the same week when the Guardian reported that Microsoft contained substantial surveillance data gathered from calls made by Palestinians.”
Recently, the Guardian and Israeli +972 magazine disclosed that Unit 8200, the Israeli military intelligence, utilized Azure to store numerous recordings of mobile conversations from Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Seattle Convention Center in May. Photo: Jason Redmond/AFP by Getty Images
The company claims it was not involved in “supervising civilians or collecting mobile conversations using Microsoft’s services.”
The Microsoft protests coincide with increasing caution from organizations, including the UN, regarding a “widespread crisis of hunger, malnutrition, and disease” in Gaza. The Gaza Health Ministry estimates that at least 62,000 Palestinians have died since the IDF commenced operations following Hamas’ attack on October 7.
“Each second we delay, the situation in Palestine deteriorates,” stated Nasreen Jaradat, 29, a Microsoft employee.
She added: “People are increasingly hungry and suffering from bombings.”
The protest concluded about two hours later, with police instructing demonstrators to vacate or face arrest for trespassing.
A Microsoft spokesperson indicated that the group was “asked to leave, and they complied.”
The spokesperson mentioned there was nothing further to add to last week’s statement regarding the investigation initiated by Azle over alleged monitoring of Palestinians.
“Following these assessments, which included interviews with numerous employees and document reviews, there was no evidence of Microsoft’s Azure and AI technology being utilized to target or harm individuals in the Gaza conflict.”
Microsoft employs approximately 47,000 individuals in Redmond. Some read flyers distributed by activists on Tuesday, while others enjoyed lunch in nearby restaurants.
A 28-year-old employee observing the protests expressed sympathy but did not believe it would lead to substantial change.
“I doubt it will make a difference,” he stated.
Protesters believe their efforts contribute to raising awareness.
“We are fostering discussions among Microsoft employees, encouraging more open conversations about how their work may contribute to acts of genocide,” remarked another employee, Julius Shan, 28.
People are gradually understanding how the company’s activities correlate with genocide, he explained. “But that’s part of the learning process.”
Microsoft is examining how Unit 8200, the Israeli military surveillance unit, utilizes the Azure Cloud Storage platform.
Top executives are quickly assessing the data that Unit 8200 stores on Azure following a Guardian investigation that disclosed how intelligence agencies can amass extensive records of intercepted Palestinian mobile communications through cloud services.
Collaborative inquiries with Israeli and Palestinian media outlets, including +972 Magazine and the Hebrew publication Local Call, found that Unit 8200 employs a specialized area within Azure that archives millions of daily calls from Gaza and the West Bank.
Sources linked to the investigation indicate that vast amounts of data from this cloud-based repository are being leveraged to pinpoint and identify bombing targets in Gaza.
The report, released on Wednesday, raised alarms among Microsoft’s leadership regarding whether some employees in Israel fully disclose their knowledge of Unit 8200’s use of Azure, according to insiders.
Insiders reveal that internal efforts are currently ongoing to evaluate the type of data stored in Microsoft’s data centers, alongside reconsiderations of how this information is utilized by Israeli forces in the ongoing conflict with Gaza.
In May, Microsoft acknowledged that a review of its military ties with the U.S. found that Azure “was used to target or harm people” in Gaza, with “no prior evidence” of this use existing. These findings reportedly relied partially on the assurances provided by Israeli staff.
However, some senior executives at the company’s U.S. headquarters have recently started to doubt the accuracy of the information provided by certain Israeli employees managing their military relationships.
A source familiar with internal discussions noted that management struggled to verify some of the claims from Israeli staff, questioning whether employees felt they were beholden to their military rather than their employer.
Using leaked documents, the Guardian discovered multiple employees associated with managing the Unit 8200 project, identifying them as reservists for the elite wiretapping unit, akin to the U.S. National Security Agency.
Despite the concerns raised by recent executives, Microsoft has yet to initiate official reviews of its collaborations with the Israeli military from earlier this year, which were spurred by reports highlighting the military’s reliance on Microsoft technology during attacks in Gaza.
A Microsoft spokesperson stated, “As indicated in a prior independent investigation, the company takes these allegations seriously. Upon receiving new information, we are committed to verifying it and taking appropriate actions.”
According to documents reviewed by the Guardian, Microsoft executives are aware of plans to transition a substantial amount of sensitive, classified intelligence data to Azure as the company collaborates with the unit to implement advanced security measures in its cloud services.
Nevertheless, the company claims that executives are not aware that Azure is utilized by Unit 8200 to retain the information from intercepted Palestinian communications. “There is no information concerning the data stored within a customer’s cloud environment,” the spokesperson remarked earlier this week.
In a statement following the investigation, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) remarked, “We value Microsoft’s support in securing cybersecurity. Microsoft ensures that it is not an IDF partner in data storage or processing and does not collaborate with us.”
Several sources within Microsoft have indicated that the IDF’s statement surprised the company’s leadership, as it is not a secret that they provide cloud storage to the military under a contract with the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
After the disclosure regarding its reliance on Microsoft, a worker-led organization, called Apartheid Azure, issued a series of demands, including an appeal for the company to sever all publicly known ties with the Israeli military.
NOAA organizer Abdo Mohamed, who was terminated from the company last year, stated that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and other executives have maintained that “when entering this partnership in 2021, the company did not anticipate benefiting from the suffering of the Palestinian people.”
Microsoft has revealed that investigations are underway indicating that Chinese “threat actors,” including state-sponsored hackers, are taking advantage of security flaws in SharePoint’s document sharing servers, impacting numerous government agencies and organizations.
Eye Security, a Dutch cybersecurity firm, reported that hackers have compromised around 400 institutions, businesses, and other entities, stating, “We anticipate an increase as the investigation continues.”
The majority of the affected parties are located in the United States. Bloomberg noted that one of the victims was a US agency responsible for overseeing the National Nuclear Security Agency, which manages nuclear weapons. This agency was among those affected.
According to Microsoft, three groups have been identified utilizing Chinese state-backed techniques, with a focus on exploiting newly disclosed vulnerabilities in internet-facing servers hosting the platform.
Recently, Microsoft and IBM have scaled back their research and development initiatives in China, with US officials intensifying scrutiny on American companies involved in AI within the country.
In a blog post, Microsoft stated that the vulnerability is associated with an on-premises SharePoint server commonly utilized by businesses, not a cloud-based service.
Numerous large organizations employ SharePoint as a platform for document storage and collaboration, integrating seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Office and Outlook.
Microsoft indicated that the attacks commenced as early as July 7th, with hackers attempting to leverage the vulnerability for “early access to the target organization.”
This vulnerability permits an attacker to spoof authentication credentials and remotely execute malicious code on the server. Microsoft observed an attack that sent requests to a SharePoint server, potentially “enabling the theft of key material.”
In response, Microsoft has released a security update and recommended that all users of on-premises SharePoint systems apply it. They cautioned that hacking groups are continuing to target these systems, which they rated as having “high confidence” in terms of vulnerability.
Eye Security reported in a press release that “anomalous activity” was detected on a client’s on-premises SharePoint Server on the evening of July 18th. They subsequently scanned over 8,000 publicly accessible SharePoint servers across the globe, discovering numerous compromised systems and confirming that attackers were executing a coordinated mass exploitation campaign.
Microsoft stated that the linen typhoon has been focused on “intellectual property theft” since 2012, with primary targets including government, defense, strategic planning, and human rights-related organizations.
Since 2015, the Violet Typhoon has predominantly targeted former government and military personnel, NGOs, think tanks, academia, digital and print media, and sectors related to finance and health in the US, Europe, and East Asia.
Microsoft mentioned a third group, Storm-2603, which is situated in China, though no direct connection has been established between this group and other Chinese threat actors. They warned that “additional actors” could exploit the vulnerability to target on-premises SharePoint systems unless security updates are installed.
Microsoft is unveiling details about artificial intelligence systems that outperform human doctors in intricate health assessments, paving a “path to medical closeness.”
The company’s AI division, spearheaded by British engineer Mustafa Suleyman, has created a system that emulates a panel of specialized physicians handling “diagnostically complex and intellectually demanding” cases.
When integrated with OpenAI’s advanced O3 AI model, Microsoft claims its method “solved” more than eight out of ten carefully selected case studies for diagnostic challenges. In contrast, practice physicians with no access to colleagues, textbooks, or chatbots achieved an accuracy rate of only 2 out of 10 on these same case studies.
Microsoft also highlighted that this AI solution could be a more economical alternative to human doctors, as it streamlines the process of ordering tests.
While emphasizing potential cost reductions, Microsoft noted that it envisions AI as a complement to physician roles rather than a replacement.
“The clinical responsibilities of doctors extend beyond merely diagnosing; they must navigate uncertainty in ways that AI is not equipped to handle, and build trust with patients and their families,” the company explained in a blog post announcing the research intended for peer review.
Nevertheless, slogans like “The Road to Overmed Medical” hint at the possibility of transformative changes in the healthcare sector. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) denotes systems that replicate human cognitive abilities for specific tasks, while superintelligence is a theoretical concept referring to systems that surpass overall human intellectual capacity.
In discussing the rationale for their study, Microsoft raised concerns about AI’s performance on U.S. medical licensing exams, a crucial assessment for acquiring medical licenses in the U.S. The multiple-choice format relies heavily on memorization, which may “exaggerate” AI capabilities compared to in-depth understanding.
Microsoft is working on a system that mimics real-world clinicians by taking step-by-step actions to arrive at a final diagnosis, such as asking targeted questions or requesting diagnostic tests. For instance, patients exhibiting cough or fever symptoms may need blood tests and chest x-rays prior to receiving a pneumonia diagnosis.
This innovative approach by Microsoft employs intricate case studies sourced from the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
Suleyman’s team transformed over 300 of these studies into “interactive case challenges” to evaluate their method. Microsoft’s strategy incorporated existing AI models developed by ChatGPT creators OpenAI, Meta from Mark Zuckerberg, Anthropic, Grok from Elon Musk, and Google’s Gemini.
The company utilized a specific model for determining tests and diagnostics, employing AI systems such as tailored agents known as “diagnostic orchestrators.” These orchestrators effectively simulate a doctor’s panel, aiding in reaching a diagnosis.
Microsoft reported that in conjunction with OpenAI’s advanced O3 model, over eight of the ten NEJM case studies have been “solved.”
Microsoft believes its approach has the potential to encompass multiple medical fields, enabling a broad and in-depth application beyond individual practitioners.
“Enhancing this level of reasoning could potentially reform healthcare. AI can autonomously manage patients with routine care and offer clinicians sophisticated support for complex cases.”
However, Microsoft acknowledges that the technology is not yet ready for clinical implementation, noting that further testing with an “Orchestrator” is necessary to evaluate performance in more prevalent symptoms.
A coalition of authors has accused Microsoft of utilizing nearly 200,000 pirated copies to develop an artificial intelligence model. This accusation adds to the ongoing legal struggles surrounding copyright issues between creative professionals and tech companies.
Kai Bird, Jia Tolentino, Daniel Okrent, and others argue that Microsoft intends to use a well-known digital version of their book to train Megatron AI for generating responses to user queries. Their lawsuit, filed in federal court in New York on Tuesday, is among several crucial cases initiated by authors, news outlets, and other copyright holders against tech firms regarding alleged misuse in AI training.
The authors are seeking a court order to prohibit statutory damages of up to $150,000 for each work that Microsoft is accused of misusing.
