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Tag: Microsoft

  • Microsoft Brings DALL-E AI Image Creator to Bing

    Microsoft Brings DALL-E AI Image Creator to Bing

    Microsoft is continuing its transformation of Bing into an AI powerhouse, adding the DALL-E AI image creator to its Bing AI.

    OpenAI debuted DALL-E in early 2021, an AI model that can draw images based on text prompts. As OpenAI’s biggest single investor, Microsoft has access to its tech and is using it as the backbone of Bing AI.

    Microsoft is now including DALL-E as part of Bing, giving users the ability to have the AI create images for them.

    “We’re excited to announce we are bringing Bing Image Creator, new AI-powered visual Stories and updated Knowledge Cards to the new Bing and Edge preview,” writes Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President & Consumer Chief Marketing Officer. “Powered by an advanced version of the DALL∙E model from our partners at OpenAI, Bing Image Creator allows you to create an image simply by using your own words to describe the picture you want to see. Now you can generate both written and visual content in one place, from within chat.”

    The new feature will begin rolling out to users with access to the preview starting today.

    “For those in the Bing preview, Bing Image Creator will be fully integrated into the Bing chat experience, rolling out initially in Creative mode,” adds Mehdi. “By typing in a description of an image, providing additional context like location or activity, and choosing an art style, Image Creator will generate an image from your own imagination. It’s like your creative copilot. Just type something like “draw an image” or “create an image” as a prompt in chat to get creating a visual for a newsletter to friends or as inspiration for redecorating your living room.”

    Users who haven’t signed up for the preview can do so here.

  • Microsoft Is Taking a ‘Principled Approach’ to Changing Default Apps

    Microsoft Is Taking a ‘Principled Approach’ to Changing Default Apps

    Microsoft is going to make it much easier for users to change their default apps, adopting a “principled approach.”

    Microsoft’s latest versions of Windows have disappointed and angered users by making it unnecessarily difficult to change the default web browser and other apps. In fact, when Windows 11 first dropped, changing the default browser required changing the default handler for each and every file type web browsers normally handle.

    While Microsoft eventually changed its stance and made it easier to change the default web browser, the company is taking it a step further.

    “Today we’re reaffirming our long-standing approach to put people in control of their Windows PC experience and to empower developers to take advantage of our open platform,” write Tali Roth & Aaron Grady.

    “We want to ensure that people are in control of what gets pinned to their Desktop, their Start menu and their Taskbar as well as to be able to control their default applications such as their default browser through consistent, clear and trustworthy Windows provided system dialogs and settings.”

    The company is adding a new option in the Settings app that will allow users to set their preferred apps.

    Microsoft App Preference Settings – Credit Microsoft

    “For defaults, we will soon introduce a new Settings deep link URI for applications to take their users directly to the appropriate location in Settings for the user to change their defaults,” Roth and Grady add. “This is an extension to our existing ms-settings: URI scheme. Learn more about ms-settings: URI schemes.”

    It’s nice to see Microsoft listening to user feedback and making it easier for people to use the apps of their choice.

  • Microsoft May Launch Mobile Game Store Next Year

    Microsoft May Launch Mobile Game Store Next Year

    Microsoft may launch a mobile game store next year in one of its most ambitious attempts to take on Apple and Google.

    In an interview with Financial Times, via CNET, CEO of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer said the decision is contingent on the company’s Activision Blizzard acquisition being approved.

    “We want to be in a position to offer Xbox and content from both us and our third-party partners across any screen where somebody would want to play,” Spencer told said. “Today, we can’t do that on mobile devices but we want to build towards a world that we think will be coming where those devices are opened up.”

    Microsoft plans appear to line up with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) that will require Apple and Google to allow third-party app stores on their platforms. Once the legislation goes into effect in March 2024, Microsoft will be able to compete on far more level ground.

  • US Agencies Request the Most User Data From Big Tech, Apple Complies the Most

    US Agencies Request the Most User Data From Big Tech, Apple Complies the Most

    Americans concerned about their user data falling into the hands of foreign governments may want to look closer to home.

