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Microsoft News
Dev
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Image Credit: Dev
CVE-2021-34473: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- CVE ID: CVE-2021-34473
- Vulnerability Name: Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- Date Added: 2021-11-03, Due Date: 2021-11-17
- Description: Microsoft Exchange Server contains a remote code execution vulnerability
- Used in Ransomware Campaigns: Known
- Action: Apply updates per vendor instructions
- Additional Notes: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-34473
- Related Security News: Hackers target over 70 Microsoft Exchange Servers for stealing credentials, various ransomware campaign activities reported, Microsoft's discoveries of global cyber attacks by Sandworm subgroup, and more.
- More CVEs Info: Common Vulnerabilities & Exposures (CVE) List
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Pymnts
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Image Credit: Pymnts
OpenAI Ramps Up Office Productivity Features for ChatGPT
- OpenAI is enhancing ChatGPT with office productivity features, putting it in competition with Microsoft and Google.
- New features include Record Mode for transcribing meetings, Enhanced Projects with research abilities, Advanced Voice with live translation, Connector support for various platforms, and updated Canvas for document exporting.
- ChatGPT aims to revolutionize productivity workflows by offering intelligence-centric work rather than document-centric approaches.
- Experts have differing opinions on ChatGPT's potential to challenge Microsoft Office, with some praising its capabilities and others expressing skepticism.
- While some see AI-native workflows as the future, concerns remain about ChatGPT's accuracy and data privacy issues.
- Despite its advancements, some experts believe ChatGPT still has limitations compared to established productivity tools like PowerPoint.
- Some express caution due to OpenAI's history of privacy concerns and data ownership issues.
- OpenAI has been leveraging Google's Cloud Service for additional computing capacity and has gained a significant number of paying business subscribers.
- Overall, ChatGPT's evolution in office productivity features is notable and raises questions about its potential impact on traditional productivity software.
- The story was first reported on PYMNTS.com.
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Windows
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Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10
- Windows, since its launch in 1985, continues to be the most widely used operating system powering over a billion devices globally.
- 2025 brings important milestones for Windows, with innovations like Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs showcasing breakthrough technologies.
- Microsoft emphasizes enhanced security features and AI-driven experiences for Windows 11 PCs, expecting a significant refresh by 2025.
- As Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, users are advised to consider upgrading to new PCs or utilizing the Extended Security Program (ESU).
- The end of Windows 10 support entails no further security or feature updates, potentially impacting regulatory compliance and application support.
- Windows 11 pledges improved security, performance, enhanced user experience, accessibility features, and exclusive AI-driven innovations.
- Transition options include Windows 10 ESU for temporary security coverage, Windows 365 cloud solution for Windows 11, and exploring Windows 11 ready devices.
- Windows 365 offers a flexible and cost-effective alternative for transitioning to Windows 11, providing secure Cloud PC experiences for organizations.
- A variety of Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11 devices from partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Surface cater to diverse user needs and preferences.
- By offering trade-in and recycling programs and promotional discounts, Microsoft aims to facilitate a smooth transition for users upgrading to Windows 11.
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Dbi-Services
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Image Credit: Dbi-Services
SQL Server 2025: Local SQL Server Container – Schema compare preview
- A new feature in preview for SQL Server 2025 is the 'schema compare' in the Visual Code extension.
- The feature allows comparing schemas between two databases to ensure alignment.
- The user creates two identical databases 'db1' and 'db2' with tables and data.
- After running a schema compare, no differences were found between the databases.
- Changes are made to 'db1', including adding a column, dropping a column, changing a column's data type, creating a new schema, and table.
- Running the schema compare again shows the schema changes made.
- The comparison results indicate that a table will be deleted and recreated instead of a straightforward schema transfer.
- The process is repeated with 'db2' as the source and 'db1' as the target to revert the changes effectively.
- Using the 'Switch Direction' option in schema compare helps in managing changes from both databases effectively.
- The script generation feature provides a script reflecting the changes made during the comparison.
- Caution is advised when applying changes to production databases based on the generated script.
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Rockpapershotgun
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Image Credit: Rockpapershotgun
Microsoft are reportedly laying off staff yet again, with "substantial cuts" at Xbox
- Microsoft is reportedly preparing for a fourth round of major job cuts at Xbox, with significant layoffs expected.
- The job cuts are anticipated to affect Xbox managerial staff and will be part of wider workforce reductions at Microsoft's gaming division.
- The exact number of layoffs is still undisclosed but is expected to be substantial.
- Previous reports suggested Microsoft could cut thousands of jobs, mainly impacting sales personnel.