Generative AI products like Megatron can produce text, music, images, and videos based on user input. To develop these models, software engineers gather expansive databases of media and train AI to produce similar outputs.
The authors claim that Microsoft has utilized a trove of nearly 200,000 pirated books for training Megatron, which generates text responses to prompts. The complaint states that Microsoft employed these pirated datasets to “build not only computer models from the works of numerous creators and authors but also to produce a variety of representations replicating the syntax, sound, and themes of the copyrighted works.”
A Microsoft representative has yet to respond to inquiries about the lawsuit, while the authors’ attorney declined to comment.
This lawsuit against Microsoft was filed just after a federal judge in California ruled that the use of copyrighted material for AI training could be considered fair use, but acknowledged that they might still be liable for the utilization of pirated book versions. This marked the first US legal decision addressing the legality of using copyrighted materials without authorization for AI training. On the same day the complaint against Microsoft was filed, a California judge ruled in favor of Meta in a similar copyright dispute, attributing the decision more to the plaintiff’s weak argument than to the strength of the tech company’s defense.
The conflict over copyright and AI emerged soon after the launch of ChatGPT, encompassing various forms of media. The New York Times has taken legal action against OpenAI for copyright infringement related to article archives. Similarly, Dow Jones, the parent company of the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post, has filed a lawsuit against the perplexed AI. Major record labels are pursuing legal action against companies producing AI music generators. Getty Images has also sued Stability AI concerning a startup’s text-to-image product. Just last week, Disney and NBC Universal initiated legal proceedings against Midjourney, a company operating popular AI image generators that are believed to misuse iconic film and television characters.
Tech companies argue that being compelled to use copyrighted materials fairly to create new, transformative content and to compensate copyright holders could hinder the burgeoning AI industry. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that the development of ChatGPT was “impossible” without incorporating copyrighted works.
Microsoft’s newest Surface laptops are compact and affordable, allowing users to enjoy many of the great features of their larger counterparts in a more portable format, while still delivering impressive performance.
The Surface Laptop 13-inch model features the latest 7th generation laptops, available in 13.8″ and 15″ sizes released last summer. It sits at the lower end of the price spectrum, starting at £899 (1,099 Euro/$900/$1,699), making it an attractive option.
The design of the new 13-inch model blends elements from both the Laptop Go and its larger siblings. It features a glossy LCD touchscreen that, while not the brightest or clearest, looks great for its size. The smooth aluminum surface includes a full-size keyboard that provides a premium typing experience, outclassing many competitors.
The power button doubles as a fingerprint scanner. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The generously-sized trackpad is smooth and precise, though it features an older hinge design that some might find less tactile compared to newer models from bigger competitors. Nevertheless, it gets the job done, although clicking can be a bit awkward.
The speakers are impressive for the device’s size, and the 1080p webcam performs well even if you don’t utilize Microsoft’s Windows Hello facial recognition for logging in.
Specifications
Screen: 13in LCD 1920 x 1280 (178 ppi)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus (8 cores)
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 256 or 512GB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Camera: 1080p front
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-A, 2X USB-C (3.2), Headphones
Size: 285.7 x 214.1 x 15.6mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Snapdragon X Plus
The laptop takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge using a 60W or higher power adapter (not included), achieving 50% battery in just 36 minutes. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The 13-inch model is powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor with 8 cores (compared to 10 in larger models). While it may not lead in raw performance, it holds up well against Intel’s offerings and is sufficiently fast for a laptop of this size. Under typical workloads, it remains quiet and efficient, delivering approximately 14 hours of usage with multiple browser tabs and apps open. This is nearly double the battery life of its Intel-based predecessor and rivals Apple’s MacBook Air.
For resource-intensive tasks like large photo editing or other creative software, expect battery life to decrease by nearly half.
The Surface Laptop includes two USB-C (3.2) ports and a USB-A port, suitable for devices of this size. Notably, it lacks USB4/Thunderbolt support and instead uses USB-C for charging.
Windows 11 on Arm
Recall lets you use your timeline or search to revisit what you were doing in various apps. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
The Surface runs Windows 11 effectively, avoiding the clutter of unnecessary features and software that often plague competitors. However, there are some compatibility issues with apps designed for ARM processors, like the Snapdragon model, that don’t affect those running on Intel or AMD’s x86 architecture.
Applications that aren’t specifically designed for ARM must run in emulation mode, which can slow them down significantly. Lightweight x86 applications like Evernote perform adequately but lag behind their ARM-native counterparts.
Many popular applications have ARM versions that perform seamlessly, including Google Drive. Until recently, Google Drive was not compatible with Windows on ARM. It’s essential to check for app-specific issues, especially in the creative field, as many major games, including Fortnite, face incompatibility with ARM chips.
Using Copilot in the Edge browser, instead of performing a Google search, you can ask questions related to the site you are currently visiting. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
The laptop boasts a Copilot+PC feature that includes an array of Microsoft AI tools. This encompasses a recall function that captures snapshots of your activities, allowing you to revisit what was displayed at specific moments. Users can search recalls using natural language and interact with text, images, or data—like reopening websites browsed in the past.
This feature is opt-in and safely stores screenshots locally on a device protected by fingerprint security, which helps prevent the capture of sensitive information. However, some individuals may view this as a privacy risk.
Other AI tools echo those available on previous Surface models, including a sketch recognition system that can transform hand-drawn sketches into refined artwork. The standout tool is Copilot, integrated into various Microsoft applications such as Word and others in the Office Suite, provided you have a subscription. It functions as a cross between a search tool and an AI assistant, capable of performing tasks like converting data into tables or enhancing written content while working exclusively within Microsoft’s Edge browser.
Clicking serves as a new and efficient way to interact with images, objects, and text on your screen. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
Microsoft’s new “Click to do it” feature allows users to press the Windows button and click on an item on the screen to initiate an action. For example, you can use Paint to remove the background from an image or rewrite text with AI. More features are expected to roll out later this year, providing a quicker and more intuitive way to perform AI tasks on your PC.
Sustainability
The sleek aluminum lid appears premium, especially in its purple variant. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at £899 (€1,099/$899.99/$1,699). Orders will ship starting June 10th.
In comparison, the Surface Laptop 13.8-inch costs around £944, the Surface Pro 12-inch is priced at £799, and the Surface Pro 13-inch retails for £1,029. The 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is available for £999.
Verdict
The Surface Laptop 13-inch offers a scaled-down version of Microsoft’s impressive Windows 11 experience.
The overall feel of the device closely resembles its larger sibling, boasting premium materials, a high-quality keyboard, and a clean Windows 11 interface. The 13-inch touchscreen is good but not as exceptional as those on larger models, and the older design of the trackpads still proves functional. Microsoft’s AI tools are evolving, but may not be a decisive factor in purchasing this device.
While the absence of USB4/Thunderbolt and facial recognition might be seen as drawbacks, the relatively lower price compensates for this, just like the less powerful chip. It’s sufficient for everyday productivity tasks and offers impressive battery life, allowing for two full working days between charges. Arm chips come with potential app compatibility concerns that should be examined prior to purchase.
Overall, the Surface Laptop is a delightful device. However, at £900 or its equivalent, it isn’t the cheapest option, and it’s worth considering whether larger, more capable models can be had for a similar price.
Pros: Clean Windows 11 interface, exceptional keyboard, decent trackpad, impressive speakers, USB-A and USB-C connectivity, solid screen, fingerprint reader, long battery life, and good performance enhanced by AI features.
Cons: Compatibility issues with ARM-based apps and games, potential for higher performance from larger siblings, absence of facial recognition, lack of USB4 support, older trackpad design, and slightly expensive for what it offers.
The refined design and premium materials set the Surface Laptop apart from the competition. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Employees at Microsoft disrupted a keynote speech by the CEO during a pro-Palestinian protest at the company’s annual developer conference on Monday.
Microsoft firmware engineer Joe Lopez, involved in the development of the Azure cloud computing platform, was confronted by security shortly after he challenged Satya Nadella.
“Satya, are you aware that Microsoft is contributing to the deaths of Palestinians?” Lopez exclaimed. “Why not highlight how Israeli war crimes are facilitated by the cloud?”
Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupt Microsoft Keynote speech – video
Following the incident, Lopez sent out a company-wide email detailing his reasons for protesting.
“As a major global corporation, Microsoft holds significant power to effect positive change. We must either end this ongoing tragedy or cease our technical support for Israel,” the email stated. This statement is also available on Medium. “Should our leadership continue to dismiss this demand, it won’t go unnoticed. The world is waking up to our complicity and is voicing its opposition. Boycotts will escalate, and our reputation will suffer immensely.”
Organizers from a worker-led group named No Azure for Apartheid (NOAA) coordinated protests that coincided with the developer conference. This group has been actively protesting Microsoft’s cloud computing agreements with the Israeli military for over a year, asserting that Azure Cloud services have facilitated the surveillance of Palestinian citizens as well as Israeli military operations. An Ofek Unit manages a database of potential airstrike targets. Leaked documents reportedly reveal that Microsoft has “significant footprints across major military infrastructure” in Israel, according to +972 Magazine.
“The initiative began over a year ago. No Azure for Apartheid campaigns launched in response to the humanitarian crisis unfolding over the past seven months,” noted Anna Hattle, a Microsoft employee and NOAA organizer, in an email to the management on May 15th. Crimes from 77 years ago highlight the critical difference today, where Israeli forces are executing genocidal acts on a much larger scale, aided by Microsoft’s Cloud and AI technologies.”
Lopez’s protest is the second such incident within two months. On April 6, Microsoft employees Ibtihal Aboussad and Vaniya Agrawal interrupted an AI event, accusing the company’s AI head, Mustafa Suleyman, of war profiteering. Both employees were subsequently terminated. The current status of Lopez’s job is still unclear. Last year, Google experienced similar internal protests regarding its contracts with the Israeli military.
In response to concerns about Microsoft’s technology being utilized by the Israeli military, Microsoft stated that investigations found no evidence showing that their technology was used to endanger or target civilians. However, the activist group NOAA has disputed this conclusion. Microsoft has yet to issue a comment regarding Lopez’s protest.
“Leadership dismisses our assertion that Azure technology is being employed to target or harm civilians in Gaza. Those of us who are aware understand that this is a blatant falsehood,” Lopez emphasized in his email to staff. “We don’t need internal audits to recognize that key Azure clients are engaged in human rights violations. This reality becomes evident online each day.”
Lopez’s protest coincides with the remembrance of the Nakba, marking 77 years since the event.
Microsoft has announced a reduction of nearly 3% of its total workforce.
Although the tech giant did not disclose the exact number of positions being eliminated, estimates suggest it could be around 6,000. As of June last year, Microsoft had 228,000 full-time employees, with approximately 55% located in the United States.
Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, Microsoft indicated that the layoffs will affect all levels and regions, primarily targeting management positions. Notifications were sent out on Tuesday.
“We are continuing to make the organizational changes necessary to ensure our company’s success in a rapidly changing market,” the statement from the company reads.
Earlier this year, Microsoft undertook fewer performance-based layoffs in January. However, this recent 3% reduction marks its most significant workforce cut since early 2023. Other tech firms have also trimmed their workforces by around 10,000 jobs, equivalent to nearly 5%, and are scaling back on growth initiated during the pandemic.