    According to new research by VPN provider SurfShark, the US government makes the most requests for user data from Big Tech companies than any other jurisdiction in the world. The company analyzed data requests to Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft by “government agencies of 177 countries between 2013 and 2021.”

    The US came in first with 2,451,077 account requests, more than four times the number of Germany, the number two country on the list. In fact, the US made more requests than all of Europe, including the UK, which collectively came in under 2 million.

    While the US and EU were responsible for a combined total of 60% of all data requests, the US “made 8 times more requests than the global average (87.9/100k).”

    The number of accounts being accessed is also growing, with a five-times increase in requests from 2013 to 2021. The US alone saw a 348% increase during the time frame, and the scope and purpose of the requests are expanding.

    “Besides requesting data from technology companies, authorities are now exploring more ways to monitor and tackle crime through online services. For instance, the EU is considering a regulation that would require internet service providers to detect, report, and remove abuse-related content,” says Gabriele Kaveckyte, Privacy Counsel at Surfshark. “On one hand, introducing such new measures could help solve serious criminal cases, but civil society organizations expressed their concerns of encouraging surveillance techniques which may later be used, for example, to track down political rivals.”

    The report also sheds light on which companies comply the most versus which ones push back against requests. For all of its privacy-oriented marketing — “what happens on your iPhone stays on your iPhone” — Apple complies with data requests more than any other company, handing it over 82% of the time.

    In contrast, Meta complies 72% of the time, and Google does 71% of the time. Microsoft, on the other hand, pushes back the most among Big Tech companies, only handing data over 68% of the time.

    The findings may also put a dent in US efforts to ban TikTok and other foreign apps under the guise of protecting user privacy and data.

  • LinkedIn Users Will Be Able to Use AI to Help Create Their Profiles

    LinkedIn Users Will Be Able to Use AI to Help Create Their Profiles

    If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words to describe your career on LinkedIn, the platform is deploying AI to help.

    LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft, giving it access to the same ChatGPT-based tech its parent company is using to power the next generation of its Bing search engine. The networking platform is looking for innovative ways to deploy the tech, including allowing users to tap into AI to write better profiles.

    The company made the announcement as part of a broader initiative to use AI in various classes:

    To empower members with the latest AI skills, starting today we’re unlocking more than 100 LinkedIn Learning courses – and coming soon we’ll roll out twenty new generative AI courses. From the basics to advanced applications of AI, these courses will help members gain a competitive edge in today’s rapidly-changing market.

    But that’s not all. We’re also starting to roll-out new AI-powered features, leveraging advanced OpenAI GPT models, as we continue to look for ways to create more value for our members and customers.

    • To help make the process easier and more effective, we’re testing a new tool for LinkedIn Premium subscribers that provides personalized writing suggestions to your About and headline sections.
    • We’re testing a new AI-powered job description tool that will make it faster and easier to write job descriptions.

    The new features should be a boon for anyone who’s struggled with writer’s block about their current job or a job they’re trying to find candidates for.

  • Microsoft Appoints a New Lead Independent Director

    Microsoft Appoints a New Lead Independent Director

    Microsoft has announced the appointment of a Lead Independent Director, Sandra E. (Sandi) Peterson, Operating Partner at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.

    Peterson replaces John W. Thompson, who served in the roles of Lead Independent Director or Board Chair since 2012.

    “I’ve always valued John’s counsel and leadership and am grateful for his contributions as lead independent director and the strategic perspective he’ll continue to provide to Microsoft going forward,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “Since joining our Board, the guidance and insights Sandi has provided have been invaluable. I’m delighted that she will continue to bring a wealth of expertise and leadership to Microsoft as lead independent director.”

    Microsoft’s Board also reelected Nadella to continue serving as chairman.

  • GM May Bring ChatGPT to Vehicles

    GM May Bring ChatGPT to Vehicles

    General Motors may bring ChatGPT to vehicles, saying the technology is going to be in everything.”

    ChatGPT has taken the world by storm, with Microsoft working to integrate its successor into its Bing search engine. Companies across industries are following suit, looking for innovative ways to tap into the power of conversational AI.

    According to Reuters, GM sees potential in integrating ChatGPT with its vehicles. The tech could be used to help program garage door openers, access information that would normally be found in the manual, or access scheduling information.

