News/Microsoft
Microsoft launches Copilot Mode with voice control for Edge
Microsoft has launched Copilot Mode, an experimental AI-powered browsing feature for Edge that transforms how users interact with web content through voice commands, tab awareness, and task automation. The free feature positions Microsoft to compete directly with AI-enhanced browsers from Google and other tech giants while reimagining the traditional web browsing experience. What you should know: Copilot Mode replaces Edge's new-tab page with a simplified AI-powered interface that can access and analyze information across all open tabs.• Users can ask Copilot to compare restaurant options, find the soonest availability, most affordable choice, or closest location across multiple tabs without manual...
read Jul 28, 2025Microsoft’s Copilot Mode lets AI see all your browser tabs
Microsoft has launched Copilot Mode, an experimental feature for its Edge browser that gives the company's AI assistant comprehensive visibility across all open browser tabs. This opt-in functionality represents Microsoft's latest move in the intensifying competition to integrate artificial intelligence directly into web browsing experiences. Unlike traditional AI assistants that operate in isolation, Copilot Mode can observe and analyze activity across multiple browser tabs simultaneously, offering contextual suggestions and automated assistance based on your browsing patterns. The feature is currently available for Windows and Mac users in regions where Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant operates. How Copilot Mode transforms browsing When...
read Jul 28, 2025Premier League transforms fan experience with new AI assistant for 900M fans
The Premier League has launched an expansive AI-powered transformation in partnership with Microsoft, introducing new digital tools to enhance fan engagement and modernize its operations. The five-year strategic partnership, announced in July, represents one of the most significant technology transformations in the League's 33-year history as it seeks to better serve its global audience of 900 million homes across 189 countries. What's driving the change: The Premier League is fundamentally reshaping its role from primarily selling media rights to directly engaging with fans through digital products and services. "Historically, the mandate of the Premier League and the role has been...
read Jul 25, 2025Microsoft and OpenAI locked in $40B partnership negotiations
Microsoft and OpenAI are locked in high-stakes negotiations over their partnership terms, with OpenAI seeking greater independence from Microsoft's control over its products and technology. The outcome could determine the fate of Microsoft's $14 billion investment and OpenAI's ability to secure an additional $40 billion in funding before year-end, making these talks "the most important thing that's happening right now in AI," according to analysts. What's at stake: The current contract through 2030 gives Microsoft significant control over OpenAI's operations and 20% of its revenue, but both companies want different terms for the future. OpenAI needs Microsoft's permission to convert...
read Jul 24, 2025Microsoft cuts 15K jobs while stock hits $500—CEO addresses concerns
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has acknowledged that the company's extensive layoffs in 2025 have been "weighing heavily" on him, addressing employee concerns in an internal memo following the elimination of over 15,000 positions this year. The cuts, which represent one of the largest workforce reductions in Microsoft's history, have coincided with the company's stock reaching record highs above $500, highlighting the tension between financial performance and employee morale during a period of industry-wide restructuring. What you should know: Microsoft has laid off approximately 15,000 employees in 2025, including 9,000 people announced just a week before the stock hit its $500...
read Jul 24, 2025Microsoft’s $1.7B waste-to-carbon deal targets 4.9M tons over 12 years
Microsoft has entered a multi-year agreement with Vaulted Deep to inject human and animal waste underground as a carbon offset strategy, targeting 4.9 million metric tons of waste disposal over 12 years. This unconventional approach reflects the tech giant's urgent need to address the mounting carbon emissions from AI workloads and data centers, as traditional offset methods struggle to keep pace with the industry's environmental impact. What you should know: The waste-to-carbon-offset method involves converting organic material into slurry and pumping it more than 5,000 feet underground to prevent decomposition. Vaulted Deep reportedly charges around $350 per ton for carbon...
read Jul 22, 2025Microsoft brings screen-scanning AI to millions of Windows 11 PCs
Microsoft is preparing to transform Windows 11 into a more AI-integrated operating system with a comprehensive update that brings advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to millions of PCs worldwide. The rollout, which begins this month and continues through the next several weeks, represents one of the most significant expansions of AI functionality in Windows history. At the center of this update is Copilot Vision, Microsoft's screen-scanning AI tool that can analyze everything displayed on your computer screen. Unlike traditional AI assistants that only respond to specific queries, Copilot Vision continuously monitors your desktop environment and can answer questions about any content...
read Jul 18, 2025Microsoft splits with Meta on EU’s voluntary AI compliance framework by agreeing to it
Microsoft will likely sign the European Union's voluntary AI code of practice to help companies comply with the bloc's landmark artificial intelligence rules, while Meta Platforms has rejected the guidelines. The code, developed by 13 independent experts, aims to provide legal certainty for AI companies by requiring them to publish summaries of training content and establish copyright compliance policies. What you should know: The code of practice is part of the EU's AI Act, which came into force in June 2024 and will apply to major tech companies including Google, Meta, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Mistral. Companies that sign the voluntary...