This latest round of layoffs follows Microsoft’s recent announcement of excellent sales and profits that exceeded Wall Street projections for the period from January 3rd to March. The company has consistently outperformed revenue expectations for the past four quarters.
In an earnings call in April, Amy Hood, the company’s chief financial officer, stated that Microsoft is aiming to “build agile, high-performance teams by streamlining management layers.” She also noted that revenues in March were 2% higher than the previous year, reflecting a slight decrease compared to late last year.
On Thursday, Microsoft revealed plans to increase Xbox console prices globally, referencing “market conditions,” just days after Sony implemented a similar change for the PlayStation 5.
The tech giant will also elevate the prices of various new games produced by its video game subsidiaries.
In the US, the base model, Xbox Series S, will rise from $299.99 to $379.99, marking a 27% increase. The Premium Series X Galaxy Black model will now be available for $729.99, up 22% from the prior price of $599.99. Furthermore, selected new games from Microsoft-owned studios will cost $79.99, reflecting a 14% hike from the current $69.99.
In Europe, the Series S price has shifted from 299.99 euros to 349.99 euros, an increase of 17%. In Australia, the Series S starts at $549, while the Series X begins at $849.
“We recognize that these adjustments will be challenging and have been made after careful consideration of market conditions and escalating development expenditures,” the company stated on its website.
Though Microsoft hasn’t explicitly cited it, Donald Trump’s tariffs on various trading partners have loomed over the gaming sector.
Xbox consoles, primarily manufactured in China, face US tariffs as high as 145% on numerous products enacted during the Trump administration.
The Series S and X models launched in late 2020 and have sold around 30 million units, according to industry analysts.
In mid-April, Sony announced price hikes for several PlayStation 5 models in select markets, including Europe, while notably excluding the US. Like Xbox, the PS5 is predominantly assembled in China. Additionally, Nintendo has similarly postponed pre-orders for the Switch 2 console, which debuted shortly before Trump’s tariff announcement.
Following the launch of the ChatGpt Chatbot in 2022, Microsoft has been pouring substantial funds into developing a data center, as highlighted by one industry analyst. Dubbed “Constructing the largest infrastructure ever created by humanity.”
Nevertheless, the company has put the brakes on spending after 10 consecutive quarters marked by increased investment in artificial intelligence, as indicated in the financial results released Wednesday.
In the first quarter of 2025, Microsoft allocated $21.4 billion toward capital expenses, which is over $1 billion less than the previous quarter.
The organization intends to invest more than $80 billion in capital expenditures for the current fiscal year, which concludes in June. However, these pullbacks suggest that, even if marginally, the tech sector’s enthusiasm for AI spending might not be limitless.
Overall, Microsoft’s results showcased unexpected strength in its operations. Revenue surpassed $70 billion, marking a 13% increase from the same period last year. Profits rose by 18% to reach $25.8 billion. These results significantly exceeded Wall Street’s forecasts.
Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, stated, “The cloud and AI are fundamental components for every business aiming to enhance efficiency, lower expenses, and boost growth.”
Following the announcement, Microsoft’s stock surged by over 5% in after-hours trading.
The company is aggressively expanding, and in the last quarter, Microsoft noted that sales would have been even greater if additional data centers were operational to meet the demand for cloud computing and AI services from its clients.
Sales for Azure, Microsoft’s premier cloud service, increased by 33% during the quarter, greatly surpassing Wall Street’s expectations, with nearly half of that growth attributed to AI services.
Investors have experienced fluctuations in infrastructure spending following reports from analysts at TD Securities in late February that Microsoft had exited several data center contracts. Analysts suggested that Microsoft is linked to a project intended to develop advanced AI systems, in collaboration with partner OpenAI. OpenAI is currently planning to partner with Oracle under the Stargate Project.
Microsoft has acknowledged a slowdown in projects in Ohio and Wisconsin, mentioning the suspension of “early stage projects” as part of its Refinement Process.
(The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, claiming copyright infringement related to AI system-generated news content. Both companies have denied the allegations.)
Analysts at Raymond James reported last week that they have not yet noticed significant reductions in spending from Microsoft’s Enterprise Cloud customers. However, they expressed concerns that tariffs and economic uncertainty could prompt customers to cut back on growth initiatives and focus more on maintaining operations.
Microsoft’s personal computing segment grew by 6%, reaching $13.4 billion, while commercial sales of productivity tools for businesses, including Excel, Teams, and Word, increased by 15%.
Microsoft’s results would have shown even greater performance if revenues exceeded $1 billion and profits had not been impacted by over $400 million due to the depreciation of the US dollar.
Microsoft has exciting news for those aspiring to hold high-ranking positions. In the future, we will all have AI employees under our supervision.
Tech companies are forecasting the emergence of a new type of business known as “frontier companies.” These companies involve human workers instructing autonomous AI agents to carry out tasks.
According to Microsoft, everyone will become bosses of AI agents.
Microsoft envisions a future where workers will act as “CEO of agents-equipped startups,” managing and delegating tasks to AI agents to maximize their impact in the AI era.
Microsoft, a key supporter of ChatGpt developer Openai, anticipates that all organizations will transition to becoming frontier companies within the next five years. These companies operate based on “on-demand intelligence,” utilizing AI agents for quick answers to internal tasks like generating and editing sales data.
In their Annual Work Trend Index Report, Microsoft stated that these frontier companies scale rapidly, work with agility, and deliver value efficiently.
The evolution of the AI Boss class is envisioned to happen in three phases: AI assistants for all employees, AI agents as digital coworkers handling specific tasks, and humans providing instructions to these agents for business processes and workflows.
Microsoft highlighted the impact of AI on knowledge work, where tasks across various professions will transition from code assistance to AI agents performing the work.
They gave an example in the supply chain industry where humans guide the system and manage relationships with suppliers while AI agents handle logistics from end to end.
Microsoft is promoting the deployment of AI in the workplace through autonomous AI agents or tools that enable users to carry out tasks without human intervention. Organizations like McKinsey are early adopters of Microsoft’s Copilot Studio products, leveraging AI agents for tasks like scheduling meetings.
While AI is expected to eliminate repetitive tasks and enhance productivity, concerns exist regarding potential job displacement. Reports suggest that a significant number of jobs could be impacted negatively by AI advancements.
Experts suggest that AI deployment may lead to job losses, but also create new opportunities. Organizations may rely more on AI workers to enhance efficiency and lower operational costs, potentially reducing the need for human labor.
Apart from economic impacts, replacing humans with AI risks losing the expertise of individuals who drive business innovation and maintain valuable relationships.
In New York, 12 US copyright lawsuits against Openai and Microsoft have been consolidated, with authors and news outlets suing the companies for centralization.
According to a Transfer order from the U.S. Judicial Commission on Multi-District Litigation, centralization can help coordinate findings, streamline pretrial litigation, and eliminate inconsistent rulings.
Prominent authors like Ta-Nehisi Coates, Michael Chabon, Junot Díaz, and comedian Sarah Silverman brought the incident to California, but it will now be moved to New York to join news outlets such as The New York Times. Other authors like John Grisham, George Sounders, Jonathan Franzen, and Jody Picoll are also involved in the lawsuits.
Although most plaintiffs opposed the merger, the transfer order addresses factual questions related to allegations that Openai and Microsoft used copyrighted works without consent to train large-scale language models (LLM) for AI products like Openai’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s copylot.
Openai initially proposed consolidating the cases in Northern California, but the Judiciary Committee moved them to the Southern District of New York for the convenience of parties and witnesses and to ensure a fair and efficient conduct of the case.
High-tech companies argue that using copyrighted works to train AI falls under the doctrine of “fair use,” but many plaintiffs, including authors and news outlets, believe otherwise.
An Openai spokesperson welcomed the development, stating that they train on publicly available data to support innovation. On the other hand, a lawyer representing Daily News looks forward to proving in court that Microsoft and Openai have infringed on their copyrights.
Some of the authors suing Openai have also filed suits against meta for copyright infringement in AI model training. Court filings in January revealed allegations against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for approving the use of copyrighted materials in AI training.
Amazon recently announced a new Kindle feature called “Recaps” that uses AI to generate summaries of books for readers. While the company sees it as a convenience for readers, some users have raised concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated summaries.
The UK government is addressing peer and labor concerns about copyright proposals, and companies are being urged to assess the economic impact of their AI plans.
But since then, the tech giant has been increasingly burning from researchers who say it’s not doing something of a kind. “My impression is that the response of the expert physics community is overwhelmingly negative. Personally, people are just furious.” Sergei Frolov at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Microsoft’s claim is based on an elusive, exotic quasiparticle called Majorana Zero Modes (MZMS). These can theoretically be used to create topological kibits, new types of qubits, i.e. components of information processing within quantum computers. Due to their unique properties, such qubits can be excellent at reducing errors and can address the major drawbacks of all quantum computers used today.
MZM is theorized to emerge from the collective behavior of electrons at the edges of thin superconducting wires. Microsoft’s new Majorana 1 chip contains some such wires, and according to the company it contains enough MZM to create eight topological maize. A Microsoft spokesperson said New Scientist Chip was a “big breakthrough for us and the industry.”
However, researchers say Microsoft does not provide sufficient evidence to support these claims. In addition to the press release, the company published its paper in the journal Nature He said the results confirmed the results. ” Nature The papermark shows a peer-reviewed confirmation that not only did Microsoft have been able to create majorana particles, but it also helps protect quantum information from random interference, but also allows for reliable measurement of information from that information. A Microsoft press release said.
But the editor Nature It explicitly made it clear that this statement was incorrect. A published report on the Peer-Review process states, “The editorial team wants to point out that the results of this manuscript do not represent evidence of the existence of Majorana Zero Mode in the device on which it was reported.”
In other words, Microsoft and Nature They are directly contradictory to each other. “The press release says something completely different [than the Nature paper]” I say Henry Legg At St Andrews University, UK.
This is not just an unorthodox aspect of Microsoft’s papers. Legg points out that two of the four peer reviewers initially gave rather critical and negative feedback. The peer review report shows that by the final round of editing, one reviewer still opposed the publication of the paper, and three others registered with it. spokesman for Nature I said New Scientist The ultimate decision to publish it came down to the possibilities we saw for future experiments with MZM on Microsoft devices.
Also, one of the reviewers is rare. Hao Chang Legg says that at China’s University of Tsingea, previously collaborated on MICSOFT and MZM research. The work published in Nature In 2018, it was later withdrawn, and the team apologized, “.” Scientific rigor is insufficient” After other researchers have identified inconsistencies in the results. “That’s very shocking Nature You can choose the judge who retracted the paper just a few years ago,” says Legg.
Chang says there was no conflict of interest. “I wasn’t an employee at Microsoft either. [the firm]. Of the more than 100 authors of Microsoft Paper recently, I have worked with three before,” he says. “It was seven years ago, but back then they were Tu Delft students. [in the Netherlands]not an employee of Microsoft. “
Microsoft says the team wasn’t involved in the selection of reviewers and was not aware of Zhang’s participation until the review process was completed. Nature The decision was based on a spokesman who said, “The quality of the advice received can be seen from the reviewer’s comments.”
Looking at the issue, both Leg and Frolov are making more fundamental challenges to Microsoft’s methodology. Experiments using MZM have proven extremely difficult to perform over the past decades. This is because imperfections and obstacles within the device can produce false signals that mimic quasiparticles even if they are not present. This was a challenge for researchers related to Microsoft, including the withdrawn 2018 paper. The withdrawal notice explicitly refers to new insights into the impact of the failure. To address this, Microsoft has been working on 2023. The procedure has been published in the journal Physical Review b It was called the “Topology Gap Protocol” and claimed to tease these differences.