    “This shift is not just about one single capability like the evolution of voice commands, but instead means that customers can expect their future vehicles to be far more capable and fresh overall when it comes to emerging technologies,” a GM spokesperson said.

    “ChatGPT is going to be in everything,” GM Vice President Scott Miller told Reuters.

  • AI Helps Drive Bing Across the 100M Daily User Threshold

    AI Helps Drive Bing Across the 100M Daily User Threshold

    Bing has hit an important milestone, thanks to an AI-driven boost, now boasting 100 million Daily Active Users.

    Bing may be the second-largest search engine in the world, but it’s still a distant second to Google. The company’s foray into AI-powered search has certainly helped it gain some ground, turning Bing into a household name and helping drive the search engine across the 100M Daily Active User mark.

    Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s VP for Modern Life, Search and Devices, broke the news in a blog post:

    We are pleased to share that after a number of years of steady progress, and with a little bit of a boost from the million+ new Bing preview users, we have crossed 100M Daily Active Users of Bing. This is a surprisingly notable figure, and yet we are fully aware we remain a small, low, single digit share player. That said, it feels good to be at the dance!

    Interestingly, the uptick is not just old users returning to give Bing and its AI another try:

    Of the millions of active users of the new Bing preview, it’s great to see that roughly one third are new to Bing. We see this appeal of the new Bing as a validation of our view that search is due for a reinvention and of the unique value proposition of combining Search + Answers + Chat + Creation in one experience.

    Mehdi also attributes the growth to Bing’s search results being better than ever:

    The second factor driving trial and usage is that our core web search ranking has taken several significant jumps in relevancy due to the introduction of the Prometheus model so our Bing search quality is at an all-time high.

    It’s nice to see Bing gaining traction and continuing to provide an alternative to Google’s dominance.

  • Microsoft Announces Hybrid Quantum Computing

    Microsoft Announces Hybrid Quantum Computing

    Microsoft has added a major feature to Azure Quantum, integrating quantum and classical computing.

    Quantum computing is the next great computing revolution, bringing a level of processing power previously only imagined. While the industry has always understood that the hybrid model would be critical to unlocking quantum computing’s potential, achieving it has been a challenge. Microsoft is the first to deliver on the promise with its Integrated Hybrid feature in Azure Quantum.

    “Quantum computing is inherently hybrid. The key to unlocking impactful, commercial applications at scale will be deep integration between classical computing capabilities including HPC and AI with scaled quantum computing in the cloud,” writes Fabrice Frachon, Principal PM Lead, Azure Quantum.

    “Now, researchers can begin developing hybrid quantum applications with a mix of classical and quantum code together that run on one of today’s quantum machines, the Quantinuum H-Series, and soon QCI, in Azure Quantum. This capability unlocks a new generation of hybrid algorithms and is a first for the industry.”

    Microsoft is making it easy to begin experimenting with hybrid quantum computing:

    You can try integrated hybrid quantum computing on Azure Quantum for free. All users are eligible for $500 in Azure Quantum credits – use it to explore and experiment with any Quantinuum QPU available on the platform. You can also apply for up to $10,000 in research credits on Azure Quantum to further your quantum research and innovation. To get started, just set up an Azure account (check out free Azure accounts for students), create an Azure Quantum workspace in the Azure Portal, and start your quantum journey with Azure Quantum.

  • Microsoft Dynamic 365 Copilot Is the First CRM/ERP AI Copilot

    Microsoft Dynamic 365 Copilot Is the First CRM/ERP AI Copilot

    Microsoft is continuing its rollout of artificial intelligence across its platforms, unveiling Microsoft Dynamic 365 Copilot.

    The company touts Dynamic 365 Copilot as “the world’s first copilot in both CRM and ERP that brings next-generation AI to every line of business.” Microsoft has already begun rolling out next-gen AI in its Bing search engine and is now looking to improve the CRM and ERP experience using the new tech.