- Microsoft has been conducting mass layoffs frequently, with significant numbers let go in recent years.
- Layoffs include 10,000 workers in January 2023, 1,900 in January 2024, 650 in September 2024, and approximately 6,000 last month.
- The layoffs have been linked to cost-cutting measures post the acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft.
- Microsoft has reported strong financial performance, with a net income of $25.8 billion in the latest financial quarter.
- This round of layoffs aligns with Microsoft's new financial year beginning after June 30, as per Bloomberg.
- The recurring pattern of job cuts in the industry raises concerns about the treatment of employees for financial gains.
- Microsoft has not confirmed the specifics of the reported layoffs.
- The gaming industry has faced a wave of job cuts in recent years, despite overall profitability in many companies.
- Bloomberg's report did not receive comments from Microsoft on the alleged upcoming layoffs.
- The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by employees in the gaming sector amid corporate restructuring.
- The frequency of layoffs underscores broader issues of job insecurity in the industry.
- The news reflects a common trend of layoffs following major acquisitions in the tech and gaming sectors.
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Kotaku
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Image Credit: Kotaku
Report: Xbox Bracing For Another Mass Layoff
- Microsoft's gaming division is reportedly bracing for another mass layoff as Xbox shifts focus from console hardware to Windows gaming and PlayStation 5 exclusives.
- Another round of layoffs, the fourth in 18 months, is expected by the end of the fiscal quarter, impacting various Xbox teams and studios.
- The recent cuts started in January 2024 with layoffs across Bethesda, Xbox, and Activision Blizzard, leading to studio closures and impact on developers.
- The ongoing layoffs follow Microsoft's acquisition spree, including buying Activision Blizzard for $70 billion, making Xbox the largest gaming content publisher.
- Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has defended the cuts as necessary for a profitable business to continue investing in Xbox and the gaming community.
- Trade-offs have included bringing Xbox games to PS5, raising game prices such as The Outer Worlds 2 at $80, and potential future increases in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate pricing.
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Kotaku
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Image Credit: Kotaku
Everything's An Xbox Including This Meta Quest 3S That Costs $100 More And Can't Play Your Xbox Games
- Microsoft releases limited edition Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition VR headset with a unique design.
- The headset features an all-black model with green inlays, standing out from traditional white VR headsets.
- Microsoft's marketing strategy revolves around branding diverse devices as Xbox-compatible for Game Pass streaming.
- The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is priced at $400, $100 more than the standard version, and includes an exclusive Xbox controller and Game Pass subscription.
- Users can stream Game Pass games on the Meta Quest 3S, enabling continuity across different devices.
- However, compatibility issues exist with games not supporting Play Anywhere, requiring separate purchases for Xbox-only titles.
- Microsoft positions these Xbox-branded devices as limited-edition items rather than mainstream gaming platforms for now.
- Meta's Quest 3 VR headset has seen decent sales, but the Xbox Edition's limitations raise questions about its target audience.
- Competition in the VR market intensifies with PlayStation VR 2 and challenges VR adoption.
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The Verge
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Image Credit: The Verge
Microsoft planning ‘major’ Xbox layoffs next week
- Microsoft is planning to cut jobs in the company’s Xbox gaming business, as early as next week.
- Upcoming major layoffs are expected to impact Microsoft’s Xbox business and wider parts of the company.
- Microsoft aims to restructure its Xbox business in preparation for the next generation of consoles.
- Microsoft is restructuring Xbox distribution in central Europe, leading to operations being ceased in some regions.
- These upcoming layoffs will add to the 6,000 cuts Microsoft made in May and over 300 impacted earlier this month.
- Recent years have seen significant gaming-related layoffs at Microsoft, including those at Activision Blizzard and Xbox employees.
- In January 2024, Microsoft laid off 1,900 Activision Blizzard and Xbox employees, followed by game studio closures including Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin in May 2024.
- In September, Microsoft laid off 650 more Xbox employees, alongside around 1,000 employees cut from HoloLens and Azure cloud teams in June 2023.
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The Verge
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Image Credit: The Verge
A week in Xbox VR with Microsoft and Meta’s new $399 headset
- Microsoft and Meta introduced the Xbox-branded Quest VR headset, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition for $399.99, which includes additional accessories and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- The Quest 3S Xbox Edition features a customized design with carbon black and green styling integrated into the user interface, and it comes pre-paired with the Xbox wireless controller.
- Users can access the Xbox app on the headset to stream games from Xbox Cloud Gaming, necessitating an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, with a three-month subscription included.
- The headset offers a unique Xbox app experience with a 26-foot virtual display and a pass-through view that blends Xbox games into augmented reality objects in the real world.