“The whole idea of this protocol was that it was a binary test of whether Mallorna is there,” says Legg. His Unique analysis of code and data However, Microsoft implemented the protocol in 2023, which showed that it was less reliable than expected and changing the format of the data is sufficient to turn the failure into a path. Legg says he raised these issues with Microsoft before its publication. Nature Paper, yet the company was using protocols in new research.
NatureA spokesman for the journal’s editorial team “are aware that some people are questioning the effectiveness of the topology gap protocol used.” Nature Paper and other publications. This was an issue that we were also aware of during the peer review process. “Through the process, the reviewer determined that this was not an important issue at the end of the day, the spokesman said.
Microsoft says it will respond to leg analysis of the 2023 paper. Physics Review B. “Criticism can be summarised as a leg that will build a false strooger for our paper and attack it,” said Microsoft’s Chetan Nayak. He challenged some points to Legg’s work, saying that the 2023 paper “showed that we can confidently create topology phases and Mayorana Zero modes,” and the new paper only strengthens those claims.
A Microsoft spokesperson said: Nature The paper was submitted for review and the company built on its confidence and not only created multi-kut chips, but also tested how to operate these kitz as needed for a working topological quantum computer. The company will release more details at the American Physics Society’s Global Physics Summit in March, the spokesman said. “We look forward to sharing our results and transforming our 20+ year vision of quantum computing into a concrete reality, along with the additional data behind science.”
But for Frolov, the assertion that incomplete results from the past can be ignored as the company is trying to build a more sophisticated device lies in false logic. Legg shares this view. “The fundamental issues of obstacles and materials science don’t go away just because we start manufacturing more fancy devices,” he says.
According to the UK boss of Microsoft, some companies are “neutral” in their approach to artificial intelligence.
A Microsoft survey of almost 1,500 senior leaders in public and private sectors and 1,440 employees revealed that more than half of executives believe their organization does not have official AI plans. Nearly the same percentage reported increased productivity gaps between employees using AI and those who do not.
“Some organizations seem to be stuck in the experimental phase and remain in neutral rather than moving towards deployment of AI,” said Darren Hardman, the UK CEO of high-tech companies.
Microsoft, a major financial supporter of Openai, the developer of ChatGPT, is driving AI deployment in the workplace through autonomous AI agents. These agents allow tasks to be performed without human intervention. Early adopters of Microsoft’s Copilot Studio products, which operate bots, include the consulting company McKinsey. McKinsey uses agents to schedule meetings with potential clients.
The Tony Blair Institute estimates that AI could create up to 3 million jobs in the UK, but also anticipates net job losses in the hundreds of thousands as technology creates new roles. Hardman mentioned to the Guardian that AI agents would eliminate the tedious digital tasks from people’s work, allowing them to focus on the creative aspects of their roles.
In terms of creating new roles in retail stores, such as data analysts, web designers, and social media managers, he stated: “And I think that the creation of agency workplaces will do the same thing.”
Hardman also mentioned proposed reforms to UK copyright law, which have faced opposition from the UK’s creative industry.
He said: “We believe it would bring clarity. I think it will support AI development.”
The UK government is proposing that tech companies like Microsoft can utilize copyrighted work without permission to train models. Critics of the proposal see it as a “wholesale” transfer of wealth from the creative industry to the technology sector.
In other news, the former CEO of BP, Bernard Looney, has been appointed as the chairman of a UK technology startup. Looney departed the oil and gas company in 2023 after admitting to not fully disclosing a series of personal relationships with colleagues to the board.
He has been appointed to accelerate the expansion of data so that small and medium-sized businesses can utilize data to reduce costs and emissions.
Microsoft’s artificial intelligence models can replicate realistic video game footage the company says will help designers create games, but experts are not convinced that the tool will help most game developers. yeah.
Neural networks that can generate consistent, accurate footage from video games are nothing new. A recent Google-created AI produced a fully playable version of a classic computer game destiny No access to the underlying game engine. original destiny, However, it was released in 1993. More modern games are more complex with sophisticated physics and computationally intensive graphics, and have proven difficult for AIS to faithfully replicate.
now, Katja Hofmann Microsoft Research and her colleagues developed an AI model called Muse. This allows you to recreate the complete sequence of multiplayer online battle games Bleeding edge. These sequences follow the physics that underlie the game, and appear to keep players and in-game objects consistent over time. This means that the model has a deeper understanding of the game, says Hofmann.
The Muse is trained with seven years of human gameplay data, including both controllers and video footage. Bleeding EdgeNinja Studios is a Microsoft-owned developer. It works similarly to large language models such as ChatGpt. If given input, it imposes predicting the next gameplay in the form of video game frames and their associated controller actions. “To this day, for me, it’s a very moving thing to me, purely from training models to predict what will come next. I learn a sophisticated and deep understanding of this complex 3D environment,” Hoffman said. I say it.
To understand how people use AI tools like Muse, the team researched game developers and learned which features would be useful. As a result, researchers added the ability to repeatedly adjust changes made on the spot, such as changes to player characters or new objects entering the scene. This could help you come up with new ideas and try out what-if scenarios for developers, says Hofmann.
However, the muse is still limited to generating sequences within the original boundaries Bleeding Edge Games – Can’t come up with new concepts or designs. And I say it’s unclear whether this is a model-specific limitation or something that can be overcome with more training data from other games. Mike Cook King’s College London. “This is a long way from the idea that AI systems can design their own games.”
The ability to generate consistent gameplay sequences is impressive, but developers may prefer greater control, says Cook. “If you create a tool that is actually testing the game code itself, you don’t have to worry about persistence or consistency because you’re running the actual game. So these are introduced by generative AI itself. It’s solving the problem.”
It is promised that the model is designed with developers in mind, he says Georgios Yannakakis The Digital Games Institute at the University of Malta may not be feasible for most developers who don’t have that much training data. “Does that come down to the question of it being worth it?” says Yannakakis. “Microsoft has been collecting data for seven years and training these models to demonstrate what they can actually do. But real game studios can afford it. [to do] this? “
Even Microsoft itself is vague about whether AI-designed games could be on the horizon. When asked if there was a possibility that developers in the Xbox gaming division would use the tool, the company declined to comment.
Hofmann and her team hope that future versions of Muse can generalize beyond training data, but they can create new scenarios and levels for the games they are trained to work in a variety of games. I hope that I can do it. Challenge is because modern games are very complicated.
“One way games distinguish themselves is by changing the system and introducing new concept-level ideas. So machine learning systems go outside of their training data and go beyond what they see. It’s extremely difficult to innovate and invent,” he says.
Donald Trump has implied that Microsoft is in discussions with Tactoku and he is hoping for a bidding war on apps.
In response to whether Microsoft was considering acquiring an app, the US President stated, “I will say Jesus,” and added, “I have a lot of interest in Tiktok. Tactoku is of great interest.”
Microsoft, Tiktok, and Bytedance did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comments outside of regular business hours following the US President’s remarks on Air Force 1 on Monday.
The reported remarks mark the second attempt to acquire Tiktok. During his first term, Trump had ordered Tactoku to divest its US operations citing national security concerns.
Microsoft emerged as a top bidder in 2020, but the negotiations quickly fell apart, and Trump’s push for the sale ended a few months later.
Tactoku, with approximately 170 million American users, faced an injunction from the Chinese owners to either comply with national security measures or face a ban on January 19. Shortly before this, the app was temporarily taken offline earlier this month.
Upon taking office on January 20, Trump signed a presidential order to delay the enforcement of the injunction by 75 days.
Last week, Trump revealed that he had discussed the purchase of Tactoku with multiple parties and would likely make a decision on the fate of the popular app within 30 days.
The US President had previously stated that he would be open to a sale of the Social Media App to the CEO of Tesla if interested, although Elon Musk has not publicly responded to Trump’s offer.
Recently, on Sunday, AI startup Perplexity AI proposed a merger with Tiktok. The US government informed Reuters on Sunday that it had invested in the future of the new company.
In 2021, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described Tiktok as “the oddest thing I’ve worked on.”
He mentioned to the US government, “There are specific requirements and then just disappear.”
Google and Microsoft each contributed $1 million to President Donald Trump’s Inaugural Fund, along with companies like Amazon, Meta, OpenAI, and Uber.
“Google is supporting the 2025 Inauguration with a live stream on YouTube and a direct link to the homepage. We are also donating to the inaugural committee,” said Google Government Affairs & Public Policy global head Karan Bhatia in a statement to the Guardian on Thursday.
Google made the donation on Monday, as reported by CNBC. Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda mentioned that the company had previously donated to the Inauguration Fund and hosted a livestream of the inauguration.
Microsoft confirmed its $1 million donation to President Trump’s inaugural fund in a statement to Bloomberg on Thursday. The company had also donated to Trump’s 2017 inauguration and Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration.
Many other major companies made significant donations to President Trump’s inaugural fund last month, including Toyota, Uber, Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI.
These donations helped raise funds for President Trump’s inaugural committee, which received a $170 million donation. This appears to be an attempt by tech giants to gain favor with President Trump for his second term in office.
President Trump’s relationship with big tech companies has been contentious, but as his inauguration approaches, there seems to be a shift in tone from both parties.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai criticized the January 6 riot and praised President Trump’s victory. President Trump also noted a change in attitude towards him from various tech companies.
Mark Zuckerberg of Meta Inc. announced changes in the company’s approach to fact-checking and censorship, aiming to reduce censorship and recommend more political content across their platforms.
Experts believe that contributing to Trump’s inauguration is a way for tech companies to gain support from the new administration and avoid being targeted by President Trump in the future.
Two Microsoft employees, recently terminated for organizing a vigil in memory of slain Palestinians in Gaza, allege that their dismissal was a form of retaliation by the company for their pro-Palestinian stance.
Abd Mohamed, a researcher and data scientist, along with Hossam Nasr, a software engineer, orchestrated the vigil outside Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington headquarters on October 24th, only to be fired later that evening.
Nasr voiced, “Microsoft caved to internal and external pressures to retaliate by terminating my employment and shutting down events. It wasn’t due to policy infractions, but simply because we dared to humanize Palestinians and challenge Microsoft’s association with a military accused of genocide.” Nasr’s show of support for Palestine has garnered attention on social media and employee communication platforms within Microsoft.
Both individuals were part of No Azure for Apartheid, a group within Microsoft advocating against the sale of the company’s cloud computing technology to Israel.
The group is urging Microsoft to terminate all Azure contracts and partnerships with Israel, demand a cease-fire in the Gaza conflict, and uphold the freedom of speech for employees.
Microsoft refuted claims that the dismissals were related to activism. A company spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional work environment while ensuring compliance with policy and behavioral expectations.
Mohamed and Nasr contest the notion that the vigil was disruptive or violated Microsoft’s policies. They assert that the event was conducted to raise funds for humanitarian efforts in Gaza and followed standard procedures for employee charity events.
More than 200 employees participated in the vigil, either in person or virtually, as reported by There is no azure in apartheid.
Nasr and Mohamed maintain that they had engaged with Microsoft beforehand to address any concerns about the vigil, which was an act of remembrance for Palestinian lives lost in the conflict and to spotlight Microsoft’s ties with Israel.