    In particular, Microsoft wants to help CRM/ERP customers to reduce the daily monotony of necessary tasks, such as notetaking, data entry, and content generation. For example, in Dynamics 365 Sales and Viva Sales, AI can help users write email responses and even create email summaries of Teams meetings. Similarly, in Dynamics 365 Customer Service, AI can generate answers based on chats and email and customers will soon be able to build virtual agents in minutes for their unique needs.

    In Dynamics 365 Customer Insights and Dynamics 365 Marketing, AI can help personnel better understand their customer segments, even receiving insights, suggestions, and recommendations they otherwise may have missed.

    “The next era of business applications is being transformed by generative AI,” writes Charles Lamanna, CVP, Business Applications and Platform. “Users will increasingly expect their CRM and ERP applications to include AI-powered expertise. Dynamics 365 Copilot brings the latest AI breakthroughs to every line of business, improving customer experience, employee experience and operational efficiency. Essential to our approach as we bring these latest advancements to customers is our commitment to responsible AI by design – our framework for the safe deployment of AI technologies.

    “Today’s announcement builds on recent AI momentum across Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and the Power Platform. This includes: the next generation of AI capabilities in Microsoft Teams, the collaboration platform for work with more than 280 million monthly active users; Viva Sales, which helps sellers by bringing a sales copilot to their flow of work in Microsoft 365; and Power Apps, enabling citizen developers to write code using natural language.”

  • Microsoft Outlook for Mac Is Now Free for All

    Microsoft Outlook for Mac Is Now Free for All

    Microsoft has surprised Mac users by making its Outlook email and calendar app free, with no license or Microsoft 365 requirement.

    Microsoft’s Jeremy Perdue made the announcement in a company blog post:

    Now consumers can use Outlook for free on macOS, no Microsoft 365 subscription or license necessary.

    Whether at home, work or school, Mac users everywhere can easily add Outlook.com, Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo! or IMAP accounts in Outlook and experience the best mail and calendar app on macOS. The Outlook for Mac app complements Outlook for iOS – giving people a consistent, reliable, and powerful experience that brings the best-in-class experience of Outlook into the Apple ecosystem that so many love.

    There’s no denying that Outlook is the leading email client, especially in the business world. Mac users have long enjoyed using the app on their platform of choice, but it has always required purchasing a license or a Microsoft 365 subscription.

    Perdue teases upcoming new features in a future release:

    There is more to do and many more features we are excited to bring to the Outlook Mac experience. We are rebuilding Outlook for Mac from the ground up to be faster, more reliable, and to be an Outlook for everyone.

    It’s interesting that Perdue mentions “rebuilding Outlook.” Microsoft revealed at the beginning of 2021 that it was rebuilding Outlook to be a web-based universal version that would work across both Windows and Mac. It’s certainly likely the upcoming rebuild is a reference to the web-based version. If so, it makes sense that the company would be willing to make its legacy version free.

  • Microsoft Edge Brings Video Upscaling With to Low-Quality Videos

    Microsoft Edge Brings Video Upscaling With to Low-Quality Videos

    Microsoft Edge users are getting a useful new feature that will allow them to upscale old, low-quality videos

    According to Microsoft, one of out of three internet videos played in Edge are 480p or less. There are a number of possible reasons, including a media provider serving a low-quality version of the video or the original being shot in low-resolution. The company wants to change this and is leveraging the power of AI and machine learning to enhance video quality during playback.

    We are excited to introduce an experimental video enhancement experience, powered by AI technology from Microsoft research called Video Super Resolution. It is a technology that uses machine learning to enhance the quality of any video watched in a browser. It accomplishes this by removing blocky compression artifacts and upscaling video resolution so you can enjoy crisp and clear videos on YouTube, and other streaming platforms that play video content without sacrificing bandwidth no matter the original video resolution.

    Because of the computational requirements, the feature is only available on computers with either an Nvidia RTX 20/30/40 series GPU or an AMD RX5700-RX7800 series.

    The video being upscaled should also be played at less than 720p, should not be taller or wider than 192 pixels, and it cannot be protected by DRM.

    The experimental feature is available to 50% of users in the Canary channel.

  • Microsoft Is Bringing iMessage to Windows

    Microsoft Is Bringing iMessage to Windows

    Microsoft plans to bring iMessage support to Windows 11 via Phone Link for iOS, although it will have some limitations.