read Jul 17, 2025Slack launches AI features to challenge Microsoft’s workplace dominance
Slack is making its boldest move yet to challenge Microsoft's workplace AI dominance, rolling out an extensive suite of artificial intelligence features that transform the messaging platform into a comprehensive productivity hub. The announcements mark Salesforce's most direct assault on the $45 billion enterprise collaboration market, where Microsoft Teams and its Copilot AI assistant have steadily gained ground since Salesforce acquired Slack for $27.7 billion in 2021. The new capabilities include AI-powered writing assistance, contextual message explanations, automated action item identification, and enterprise search that spans multiple business applications. However, the strategy comes with a significant caveat: Salesforce is simultaneously...
read Jul 17, 2025Giving and taking: Microsoft launches four-billion-dollar social impact fund amid AI-driven layoffs
Microsoft has reportedly saved $500 million in call center costs through AI implementation while simultaneously laying off 9,000 employees in its third round of cuts, bringing total layoffs to 15,000 workers. This stark juxtaposition of AI-driven cost savings and mass workforce reduction highlights the accelerating displacement of human workers by artificial intelligence, raising urgent questions about job security and the need for regulatory protections in the tech industry. What you should know: Microsoft's chief commercial officer revealed that AI tools have dramatically improved productivity across multiple departments while reducing operational costs. AI has created over a third of the code...
read Jul 16, 2025Microsoft Copilot Vision now scans entire computer screens
Microsoft is expanding Copilot Vision's capabilities to scan entire computer screens, not just individual apps. The AI tool can now analyze everything on a user's desktop or any specific browser or app window, representing a significant upgrade from its previous limitation of viewing only two apps simultaneously. What you should know: Copilot Vision now provides comprehensive desktop analysis through an opt-in screen sharing approach. Users can activate the feature by clicking the glasses icon in the Copilot app and selecting which desktop they want the AI to analyze. The tool can "help analyze content, provide insights, and answer your questions,...
read Jul 15, 2025IronyWatch: Microsoft’s AI job ad for designers contains obvious flaws any human would catch
A Microsoft Xbox employee used a poorly generated AI image to advertise graphic designer positions, featuring glaring errors like code appearing on the back of a computer monitor and disconnected hardware. The post has drawn widespread criticism and viral attention, particularly given that Microsoft laid off over 9,000 employees just weeks earlier, including many from the Xbox division. The big picture: The incident highlights the growing tension between AI automation and creative jobs, especially when companies use AI tools to replace the very positions they're trying to fill. What went wrong: The AI-generated image contained multiple obvious flaws that any...
read Jul 15, 2025Tech giants launch $23M NYC-based academy to train teachers on AI
OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic have partnered with major teachers' unions to launch the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will train K-12 educators on classroom AI integration starting this fall. The program aims to influence how millions of teachers approach AI tools, though it faces significant skepticism from educators concerned about AI's impact on critical thinking and academic integrity. What you should know: The academy will operate from a New York City headquarters and focus on training teachers to use AI for both instruction and administrative tasks like lesson planning and report writing. The initiative is...
read Jul 15, 2025Writing’s on the wall: Microsoft study reveals writers, translators face highest AI disruption risk
Microsoft Research recently published findings that cut through the speculation surrounding AI's impact on employment by analyzing real workplace behavior. Rather than relying on theoretical projections, researchers examined 200,000 actual conversations between workers and Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant integrated into workplace productivity tools, to understand how artificial intelligence is currently being deployed across different professions. The study reveals a stark divide in the job market: roles centered on information processing and communication face significant disruption, while positions requiring physical presence and human interaction remain largely protected. This data-driven approach provides the clearest picture yet of which careers are most...
read Jul 14, 2025San Francisco deploys Microsoft Copilot AI to all 30K city employees
San Francisco has rolled out Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant to all 30,000 city employees, marking one of the largest municipal AI deployments in the United States. The initiative represents a significant step in public sector AI adoption, with Mayor Daniel Lurie leading the charge to modernize city operations through artificial intelligence tools. What you should know: This deployment makes San Francisco one of the first major cities to provide AI assistance to its entire workforce at scale. The rollout covers all 30,000 municipal employees across various departments and functions. Mayor Daniel Lurie is championing the initiative as part of the...
read Jul 11, 2025Microsoft commits $4B to train 20M people in AI skills globally
Microsoft plans to donate $4 billion worth of cash, technology and training over the next five years to enhance artificial intelligence education worldwide. The commitment flows through a new organization called Microsoft Elevate, which will employ about 300 people with the goal of helping more than 20 million people earn AI credentials. The big picture: Microsoft is positioning itself as a responsible AI leader while its stock reaches record highs, with the company valued at $3.74 trillion following an analyst upgrade based on its AI business prospects. Key details: Microsoft President Brad Smith announced the initiative at Seattle's Museum of...