At the time, Nasr received a call from Microsoft at 9 p.m. on October 24, although groups had announced his termination on social media earlier.
The No Azure for Apartheid group views the terminations as retaliatory and accuses Microsoft of intimidating Palestinian voices. They seek reinstatement and clarification on the premature disclosure of the dismissals.
“I’m a boring guy,” says Mike Erwin, an energy management consultant based in Warrington. “My friends think it’s crazy how much I use Microsoft Excel, but it’s a very useful tool.”
Erwin, 56, has been using Excel to organize his life for years, from mapping his finances to plotting medical test results to monitoring his home’s energy usage. When his son was born in 2007, he created a spreadsheet of his feeding schedule.
“We were recording the feeding time and the amount of milk, and calculating when we could fall asleep.” None of this data was very helpful, “but then I felt better.” added Erwin.
Still, he’s an evangelist about Excel. “I have charts from 10 years ago,” he says. “Some of my friends have Mickeys, and now they’re starting to use them to plan their vacations.”
Erwin is one of dozens of people who responded to an online call for loveExcel has celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Many people have found uses for the software that were probably not intended by the developers.
“I grew up with it,” says John Severn, 35, Mansfield’s marketing director. “When I was 11, I couldn’t afford Warhammer models, so I wrote the names of the models in Excel and printed them out and did elf-dwarf battles on the cheap.”
John Severn playing a board game (not generated by Excel). Photo: Guardian Community
Mr. Severn’s innovations puzzled some opponents. The Warhammer tabletop game is meant to be played with intricately painted models rather than a labeled grid.
“The children of my mother’s wealthy friends weren’t very keen,” he says. “They had spent a lot of money getting some beautifully painted models and they were laying them out on a table with landscapes. And what I brought in was basically a square piece of paper. .”
Although Severn has graduated from being a model soldier, he still plays Warhammer. “I still don’t like drawing.”
For Lucy, 41, Excel proved useful in a long-distance relationship when her partner moved from London to Macclesfield in 2010.
“I love Excel,” she says. “I devised a spreadsheet to track trains and fares. I lived in London and traveled every weekend in shifts for 18 months. We split the cost so that higher income earners pay proportionately more.”
Lucy admits how “unromantic” this sounds. But “this is very convenient and we are more inclined to share money. Now we have children and we have bought a house. Excel is working with the administrator on this matter. They supported me.”
Excel played a role in helping London civil servant Luke name his two sons. “My wife and I were talking about baby names, and at one point we pasted the list of names into a spreadsheet called Names for Baby V.1.xlsx.”
He shared the spreadsheet with his office in hopes that his colleagues would find inspiration. “I remember there was a good push for Frederick and Maximilian, and Optimus Prime and Herodotus were also added,” he says. “The Russian wife liked Igor and Ivan.''
Luke and his wife ultimately did not accept his colleague’s idea at all. But I created a separate spreadsheet for my younger son. “His name came from a suggestion from a colleague I met at a drinking party at work. But it also tested very well with Names for Baby V.2.xlsx,” he added.
Nick Owen of Lincoln took that enthusiasm a step further by featuring Excel as the centerpiece of his 2019 wedding.
“We wanted to get as many friends together as possible and we managed to get 250 people together,” says Owen, 68. Since there were so many guests, he decided to appoint seven talented men to help plan the day.
Nick Owen wedding t-shirt. His spreadsheet is printed on the back. Photo: Guardian Community
“I call them the ‘Magnificent Seven,’ and they each had a different role.” These jobs include rings, meals, speeches, and drinks. “I diligently created a spreadsheet of what everyone had done that day with little crosses in cells for each hour.I went through all of this with them the night before. “There was some resistance,” he says.
“It was April in Cumbria and the weather was poor for a few weeks leading up to the wedding day. But miraculously the clouds parted, the sun shone and my wedding spreadsheet worked. ”
To remember that day, Owen printed T-shirts for his men. “They had a picture of Yul Brynner.” [from the Magnificent Seven film] It has a photo of my spreadsheet on the front and on the back. ”
In its latest quarterly earnings report, Microsoft exceeded analysts’ expectations by reporting a 15% increase in revenue year over year on Tuesday. However, growth in Azure, the company’s flagship cloud-computing service, fell short, leading to a 7% drop in Microsoft shares during after-hours trading.
Expectations for solid growth in the fourth-quarter earnings report were high, especially driven by cloud services with predicted revenue growth of 29%, which was expected to be between 30% and 31%. This led to a decline in stock prices for major technology companies due to recent market challenges.
During the Microsoft Earnings Report, CEO Satya Nadella aimed to instill confidence in the company’s performance.
Nadella stated in the earnings call, “This year’s strong performance demonstrates our innovation and the ongoing trust our customers have in Microsoft. As a platform company, we prioritize meeting our customers’ mission-critical needs at scale while leading in the AI era.”
Microsoft’s significant investments in artificial intelligence in recent years reflect a strategic move to dominate the tech industry with AI-enabled services. Backing ChatGPT developer OpenAI solidifies Microsoft’s position as a key player in commercializing generative AI.
Despite the growing questions surrounding the revenue potential of big tech companies’ pivot to AI, other factors like speculation about a Federal Reserve rate cut have helped calm investors as enthusiasm for big tech fades after a period of rising stock prices driven by AI optimism.
Microsoft faced challenges this month amid a global technology outage caused by a flawed software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike affecting Windows systems. An unrelated outage on Microsoft’s Azure cloud service on Tuesday also caused network connectivity issues in multiple countries.
According to insurers, a global technology outage caused by a faulty CrowdStrike update is estimated to cost Fortune 500 companies in the United States $5.4 billion. Cybersecurity companies have pledged to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The projected economic losses do not factor in tech giant Microsoft, which experienced widespread system outages during the event.
Banking, healthcare, and major airlines are anticipated to bear the brunt of the impact, as reported by insurance company Parametric. Total insured losses for Fortune 500 companies, excluding Microsoft, are estimated to range between $540 million and $1.08 billion.
The CrowdStrike outage led to the disruption of thousands of flights, hospitals, and payment systems, marking it as the largest IT outage in history. Companies across industries are still struggling to recover from the damages. This incident exposed the fragility of modern technology systems, where a single faulty update can halt operations globally.
CrowdStrike, a Texas-based cybersecurity company worth billions, has seen a 22% drop in its shares since the outage. It has apologized for causing the tech crisis and has released a report detailing the issues with the update.
The root cause of the outage was an update pushed to CrowdStrike’s Falcon platform, a cloud-based service aimed at protecting businesses from cyber threats. The update contained a bug that resulted in 8.5 million Windows machines crashing simultaneously.
CrowdStrike has committed to conducting more thorough testing of its software before updates and implementing staged updates to prevent similar widespread outages in the future. It also plans to provide a more detailed report on the outage’s causes in the upcoming weeks.
As one of the largest cybersecurity companies globally, valued at around $83 billion prior to the outage, CrowdStrike serves many Fortune 1000 companies worldwide. The impact of the failed update was substantial due to its broad reach, underscoring how heavily reliant companies are on similar products for their operations.
Several companies continue to face challenges in recovering from the outage, with Delta Air Lines still experiencing disruptions after canceling or rescheduling numerous flights. This situation has left frustrated passengers stranded. Panicked Parents Delta Air Lines has launched an investigation into reaching the affected children, and the U.S. Department of Transportation is investigating its handling of the matter.
An extensive number of the 8.5 million devices affected by the recent global IT outage have been restored online, as reported by the cybersecurity company involved in the incident.
CrowdStrike mentioned that they are currently experimenting with technology to expedite the rebooting process of systems, while experts caution that recovering fully from the IT outage last Friday might take several weeks.
During the incident, numerous flights were canceled, broadcasters went off-air, medical appointments were disrupted, and countless PCs failed to boot after a CrowdStrike software update unintentionally caused devices using the Microsoft Windows OS to malfunction.
CrowdStrike posted updates on social media outlining the progress in resolving the glitch. According to an expert, this incident caused “the biggest IT outage in history.”
The US company stated, “A substantial number of the roughly 8.5 million Windows devices affected are now operational and back online.”
CrowdStrike remains focused on restoring all systems as quickly as possible, and of the approximately 8.5 million affected Windows devices, a significant number are back online and operational.
Working with our customers, we tested new techniques to accelerate the affected areas…
CrowdStrike mentioned ongoing tests for new methods to speed up the repair process of impacted systems, aiming to make this technology accessible to businesses and organizations.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister confirmed that CrowdStrike plans to implement an automated fix similar to Microsoft’s to address this issue in an upcoming update.
Experts cautioned that affected computers might require manual repairs and could face prolonged restoration times since the outage.
Over 1,500 flights were canceled in the US for a third consecutive day, with Delta Airlines in Atlanta particularly struggling, while 45 flights were canceled in the UK on Saturday.
Ed Bastian, the CEO of Delta Air Lines, stated that critical applications within the airline’s IT systems were impacted by the issue. He mentioned that crew tracking-related tools were affected, causing difficulty in managing the high number of changes due to the outage.
Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, canceled 400 flights over the weekend primarily due to an IT issue.
NHS England in the UK issued warnings about potential delays as they work on restoring the health service from the outage. They advised patients with appointments to attend unless instructed otherwise.
The British Medical Association mentioned that regular GP services might not resume immediately due to significant IT-related delays.
An NHS spokesperson stated, “The system is back online now, and with the dedicated efforts of NHS staff, we hope to minimize any further disruptions. However, please expect some delays as services are being restored, especially with GPs needing to reschedule appointments.”
Pharmacy services in the UK are anticipated to be slower than usual as the recovery process continues.
Nick Kaye, president of the National Pharmacists Association, urged customers to be patient as local pharmacies work through the backlog of prescriptions caused by the IT outage last week.
Amid regulator scrutiny over big tech companies’ relationships with artificial intelligence startups, Microsoft is stepping down from its observer role on OpenAI’s board, and Apple will no longer appoint executives to similar positions.
Microsoft, the primary funder of ChatGPT developer, announced its resignation in a letter to the startup, as reported by the Financial Times. The company stated that the resignation, as a mere observer with no voting rights on board decisions, is effective immediately.
Microsoft highlighted the progress made by the new OpenAI board post the eventful departure and reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman last year. The company mentioned that OpenAI is heading in the right direction by emphasizing safety and nurturing a positive work culture.
“Considering these developments, we feel that our limited observer role is no longer essential,” stated Microsoft, which has invested $13 billion (£10.2 billion) in OpenAI.
However, Microsoft reportedly believed that its observer role raised concerns among competition regulators. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority is reviewing whether the deal equated to an “acquisition of control,” while the US Federal Trade Commission is also investigating View Partnerships.
While the European Commission opted out of a formal merger review regarding Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI, it is examining exclusivity clauses in the contract between the two entities.
An OpenAI spokesperson mentioned that the startup is adopting a new strategy to engage key partners like Microsoft, Apple, and other investors on a regular basis to strengthen alignment on safety and security.
As part of this new approach, OpenAI will no longer have an observer on the board, meaning Apple will also not have a similar role. Reports had surfaced earlier this month about Apple intending to include App Store head Phil Schiller on its board, but no comment has been received from Apple.