    Apple’s iMessage is a defining characteristic of the iPhone experience, one that has caused no small amount of frustration for users of other platforms. Given the number of features iMessage includes, Apple is aggressively protective of the messaging platform, viewing it as one of its most valuable elements that keep customers locked into its walled garden.

    Microsoft plans on bringing one of the best features of iMessage to Windows. Apple customers have long been able to send and receive iMessages from their Macs, and now Windows users will be able to as well.

    Microsoft is rolling out the feature to Windows Insiders, although it will have some major limitations in its current form.

    Once the guided installation completes and your iPhone is paired to your PC and the right permissions given, Phone Link will deliver basic iOS support for calls, messages, and contacts. This means you will be notified directly through your Windows notifications. Phone Link does not support replying to group messages or sending media in messages.

    Apple has been under increasing pressure to adopt RCS messaging for iPhone-to-Android communication, a measure that would have no impact on iPhone-to-iPhone communication, but would significantly improve cross-platform messaging.

    Unfortunately, Apple has no interest in pursuing such a course, but other companies are working to solve the issue without Apple’s help. Sunbird is working on a messaging app that will bring full iMessage support to Android, and now Microsoft is bringing at least some support to Windows.

    Hopefully, Microsoft and others will be able to address this issue sooner rather than later and eliminate a major pain point in the mobile world.

  • EU Governments Are Looking to Nextcloud to Escape Microsoft

    EU Governments Are Looking to Nextcloud to Escape Microsoft

    EU governments are turning to Nextcloud to provide an alternative to Microsoft SharePoint and Google Workspace.

    Nextcloud is the open source cloud platform that provides powerful alternatives to commercial products. EU governments, ever eager to reduce reliance on Big Tech, are increasingly looking to the platform as an option. In fact, the European Data Protection Supervisor recently migrated to Nextcloud:

    Open Source Software offers data protection-friendly alternatives to commonly used large-scale cloud service providers that often imply the transfer of individuals’ personal data to non-EU countries. Solutions like this may therefore minimise reliance on monopoly providers and detrimental vendor lock-in. By negotiating a contract with an EU-based provider of cloud services, the EDPS is delivering on its commitments, as set out in its 2020-2024 Strategy, to support EUIs in leading by example to safeguard digital rights and process data responsibly.”

    Wojciech Wiewiórowski, EDPS

    The upcoming end of SharePoint Server support has created a situation where governments are eager to avoid vendor lock-in, making Nextcloud an even more appealing proposition.

    As a result, Nextcloud has received a significant increase in interest from EU governments, with German state Schleswig-Holstein already making the switch from SharePoint to Nextcloud, and many others beginning to follow suit.

    Nextcloud’s initiative to offer a digitally sovereign, open-source alternative to Microsoft Sharepoint is to be welcomed. That’s why we work together with Nextcloud to optimize Nextcloud Tables.

    Ralf Sutorius, Leitender IT-Architekt, Stadt Köln

    It’s a refreshing turn of events to see a powerful, open source alternative gain more widespread use.

  • Meta Plans to Incorporate AI Across Its Platforms

    Meta Plans to Incorporate AI Across Its Platforms

    Meta is preparing to incorporate artificial intelligence across its platforms, playing catch-up to Microsoft and Google.

    Microsoft has been leading the charge on AI, incorporating next-generation ChatGPT tech into Bing. Google is similarly attempting to deploy AI across its services. Meta, on the other hand, has been noticeably absent from any discussions regarding AI — at least until Monday.

    In a Facebook post, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company plans to roll out AI across the company’s various products and services:

    We’re creating a new top-level product group at Meta focused on generative AI to turbocharge our work in this area. We’re starting by pulling together a lot of the teams working on generative AI across the company into one group focused on building delightful experiences around this technology into all of our different products. In the short term, we’ll focus on building creative and expressive tools. Over the longer term, we’ll focus on developing AI personas that can help people in a variety of ways. We’re exploring experiences with text (like chat in WhatsApp and Messenger), with images (like creative Instagram filters and ad formats), and with video and multi-modal experiences. We have a lot of foundational work to do before getting to the really futuristic experiences, but I’m excited about all of the new things we’ll build along the way.