read Jul 10, 2025Microsoft, OpenAI invest $23M in teachers’ union amid education cuts
Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic have collectively invested $23 million into the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the second-largest teachers' union in the US, to establish an AI training center for educators. This unprecedented funding from major AI companies comes as the education sector faces severe budget constraints, with the Trump administration cutting nearly $7 billion in public school funding while simultaneously threatening to dismantle the Department of Education entirely. The big picture: Tech companies are strategically positioning themselves within cash-strapped educational institutions, creating long-term dependencies while the sector struggles with funding cuts and political uncertainty. Key details: The National Academy...
read Jul 9, 2025Microsoft, OpenAI launch $22.5M AI training program for K-12 teachers
Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic are partnering with the American Federation of Teachers to launch the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $22.5 million initiative to provide free AI training to K-12 educators. The program aims to help teachers from the nation's second-largest teachers' union confidently integrate AI tools into their classrooms while addressing growing concerns about students' unsupervised use of chatbots like ChatGPT and Copilot. What you should know: The academy will be based in New York City and focus on equipping kindergarten through 12th grade instructors with practical AI skills. The initiative seeks to give teachers "the tools and...
read Jul 8, 2025Shape up or ship out: Microsoft requires employees to use AI tools as workplace competency
Microsoft has made artificial intelligence usage mandatory for its employees, signaling a major shift in corporate expectations around AI literacy in the workplace. The directive, outlined in an internal memo, emphasizes that AI tools like GitHub Copilot are now essential parts of daily workflows rather than optional productivity enhancements. What you should know: The memo represents more than a policy change—it's a clear statement that AI fluency has become a job requirement, not a nice-to-have skill. Microsoft expects employees to treat AI "not as a future concept or a tech curiosity but as an everyday co-worker." The company wants teams...
read Jul 7, 2025Ouch! Microsoft exec tells laid-off workers to use ChatGPT for therapy
A Microsoft executive suggested that the 9,000 workers recently laid off by the company should use AI chatbots like ChatGPT to cope with job loss, sparking widespread backlash for the tone-deaf advice. The recommendation comes as Microsoft invests $80 billion in AI while simultaneously cutting thousands of jobs, highlighting the disconnect between corporate priorities and employee welfare. What happened: Matt Turnbull, an Xbox executive producer at Microsoft-owned Xbox, posted advice on LinkedIn encouraging laid-off Microsoft workers to use AI tools for emotional support and career guidance. Turnbull suggested using "large language model AI tools (like ChatGPT or Copilot) to help...
read Jul 3, 2025Microsoft cuts 15K jobs while investing $80B in AI infrastructure
Microsoft has eliminated approximately 15,300 employees—7% of its global workforce—in the first half of 2025 while simultaneously investing $80 billion in AI infrastructure. The dramatic workforce reduction coincides with CEO Satya Nadella's revelation that up to 30% of Microsoft's code is now written by AI, signaling a fundamental shift toward replacing human labor with artificial intelligence across the tech industry. The numbers tell the story: Microsoft's 2025 layoffs have been systematic and extensive, with software engineering bearing the brunt of cuts. The company announced 9,000 layoffs on July 2, following 6,000 cuts in May, 300+ cuts in June, and smaller...
read Jul 2, 2025Microsoft cuts 9,000 jobs while AI investments fuel $3.7T valuation
Microsoft is laying off approximately 9,000 employees, representing about 4% of its workforce, following a previous round of 6,000 job cuts in May. The reductions signal a tightening job market across major tech companies and suggest that Microsoft's own AI development may be contributing to workforce displacement, even as the company continues generating multibillion-dollar quarterly profits. What you should know: The layoffs span multiple geographies and divisions, including sales teams and Microsoft's video game business. Microsoft employed 228,000 people as of June 2024, making this the second major round of cuts in recent months. The company's market valuation has reached...
read Jul 1, 2025United Launch Alliance, er, launches RocketGPT AI assistant for aerospace operations
United Launch Alliance has quietly launched "RocketGPT," an ITAR-compliant AI assistant built on Microsoft Azure's secure government cloud, alongside its recent Atlas V mission carrying Amazon's Kuiper satellites. The pilot program serves roughly 150 ULA staff across engineering, legal, finance, and proposal teams, positioning the aerospace company to leverage AI for operational efficiency as it transitions from Atlas V to its next-generation Vulcan rocket. What you should know: RocketGPT represents ULA's strategic embrace of AI-enhanced processes while maintaining human oversight and accountability. CEO Tory Bruno described it as a "tool to help with drudgery and tedious, time‑consuming things," from drafting...
read Jul 1, 2025Microsoft signs 5-year Premier League deal to showcase AI to millions
Microsoft has signed a five-year cloud computing deal with the Premier League, positioning the tech giant to showcase its AI capabilities to millions of soccer fans worldwide. The strategic partnership will migrate the world's most-watched soccer league's core technology infrastructure to Microsoft's Azure platform while integrating AI-powered chatbots across the Premier League's digital properties. What you should know: The comprehensive partnership transforms how the Premier League delivers digital experiences to its global fanbase. The Premier League will migrate its "core technology infrastructure" to Microsoft's Azure cloud-computing service over the five-year term. Microsoft's AI services will power chatbots integrated into the...
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