Regulatory scrutiny has intensified on investments in AI startups. The FTC is investigating OpenAI and Microsoft, along with Anthropic, the creator of the Claude chatbot, and their collaborations with tech giants Google and Amazon. In the UK, the CMA is looking into Amazon’s partnership with Anthropic, as well as Microsoft’s ties with Mistral and Inflection AI.
Alex Hafner, a partner at British law firm Fladgate, indicated that Microsoft’s decision seemed to be impacted by the regulatory landscape.
“It’s evident that regulators are closely monitoring the intricate relationships between big tech firms and AI providers, prompting Microsoft and others to rethink how they structure these arrangements in the future,” he commented.
The latest Surface tablet from Microsoft is expected to bring significant improvements, moving beyond just being faster, quieter, and more efficient. The key change is the switch to an Arm-based processor at its core.
This shift to Arm chips is not new for Microsoft, but this particular machine, the Surface Pro 11, has been touted as the most successful one yet, outperforming its predecessors like the Surface Pro X from 2020 and Surface Pro 9 5G from last year.
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chipset, the Surface Pro 11 offers improved performance and efficiency. While the new Arm chips offer advantages, there are still some compromises in terms of software and accessories.
The exterior of the new Surface Pro remains largely unchanged from its predecessor. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Despite the new chip, the Surface Pro 11 retains key features that made its predecessor successful, including a robust built-in kickstand, high-quality aluminum frame, improved speakers, and faster Windows Hello facial recognition. The 13-inch OLED display on the high-end model is top-notch, offering an exceptional viewing experience.
However, the Surface Pro 11 comes at a premium price, starting at £1,049 (€1,199/$999/AU$1,899) without the keyboard. The higher-end model with an OLED screen and faster Snapdragon X Elite chip is even pricier, starting at £1,549 (€1,799/$1,499/AU$2,699).
The Flex Keyboard continues to function even when detached, offering versatility for users. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Surface Pro 11 works well as a tablet, but a detachable keyboard is essential for maximizing its potential as a laptop. Microsoft offers various keyboard options, including the high-end Flex keyboard priced at £340.
Specification
Screen: 13″ LCD or OLED 2880×1920 (267 PPI) 120Hz
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite
RAM: 16 or 32 GB
Storage: 256, 512GB or 1TB
Graphics: Qualcomm Adreno
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Camera: 10.5MP rear, 12.2MP front, Windows Hello
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2 x USB-4, Surface Connect
Size: 287 x 209 x 9.3mm
Weight: 895g (without keyboard)
Snapdragon Power
The tablet includes two USB4 ports and a Surface Connect port for charging and accessories, but lacks a headphone jack. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The transition to the Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite chip offers improved efficiency and performance over traditional Intel chips. Performance comparisons have shown promising results, with the Surface Pro 11 performing on par with top Intel chips and Apple’s M1.
In everyday use, the Surface Pro 11 is fast and responsive, running quietly most of the time. Battery life is comparable to its Intel-powered predecessor, lasting around 8 hours. However, under heavy workloads, the Surface Pro 11 with Snapdragon X Elite chip offers better battery life.
While many apps have been updated to work well on the new chip, there are still compatibility issues for some legacy software, resulting in slower performance. Additionally, certain Windows apps and games may not work at all on the new system, highlighting the need for further updates from software developers.
Paint’s Cocreator uses AI to enhance manual drawing, helping you turn rough outlines into impressive works of art. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Surface Pro 11 also introduces new AI tools from Microsoft, such as Paint’s Cocreator system, offering unique creative capabilities. While these features add value, some AI functions may be limited by current implementation.
Sustainability
The tablet’s removable SSD is accessible through a small door on the back. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Surface Pro 11 demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability, with 72% recycled materials incorporated into its design, including aluminum and rare earth metals. The company also offers repair services and recycling programs for old devices, contributing to a more environmentally-friendly approach.
Price
Starting prices for the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 range from £1,049 (€1,199/$999/AU$1,899) for the base model with Snapdragon X Plus and an LCD screen. The higher-end model with Snapdragon X Elite and an OLED screen starts at £1,549 (€1,799/$1,499/AU$2,699).
Keyboard options are available starting at £139.99 (€159.99 / $139.99 / AU$239.95), with the premium Flex keyboard priced at £340.
Verdict
The Surface Pro 11 raises the bar for Arm-based Windows tablets, offering a sleek, powerful, and quiet device. However, app compatibility remains a crucial factor in determining the overall user experience.
While the performance is commendable, the Surface Pro 11 falls short in delivering promised battery life improvements. The premium features like the OLED screen and Flex keyboard come at a steep price, which may deter some potential buyers.
Although Arm chips show promise for lightweight devices, issues with app compatibility and AI features indicate that there’s still work to be done to fully embrace this technology.
Cons: High price, lack of included keyboard, app and accessory compatibility issues with Arm chips, absence of USB-A port, microSD card slot, or headphone jack, underwhelming AI features.
If you want evidence of Microsoft’s progress towards its environmental “moonshot” goals, look closer to Earth to a construction site on an industrial estate in west London. The company’s Park Royal data center is part of the company’s efforts to drive the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), but its ambitions are The goal is to become carbon negative by 2030. Microsoft says the center will be run entirely on renewable energy, but construction of the data center and the servers it will house will contribute to the company’s Scope 3 emissions (CO2)2. These relate to the electricity people use when using building materials or products like the Xbox. 30% increase from 2020. As a result, the company is exceeding its overall emissions target by roughly the same percentage.
This week, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates argued that AI can help fight climate change because big tech companies are “seriously willing” to pay extra to use clean sources of electricity so they can “say they’re using green energy.” In the short term, AI poses a problem for Microsoft’s environmental goals. Microsoft’s outspoken president, Brad Smith, once called the company’s carbon-reduction ambitions a “moonshot.” In May, he stretched that metaphor to its limits and said that the company’s AI strategy has “moved the moon” for it. It plans to spend £2.5bn over the next three years to expand its AI data center infrastructure in the UK, and has announced new data center projects around the world this year, including in the US, Japan, Spain, and Germany.
Training and running the AI models underlying products like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini uses significant amounts of electricity to power and cool the associated hardware, plus carbon is generated by manufacturing and transporting the associated equipment. “This is a technology that will increase energy consumption,” said Alex de Vries, founder of DigiConomist, a website that tracks the environmental impact of new technologies. The International Energy Agency estimates that the total electricity consumption of data centers is Doubling from 2022 levels to 1,000 TWh (terawatt hours) in 2026. This is equivalent to Japan’s energy demand. With AI, data centers 4.5% of world energy production That will happen by 2030, according to calculations by research firm Semianalysis.
The environment has also been in the spotlight amid concerns about AI’s impact on jobs and human lifespan. Last week, the International Monetary Fund said governments should consider imposing carbon taxes to capture the environmental costs of AI, either through a general carbon tax that covers emissions from servers, or a specific tax on CO2.2 It is generated by the device. The big tech companies involved in AI (Meta, Google, Amazon, Microsoft) are seeking renewable energy sources to meet their climate change targets. Largest Corporate Buyer Renewable Energy I bought more than half The power output of offshore wind farms in Scotland, which Microsoft announced in May it would invest $10 billion (£7.9 billion) in. Renewable Energy Projects.
Google aims to run its data centers entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving our climate change goals,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who left the company in 2020 but retains a stake in the company through his Foundation, has argued that AI can directly help combat climate change. He said Thursday that any increase in electricity demand would be matched by new investments in green generation to more than offset usage. A recent UK government-backed report agreed, saying that “the carbon intensity of energy sources is an important variable in In calculating AI-related emissions, but adding that “a significant portion of AI training worldwide still relies on high-carbon sources such as coal and natural gas”. Water needed to cool servers is also an issue, A study It estimates that AI could account for up to 6.6 billion cubic meters of water use by 2027. Two thirds This is equivalent to the annual consumption of England.
De Vries argues that the pursuit of sustainable computing power will put a strain on demand for renewable energy, resulting in fossil fuels making up for shortfalls in other parts of the global economy. “Increasing energy consumption means there isn’t enough renewable energy to cover that increase,” he says. Data center server rooms consume large amounts of energy. Photo: i3D_VR/Getty Images/iStockphoto. NexGen Cloud, a UK company that provides sustainable cloud computing, says that in an industry that relies on data centers to provide IT services such as data storage and computing power over the internet, data centers could use renewable energy sources for AI-related computing if they were located away from urban areas and near hydroelectric or geothermal generation sources. “We are excited to join forces with NVIDIA to bring the power of cloud to the cloud,” said Youlian Tzanev, co-founder of NexGen Cloud.
“Until now, the industry standard has been to build around economic centers, not renewable energy sources.” This makes it even harder for AI-focused tech companies to meet their carbon emissions targets. Amazon, the world’s largest cloud computing provider, aims to be net zero (removing as much carbon as it emits) by 2040 and aims to source 100% of its global electricity usage from renewable energy by 2025. Google and Meta are also pursuing the same net zero goal by 2030. OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, uses Microsoft data centers to train and run its products.
There are two main ways that large-scale language models, the underlying technology behind chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, consume energy: The first is the training phase, where the model is fed huge amounts of data, often from the internet, to build up a statistical understanding of the language itself, which ultimately enables it to generate large numbers of compelling answers to queries. The initial energy costs of training an AI are astronomical, meaning that small businesses (and even smaller governments) that can’t afford to spend $100 million on training can’t compete in the field. But this cost pales in comparison to the cost of actually running the resulting models, a process called “inference.” According to Brent Till, an analyst at investment firm Jefferies, 90% of AI’s energy costs are in the inference stage – the power consumed when you ask an AI system to answer a factual question, summarize a chunk of text, or write an academic paper.
The power used for training and inference is delivered through a vast and growing digital infrastructure. Data centers contain thousands of servers built from the ground up for specific pieces of AI workloads. A single training server contains a central processing unit (CPU) that’s nearly as powerful as a computer’s, and dozens of specialized graphics processing units (GPUs) or tensor processing units (TPUs), microchips designed to speed up the vast amounts of simple calculations that make up AI models. When you use the chatbot, you watch it spit out answers word for word, powered by powerful GPUs that consume about a quarter of the power it takes to boil a kettle. All of this is hosted in a data center, whether owned by the AI provider itself or a third party. In the latter case, it’s sometimes called “the cloud,” a fancy name for someone else’s computer.
SemiAnalysis estimates that if generative AI were integrated into every Google search, it could consume 29.2 TWh of energy per year, roughly the annual consumption of Ireland, which would be prohibitively financial for the tech company, sparking speculation that Google may start charging for some of its AI tools. But some argue that focusing on the energy overhead of AI is the wrong way to think about it. Instead, think about the energy that new tools can save. A provocative paper published in Nature’s peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports earlier this year argued that AI creates a smaller carbon footprint when writing or illustrating text than humans. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine estimate that AI systems emit “130 to 1,500 times” less carbon dioxide per page of text than a human writer, and up to 2,900 times less carbon dioxide per image. Of course, there’s no word on what human authors and illustrators will do instead: redirect and retrain their workforce in other areas, e.g. Green Jobs – It could be another moonshot.
Microsoft, OpenAI and Nvidia are under increased scrutiny for their involvement in the artificial intelligence industry as U.S. regulators have reportedly agreed to investigate these companies.
The New York Times reported that the US Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have reached an agreement to investigate key players in the AI market, with the investigation expected to be completed within the next few days.