    Given Zuckerberg’s obsession with the metaverse, it’s almost surprising to see something else capture his attention enough to warrant a “new top-level product group.” That fact that AI is that thing only emphasizes the importance of the burgeoning tech.

  • Users Can Now Adjust Bing AI’s Personality

    Users Can Now Adjust Bing AI’s Personality

    Microsoft has added a major new feature to its Bing AI, allowing users to choose how they want the AI to behave.

    Microsoft announced a preview of its AI-powered Bing search in early February. The AI is a new and improved version of the OpenAI tech behind ChatGPT. Early reviews have been all over the place, with people ranging from impressed to creeped out.

    Microsoft has been steadily improving the experience, with the most recent feature upgrade giving users the ability to dial in how Bing will respond and interact. A new toggle gives users the ability to choose between More Creative, More Balanced, and More Precise. The company describes each option:

    More Creative

    Responses are original and imaginative, creating surprise and entertainment for you.

    More Balanced

    Responses are reasonable and coherent, balancing accuracy and creativity in conversation.

    More Precise

    Responses are factual and concise, prioritizing accuracy and relevancy for you.

    The new options are a nice touch, giving users more control over the experience.

  • EU Reportedly Poised to Clear Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Purchase

    EU Reportedly Poised to Clear Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Purchase

    Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is one step closer to closing, with the EU reportedly poised to approve the deal.

    Microsoft announced a deal to purchase Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in January 2022. The deal triggered investigations on both sides of the Atlantic as regulators expressed concern over Microsoft — one of the top-three console makers — controlling one of the biggest gaming studios that’s responsible for some of the industry’s biggest titles.

    The UK has launched a probe of the deal, the FTC sued to block the deal, and the EU has been ramping up its investigation.

    According to Reuters, Microsoft’s recent licensing deals, guaranteeing Call of Duty will remain on other platforms for years to come, has convinced the EU to sign off on the deal.

    The company says it is “committed to offering effective  and  easily  enforceable solutions  that address the European Commission’s concerns.”

    “Our commitment to grant long term 100% equal access to  Call of Duty to Sony, Steam,  NVIDIA and others  preserves the deal’s benefits to gamers and developers and increases competition in the market,” a Microsoft spokesperson added.

    In September, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said he was “very, very confident” the deal would eventually be approved. It seems he may be right after all.

  • Former Microsoft/Meta Exec Replaces Jamie Siminoff as Ring CEO

    Former Microsoft/Meta Exec Replaces Jamie Siminoff as Ring CEO

    Ring CEO Jamie Siminoff has announced he is stepping down, paving the way for Elizabeth (Liz) Hamren to replace him.

    Siminoff founded Ring and has served as CEO, taking the company from a scrappy startup to one of Amazon’s leading divisions. The executive penned a blog post announcing his decision to step down from the top job and re-focus on his passion:

    Invention is my true passion. I am constantly looking at how we can adapt to deliver for our neighbors, which is what we’ve always called our customers. This is why I decided to shift my role to Chief Inventor and bring on a new CEO.

    Hamren has been tapped to replace Siminoff as CEO, bringing years of experience at Microsoft, Meta, and Discord:

    Today, I’m excited to introduce our new CEO, Elizabeth (Liz) Hamren, who is joining us most recently from Discord where she is COO. Liz has a long history in consumer devices and subscription services, building and launching some of the most innovative and beloved consumer products from Oculus to Xbox and more. When she and I met eight years ago, Ring was so small and I hadn’t shared our mission with anyone except our team, mostly because no one would listen. Even then, Liz understood what I was feeling about the space: Our work wasn’t about trying to make a faster chip or shinier plastic, it was about changing the way neighbors think about security for the better. I’ve felt a kinship with her ever since, and I am honored and excited to have her join the team on this mission.

    See also: Amazon’s Ring and Google Nest Give Footage to Police Without Warrants

    Siminoff says this decision has been a long time in the making, first revealing the transition plan to employees in June 2022. At the time, Siminoff emphasized that the company would take the necessary time to find the right replacement, and he voiced his confidence that Hamren is that person.