The Justice Department will lead an investigation into whether Nvidia, a leading chip maker for AI systems, has violated antitrust laws aimed at promoting fair competition and preventing monopolies, according to Wednesday’s NYT.
Meanwhile, the FTC will scrutinize OpenAI, the developer of the ChatGPT chatbot, and Microsoft, the largest investor in OpenAI and supporter of other AI companies.
The Wall Street Journal also reported on Thursday that the FTC is investigating whether Microsoft structured a recent deal with startup Inflection AI in a way to avoid antitrust scrutiny.
In March, Microsoft hired Mustafa Suleiman, CEO and co-founder of Inflexion, to lead its new AI division and agreed to pay the company $650 million to license its AI software.
The FTC has shown interest in the AI market before, ordering OpenAI, Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, and Anthropic to provide information on recent investments and partnerships involving generative AI companies and cloud service providers.
An investigation into OpenAI was launched last year based on allegations of consumer protection law violations related to personal data and reputations being at risk.
Jonathan Cantor, head of the Justice Department’s antitrust division, stated that the department will “urgently” investigate the AI sector to examine monopoly issues and the competitive landscape in technology.
Following a dry run of Taiwan’s presidential election this year, China is anticipated to disrupt elections in the United States, South Korea, and India with artificial intelligence-generated content, as warned by Microsoft.
The tech giant predicts that Chinese state-backed cyber groups will target high-profile elections in 2024, with North Korea also getting involved, according to a report released by the company’s threat intelligence team.
“As voters in India, South Korea, and the United States participate in elections, Chinese cyber and influence actors, along with North Korean cyber attack groups, are expected to influence these elections,” Microsoft mentioned.
Microsoft stated that China will create and distribute AI-generated content through social media to benefit positions in high-profile elections.
Although the immediate impact of AI-generated content seems low in swaying audiences, China is increasingly experimenting with enhancing memes, videos, and audio, potentially being effective in the future.
During Taiwan’s presidential election in January, China attempted an AI-powered disinformation campaign for the first time to influence a foreign election, Microsoft reported.
The Beijing-backed group Storm 1376, also known as Spamoflage or Dragonbridge, heavily influenced Taiwan’s elections with AI-generated content spreading false information about candidates.
Chinese groups are also engaged in influencing operations in the United States, with Chinese government-backed actors using social media to probe divisive issues among American voters.
In a blog post, Microsoft stated, “This may be to collect intelligence and obtain accurate information on key voting demographics ahead of the US presidential election.”
The report coincides with a White House board’s announcement of a Chinese cyber operator infiltrating US officials’ email accounts due to errors made by Microsoft, as well as accusations of Chinese-backed hackers conducting cyberattacks targeting various entities in the US and UK.
A review board appointed by the Biden administration criticized Microsoft for its poor security and lack of transparency, stating that a series of mistakes by the tech giant allowed Chinese cyber operators to infiltrate the U.S. Department of Commerce and other entities, including accessing the email account of a senior official, Gina Raimondo.
The Cybersecurity Review Board, created in 2021, highlighted Microsoft’s sloppy cybersecurity practices, lax corporate culture, and dishonesty about targeted breaches affecting U.S. government agencies due to its business dealings with China.
The report concluded that Microsoft’s security culture is insufficient and needs a major overhaul due to the critical role its products play in national security, economic infrastructure, and public safety.
The committee blamed the breach on a chain of avoidable mistakes and recommended that Microsoft focus on improving security before adding new features to its cloud computing environment.
Microsoft’s CEO and board of directors were urged to publicly share a plan for fundamental security changes, emphasizing the need for a rapid cultural shift within the company.
Microsoft responded by saying it will enhance its systems against cyber attacks and implement stronger measures to detect and defeat malicious forces.
The report revealed that state-sponsored Chinese hackers breached the Microsoft Exchange Online emails of various organizations and individuals, showing the severity and reach of the security breach.
The board also raised concerns about another hack by state-sponsored Russian hackers targeting senior Microsoft executives and customers due to the company’s deprioritization of security investments and risk management.
Microsoft acknowledged the need for a new culture of security within its network and committed to improving infrastructure and processes to prevent future breaches.
Microsoft and quantum computing company Quantinuum claim to have developed a quantum computer with unprecedented levels of reliability. The ability to correct its own errors could be a step toward more practical quantum computers in the near future.
“What we did here gave me goosebumps. We showed that error correction is reproducible, works, and is reliable.” Krista Svoir At Microsoft.
Experts have long expected the arrival of practical quantum computers that can complete calculations too complex for traditional computers. Although quantum computers have steadily grown larger and more complex, this prediction has not yet been fully realized. One big reason for this is that all modern quantum computers are subject to errors, and researchers have found that it is technically difficult to implement algorithms to detect and correct errors during calculations. That’s it.
The new experiment could be an important step toward overcoming this error problem. The researchers say that on his H2 quantum processor at Quantinuum, he ran more than 14,000 individual calculation routines without making a single error.
Errors occur even in classical computers, but error correction can be coded into programs by creating backup copies of the information being processed. This approach is not possible with quantum computing because quantum information cannot be copied. Instead, researchers distributed it across a group of connected qubits, or qubits, creating what are known as logical qubits. Microsoft and the Quantinuum team created four of these logical qubits using 30 qubits.
Svore said a process developed by Microsoft was used to generate these logical qubits, allowing them to run error-free, or fault-tolerant, experiments repeatedly. Typically, individual qubits are easily disturbed, but at the level of logical qubits, researchers were able to repeatedly detect and correct errors.
The approach was so successful, they say, that four logical qubits produced only 0.125 percent of the errors that would occur if 30 qubits were left ungrouped. This means that ungrouped qubits generate as many as 800 errors for every one error generated by a logical qubit.
“Having a logical error rate that is 800 times lower than that of physical qubits is a huge advance in the field and brings us one step closer to fault-tolerant quantum computing,” he said. says. mark suffman from the University of Wisconsin was not involved in the experiment.
jennifer strobley Quantinuum said the team’s hardware is well-suited for new experiments because it provides advanced control over qubits and quantum computers have already achieved some of the lowest error rates ever. .
In 2023, a team of Harvard University researchers and their colleagues, including members of the quantum computing startup QuEra, broke the record for the largest number of logical qubits at once, 48. This is much more than his four logical qubits in the new device. But Strabley said the new device requires fewer physical qubits for each logical qubit, and the logical qubits have fewer errors than the one built by the Harvard team. “We used significantly fewer physical qubits and got better results,” she says.
However, some experts new scientist Without details about the experiment, researchers were not yet ready to qualify this new research as a breakthrough in quantum error correction.
It is generally believed that only quantum computers with more than 100 logical qubits can actually tackle scientifically and socially relevant problems in fields such as chemistry and materials science. The next challenge is to make everything bigger. Strabley and Svore say they are confident that the long-standing collaboration between Microsoft and Quantinuum will soon come to fruition.
Microsoft has named the co-founder of the British artificial intelligence research institute DeepMind as the head of its new AI division. Mustafa Suleiman, now 39 years old, co-founded DeepMind with Demis Hassabis and Shane Legg back in 2010. The company was later acquired by Google in 2014 for £400m and has since become the core of Google’s AI efforts. Suleiman left DeepMind in 2019 and will now lead Microsoft AI, a new organization focusing on the US company’s consumer products and research. Several members from Suleiman’s Inflection AI startup will also join the division.
Microsoft has made a multibillion-dollar investment in OpenAI, the developer of the ChatGPT chatbot, to develop generative AI technology. Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, praised Suleiman as a visionary product maker and a team leader with a bold mission. The new division will integrate Microsoft’s consumer AI efforts, such as the Copilot chatbot and the Bing browser, which utilizes ChatGPT technology. Copilot is a key element in Microsoft’s AI monetization efforts, enabling users to easily compose emails, summarize documents, create presentations, and more.
Suleiman’s colleague Karen Simonyan, also a co-founder of Inflection AI, will join the new division as a principal investigator. Meanwhile, Bloomberg News reported that Apple is in talks to incorporate Google’s Gemini AI product into the iPhone. Inflection AI, backed by Microsoft and Nvidia, has become one of the leading companies in the generative AI race.
Suleiman, who has roots in both Syria and the UK, recently published a book on AI titled “The Coming Wave.” In it, he discusses both the potential benefits and risks of AI technology, calling for an increase in research on AI safety. In an interview last year, he described the book as a “provocation,” noting the importance of predicting future trends and taking action to mitigate potential risks.
Microsoft has issued a response to a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by The New York Times, alleging that its content was used to train generative artificial intelligence. Microsoft called the claims a false narrative of “apocalyptic futurology” and criticized the lawsuit as short-sighted, comparing it to Hollywood’s resistance to VCRs.
In a motion to dismiss filed as part of the lawsuit, Microsoft responded to the allegations, stating that The New York Times’ content was given “particular weight” and that Microsoft has made significant investments in the Times. Microsoft ridiculed the claims made by the newspaper and denied the accusations of government involvement in the matter.
The lawsuit, which could have far-reaching implications for artificial intelligence and news content production, accuses Microsoft, as the largest investor in OpenAI, of using copyrighted content from The New York Times to develop AI products that threaten the newspaper’s ability to provide its services.
Microsoft argued that the lawsuit is reminiscent of Hollywood’s opposition to VCRs in the past and emphasized that the content used to train the language models does not replace the market for the original work but rather educates the models.
OpenAI, a co-defendant in the lawsuit, has requested the dismissal of certain claims against the company, asserting that their products, such as ChatGPT, are not intended to replace subscriptions to The New York Times and are not used for that purpose in the real world.
Following Microsoft’s legal response, The New York Times pushed back against the comparison to 1980s home-taping technology, stating that Microsoft collaborated with OpenAI to copy copyrighted works without permission.
The dispute between the parties is part of a larger legal battle over copyright issues related to AI technology and concerns about the creation of misleading information. Recent incidents, such as Google’s use of AI to generate historically inaccurate images, have raised concerns about the need to address these issues.
OpenAI has faced criticism for its training methods and refusal to disclose training data, including the use of copyrighted works. The company argues that limiting training data to public domain content would hinder the development of AI systems that meet current needs.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed surprise at the Times lawsuit, stating that the AI models do not rely on specific publisher data for training and that the Times’ content represented only a small portion of the overall text corpus used.
Microsoft has announced that four previously exclusive Xbox games are being made available on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. Additionally, the company plans to reveal details about the next version of its Xbox console by the end of 2024.
In a video podcast with other Xbox executives, Phil Spencer, Microsoft gaming CEO, did not reveal the names of the four games but mentioned that each is over a year old. Two of them are live service games and the other two are smaller titles. Spencer shared that his favorite games from the selection are the multiplayer pirate adventure Sea of Thieves and the musical action game Hi-Fi Rush. It has also been confirmed that the space epic Starfield from last year and the upcoming Indiana Jones game will remain exclusive to Xbox.
This move signifies a significant shift in strategy for Microsoft, focusing on increasing sales of first-party games rather than emphasizing hardware sales for Xbox. The company has faced tough competition from PlayStation ever since the original launch of Xbox in 2001.
To strengthen its gaming business, Microsoft has been actively acquiring various studios and gaming companies, such as Minecraft developer Mojang, Elder Scrolls and Fallout studio Bethesda, and Candy Crush publisher Activision Blizzard King. The acquisition process for Activision Blizzard involved extensive legal and regulatory procedures, but Microsoft is committed to making its popular games, including Call of Duty, available on other consoles.
Sara Bond, Xbox president, reiterated that Microsoft is not planning to exit the console business. She also mentioned that the company has exciting hardware products set to be shared later this holiday season.
Microsoft announced on Wednesday that adversaries of the United States, primarily Iran and North Korea, and to a lesser extent Russia and China, are starting to take advantage of generative artificial intelligence to launch or coordinate offensive cyber operations.
Microsoft disclosed that it collaborated with business partner OpenAI to identify and prevent numerous threats exploiting the AI technology it developed.
In a blog post, the company stated that these techniques are still in their early stages and are not particularly novel or unique, but they do broaden the capabilities of U.S. rivals to use large-scale language models to infiltrate networks and exert influence, emphasizing the importance of publicly exposing this.
Cybersecurity companies have been using machine learning to detect anomalous behavior within networks for years, but the introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT-led large-scale language model has intensified the cat-and-mouse game, as both criminals and aggressive hackers are leveraging it.
Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI is substantial, and the company noted in its announcement on Wednesday that generative AI is anticipated to power malicious social engineering and lead to the development of more advanced deepfakes and voice clones, at a time when disinformation is on the rise and threats to democracy are rampant, with more than 50 countries holding elections in a year.
Microsoft provided examples of how adversaries were using large-scale language models, including the disabling of AI accounts and assets for specific groups.
The North Korean cyber-espionage group known as Kimsky used the model to study foreign think tanks and generate content for spear-phishing hacking campaigns.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps utilized large-scale language models for social engineering, troubleshooting software issues, and researching ways to bypass detection on compromised networks, using phishing emails and accelerated email creation.
The Russian military intelligence unit, Fancy Bear, employed the model to study satellite and radar technology potentially linked to the Ukraine war.
China’s cyber-espionage group known as Aquatic Panda targeted various industries, higher education, and governments from France to Malaysia, with limited exploration of how large-scale language models can enhance technical operations, and another Chinese group, Maverick Panda, interacted with the model to gather information on high-profile individuals and regions.
On another blog, OpenAI announced that its current GPT-4 model chatbots are “limited to malicious cybersecurity tasks beyond what is already achievable with publicly available non-AI-powered tools,” a situation that cybersecurity researchers aim to change.
Jen Easterly, head of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, informed Congress of the growing threat from China and the potential impact of artificial intelligence, stressing the need to develop AI with security in mind.
Amidst concerns about the irresponsible release of large language models, Microsoft and other companies are facing criticism for not taking focused action to address vulnerabilities, which has disappointed some cybersecurity experts who advocate for creating more secure underlying models to counter potential misuse.
Edward Amoroso, a professor at New York University and former AT&T chief security officer, emphasized the increasingly powerful role of AI and large-scale language models as potential weapons in cyber warfare, stating that they ultimately pose a threat to every nation-state.
History isn’t full of glorious Indiana Jones video games. The Fate of Atlantis, a beautiful adventure from LucasArts. A pretty good Lego game. A proper imperial tomb. A great-looking SNES side-scrolling game, Greatest Adventures… good There are games, but very few of them are classic games that transcend the brand like Knights of the Old Republic. Maybe that is about to change.
At Microsoft’s latest Developer Direct online event streamed Thursday night, we saw: 12 minute preview Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a globe-trotting first-person adventure set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. The project was revealed three years ago by him, but this is the first footage we’ve seen, and what we can expect. There are Nazis, there are whips, there is Dr. Jones in the desert and in a tomb, and there is an argument with Denholm Elliott in an old university building. And it includes a story about stolen artifacts that are somehow connected to an international network of ancient sites along a circle that stretches around the world.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Photo: Microsoft/MachineGames
Interestingly, much of the lengthy promotional video shown during the event went to developer MachineGames explaining why the game uses a first-person perspective. “Our game is all about putting yourself in the shoes of an indie and letting him see what he sees and feel what he feels,” said Senior Narrator his designer Edward Curtis-Syves. says. “For us at MachineGames, it’s best to do it from a first-person perspective. We believe it’s important to experience the adventure up close.” Perhaps of concern is the appearance of Indiana Jones. is so iconic that fans may miss seeing him move around on screen. In fact, his two major game franchises, Uncharted and Tomb Raider, which owe most to Raiders of the Lost Ark, both use a third-person perspective. , Indy mimics the cinematic feel of his series.
In fact, this game is going to do a great job of crawling out from under the legacies of these two series. Both have worked on the cinematic, puzzle-filled action-adventure genre and established much of its promise. For example, in The Great Circle, Indy is accompanied by a hard-nosed journalist named Gina Lombardi, not unlike Elena Fisher, Nathan Drake’s partner in colonial crimes. It also looks like there will be some environmental puzzles, with one section taking place inside a tomb and requiring you to place a stone gear, presumably to open a door. This will be very familiar to anyone who has played Uncharted 3 or Tomb Raider, for example. : Anniversaries and adventures inspired by Indiana Jones. The video also promises multiple routes through key set-piece locations, including the chance to sneak in and study enemy patrol routes. Again, Nathan and Lara have been doing this for years.
But this is MachineGames’ brilliant reboot of the Wolfenstein series. It’s a studio that’s used to taking established concepts and giving them strange new twists. For those worried about not seeing Indie on screen, the team brought real detail and character to protagonist BJ Blazkowicz, who rarely appears in games.And we teeth Go see Indy. The video highlights that the camera switches to a third-person perspective during certain sections of gameplay, and of course there’s a very convincing Harrison Ford model present in the cutscenes. The character is expertly voiced by video game actor Troy Baker, best known for his role as Joel in The Last of Us.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Photo: Microsoft/MachineGames
More promising, however, is the implementation of classic Indie tropes. It seems that his whip can be used not only as a weapon but also as a crossing device, and you can enjoy full-fledged punching with thunderous punch sound effects. Additionally, the arrogant Nazi antagonist Emmerich Voss is a classic indie film. It’s also great to see the role of horror movie stalwart Tony Todd, who is seen stealing a seemingly minor artifact from Indy’s workplace, Marshall University, at the beginning of the game.
It seems unfair that Great Circle has to contend with two games that plundered Indiana Jones’ treasure trove of ideas, images, and action. But of course, what’s there is the Lucasfilm legacy: the character and his worldview, the whip, that score, and decades of goodwill. Additionally, MachineGames is a really interesting studio that isn’t afraid of compelling and idiosyncratic ideas. Indy is going to need a lot of them if it’s going to win against the young usurpers.
Microsoft's stock closed above Apple's for the first time since 2021 on Friday, making it the world's most valuable company, as demand concerns hit the iPhone maker's stock price.
On Friday, Apple rose 0.2% and Microsoft rose 1%. This brings Microsoft's market capitalization to $2.887 trillion, an all-time high, according to LSEG data. Apple's market capitalization, calculated based on Thursday's filing data, was $2.875 trillion.
Concerns about smartphone demand have pushed Apple stock down 3% so far in 2024 after rising 48% last year. Microsoft is up about 3% since the beginning of the year after soaring 57% in 2023 on a bull run driven in part by its lead in generative artificial intelligence through its investment in ChatGPT maker OpenAI.
According to LSEG, Apple's market capitalization peaked at $3.081 trillion on December 14th.
Microsoft is incorporating OpenAI's technology into its suite of productivity software, which helped fuel a recovery in its cloud computing business in the July-September quarter. His AI leadership at the company has also created an opportunity to challenge Google's dominance in web search.
Meanwhile, Apple is grappling with sluggish demand, including for its cash cow iPhone. Demand in China, a major market, is sluggish as the Chinese economy has been slow to recover from the coronavirus pandemic and a revived Huawei is eating away at market share.
Sales of Apple's Vision Pro mixed reality headset will begin in the US on February 2nd, marking Apple's biggest product launch since the iPhone in 2007. However, UBS estimated in a report this week that Vision Pro sales are “relatively insignificant” to Apple. Earnings per share in 2024.
Since 2018, Microsoft briefly overtook Apple as the most valuable company, and most recently in 2021, when concerns about pandemic-related supply chain shortages affected the iPhone maker's stock price.
In its latest quarterly report in November, Apple gave a holiday quarter sales forecast that was lower than Wall Street's expectations due to weak demand for iPads and wearables.
Analysts on average expect Apple's December quarter sales to rise 0.7% to $117.9 billion, according to LSEG. As a result, sales will increase year-on-year for the first time in four quarters. Apple announced its financial results on February 1st.
Analysts expect Microsoft to report a 16% increase in revenue to $61.1 billion in the coming weeks due to continued growth in its cloud business.
Elon Musk criticized a feature in Microsoft Word known as “Inclusivity Checker,” where he claimed he was “reprimanded” for typing the word “insane.”
The billionaire owner of Tesla posted a screenshot of a Microsoft Word document that discussed Tesla’s new Cybertruck and highlighted the new electric vehicle’s “unusual stability.”
The phrase was flagged by Word’s software, which identifies terms and phrases considered politically incorrect and suggests alternative wording.
“Microsoft Word now scolds you for using words that are not ‘inclusive’,” wrote the world’s richest man on his social media platform.
Musk also posted a screenshot showing an attempt to type “11,000 pounds,” though it’s unclear why that term would be considered non-inclusive.
The prompt in Microsoft Word says, “Think about it from a different perspective,” and suggests alternatives such as “11,000 pounds” or “11,000 pounds (about twice the weight of an elephant).”
Elon Musk has mocked Microsoft Word’s “inclusivity checker,” which flags terms and phrases deemed politically incorrect. Reuters
The Post has reached out to Microsoft for comment.
Other social media users posted screenshots of attempts to use the terms flagged by the software’s “inclusivity checker.”
One user wrote in a Word document: “Hello, could you please guard the booth this afternoon?”
The checker, which is only available to customers on the Windows maker’s $7 per month Microsoft 365 subscription plan, flags the phrase “man in the booth” as a “gender-neutral term” and suggests “staff” and “control” as alternatives.
Other terms flagged by the “inclusivity checker” include “postman” (suggested substitute: “postal worker”) and “master” (“expert”).
GitHub, a Microsoft-owned open-source software engineering site, banned the use of the phrases “master” and “slave” in response to the killing of George Floyd in 2020, deeming them racially insensitive.
Microsoft Word’s “inclusiveness checker” flagged the use of the term “insane.”
Beginning in 2020, updated versions of Microsoft Word flag the use of language promoting age bias, gender bias, cultural slurs, sexual orientation bias, and racial bias, with a built-in feature that prompts users to do so.
Users must manually enable this feature by opening a new Word document and clicking the “Editor” button, then selecting “Proofreading” in the settings section.
The Microsoft Word Inclusiveness Checker is only available to Microsoft 365 subscribers.
There is a drag-down menu for “Grammar and Refinement” near the “Writing Style” option. The user must push the “Settings” button, displaying a drag-down menu where the user can click on the box under the “Inclusiveness” category.
When the “inclusivity checker” is activated, the software flags terms that are not included in the “approved” and “allowed” lists of terms.
Microsoft removed terms such as “slave” and “master” from its GitHub site in response to the 2020 killing of George Floyd. AFP (via Getty Images)
When a user types the word “humanity,” the software flags the term and suggests alternatives such as “human race” or “human race.” Users can also simply ignore the prompt and accept the term.
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