    Hamren Ring following a number of privacy and security scandals that have tarnished the company’s image. The tech industry in general, and Amazon specifically, are also facing greater legislative challenges and regulatory scrutiny, ranging from antitrust to privacy concerns.

  • Microsoft Angering Users With Overly-Aggressive Edge Ads

    Microsoft Angering Users With Overly-Aggressive Edge Ads

    Microsoft is hell-bent on keeping people using its Edge web browser, resorting to overly-aggressive ads to accomplish its goal.

    Edge is the company’s default browser and successor to Internet Explorer. By all rights, Edge is a very capable browser, but Microsoft seems intent on pushing it as much as possible, even resorting to ads within Windows.

    According to Windows Latest, the company is displaying a popup whenever a user visits the Google Chrome website from within Edge. Interestingly, the popup seems to engage in a bit of false advertising.

    “By continuing, you will set Microsoft Edge as your default browser. Offer valid for 1 person/account within first 14 days of joining,” the popup reads.

    Microsoft Edge Ad – Credit WindowsLatest.com

    It’s unclear why the popup says the offer is only valid for 14 days, since a user can obviously use Edge as their default browser any time they want. The popup was likely recycled from another promotion, and someone forgot to clean up and change the verbiage.

    Clicking on the “Browse securely now” button doesn’t do anything — evidently another bug — but clicking the “X” in the upper right corner closes the dialog box.

    While it’s good to see Microsoft playing nice with other companies, unlike how the company behaved under Gates and Ballmer, it’s more than a little disconcerting to see the company cluttering up its product with ads — especially after users have paid a premium to use those products.

  • Microsoft Expands AI Bing Preview to Mobile Apps & Skype

    Microsoft Expands AI Bing Preview to Mobile Apps & Skype

    Microsoft has expanded its AI-powered Bing preview, incorporating it in Bing and Edge mobile apps, as well as Skype.

    Microsoft announced a version of Bing powered by AI on February 7. The AI is the next-generation version of the OpenAI tech used in ChatGPT. The response to the new Bing has been all over the spectrum, but one thing is clear: Bing is getting more attention than it has in years, if ever.

    As a result, it’s not surprising that Microsoft is continuing to roll out the new search engine, bringing it to Skype, as well as the company’s mobile apps. Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President & Consumer Chief Marketing Officer, announced the news in a blog post:

    We’re beginning to roll out the incredible capabilities of the new Bing and Edge on your smartphone along with some exciting new features, such as voice input. In addition, we are creating a new chat experience, beginning with Skype, to enhance your social communications with your friends and family.

    The company also sees Bing as being a copilot for users in their Skype chats:

    Imagine having a copilot for your friends and family as you stay connected and plan your next get together. Simply add Bing to the group, as you would any Skype contact, and now you can ask Bing to answer questions and provide information for the entire group. For example, if your family is chatting about the next family reunion, you can simply ask Bing for suggestions on travel destinations, expected weather forecasts and interesting events around your time of travel, and everyone in the chat will get access to the results. When you are catching up with friends, you can ask Bing to simply fetch information from the web, for example, the latest news or last night’s award shows to add to your conversation.

    Everyone in the preview will automatically have access to the new Bing on both mobile and Skype.

  • Microsoft Signs 10-Year Nintendo Contract Over ‘Call of Duty’

    Microsoft Signs 10-Year Nintendo Contract Over ‘Call of Duty’

    Microsoft has signed a 10-year contract with Nintendo, ensuring the popular “Call of Duty” game remains on the platform.

    Call of Duty (CoD) is at the heart of the issues surrounding Microsoft’s proposed purchase of Activision Blizzard. Sony, in particular, has made the case to regulators that Microsoft will use the purchase to favor its own Xbox platform, withholding CoD from the PlayStation and other platforms.

    Eager to put those claims to rest, Microsoft just signed a binding legal agreement with Nintendo that will see the latter’s gamers playing CoD for at least the next decade.

    Microsoft President Brad Smith tweeted the news:

    https://twitter.com/BradSmi/status/1627926790172811264?s=20

    The announcement should go a long way toward undermining Sony’s claims.