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TechJuice
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Image Credit: TechJuice
Microsoft Unifies PC Game Libraries in Xbox App Overhaul
- Microsoft has launched a major update to its Xbox PC app, unifying Steam and Battle.net games with Xbox titles.
- The update simplifies game libraries, making the Xbox app a central hub for all PC gamers.
- Games from Steam and Battle.net are now automatically integrated into the Xbox app, streamlining the gaming experience.
- Microsoft aims to support handheld gaming with this update, catering to devices like the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X.
- Gaming experts have praised the update as a strategic move to compete with SteamOS.
- Some gamers appreciated the unified approach to managing multiple game stores within one app.
- Concerns were raised by some users regarding download and update processes, as well as the integration of features like achievements and overlays.
- This update simplifies game management, especially for handheld devices, and promotes a neutral ground for all PC games within the Xbox app.
- Microsoft plans to make this feature available to all users by late 2025 or early 2026, adding support for more storefronts and devices.
- Future updates may introduce new discovery sections in the app, featuring games from publishers like EA and Ubisoft.
- Microsoft could explore cloud streaming and emulation options in the future, potentially eliminating launcher chaos.
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Digit
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Image Credit: Digit
What is Microsoft’s Mu: A small AI model for Windows 11 Settings
- Microsoft has introduced Mu, a small AI model for Windows 11 Settings.
- Mu is designed to subtly reshape how users interact with computer settings on Copilot+ PCs.
- It is an on-device AI model that understands natural language commands.
- Mu can guide users in navigating system preferences or applying changes directly.
- Mu is a Small Language Model (SLM) with 330 million parameters.
- It runs efficiently on devices with limited computing resources, such as Copilot+ PCs.
- Mu is part of Microsoft's Phi family of models, aimed at maximizing AI performance within constraints.
- It ensures user data privacy by processing locally on the device.
- Mu aims to enhance user experience by making Windows more intuitive and responsive.
- The rollout of Mu is currently limited to Windows Insiders.
- Future plans for Mu include support for additional languages and deployment on AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs.
- Mu's focus is on utility rather than personality-driven interactions.
- Microsoft intends for Mu to quietly improve various aspects of the Windows experience.
- Mu is praised for its fast, effective, and human-like understanding.
- Mu represents a subtle but significant upgrade in AI integration for Windows users.
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The Verge
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Image Credit: The Verge
Windows 11’s indicators for volume and brightness can soon be moved out of the way
- Microsoft is testing a feature in Windows 11 allowing users to move hardware indicator pop-ups like volume and screen brightness to the top-left and top-center positions of a display.
- This customization feature is part of a new Dev Channel build of Windows 11.
- The latest Dev Channel build enables users to choose the position of volume, brightness, and airplane mode indicators on the screen.
- These changes aim to make the indicators less obtrusive while using apps.
- Users are unable to select the top right position to avoid interference with app control buttons.
- Microsoft is also introducing a new Recall homepage in Windows 11.
- The Recall homepage displays recent activity and top-used content for easy access to previous tasks.
- It shows recent snapshots and top apps or websites used in the past 24 hours.
- The Recall feature includes a new navigation bar on the left side for switching between the new homepage interface and the Timeline feature.
- These changes are currently being tested with Windows Insiders.
- The features are expected to roll out more broadly in Windows 11 in the near future.
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Insider
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Image Credit: Insider
Bill Gates' daughter Phoebe and her cofounder say ChatGPT helped them promote their fashion tech business
- Phoebe Gates, daughter of Bill Gates, and her Phia cofounder, Sophia Kianni, used ChatGPT to craft scripts for marketing videos for their fashion tech startup.
- Gates and Kianni studied viral videos to emulate successful content creation strategies.
- They reverse-engineered viral videos to create engaging founder videos for Phia.
- ChatGPT was employed to transcribe and analyze viral videos to understand their success.
- Kianni broke down viral video elements to tailor scripts for Phia using ChatGPT.
- Understanding viral video patterns was deemed essential for marketing success.
- The broader trend shows an increasing use of AI tools like ChatGPT in various aspects of life and work.
- Gates emphasized the significance of AI in enhancing daily tasks.
- Phia, founded by Gates and Kianni, helps users find the best deals by comparing clothing prices across 40,000 sites.
- In a podcast episode, Gates shared her father's initial reluctance to let her drop out of college to start a business.
- Bill Gates mentioned not providing funding for his daughter's business and the dynamics if he had been involved.
- The cofounders did not comment immediately when contacted by Business Insider.
- Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni launched Phia in April, leveraging their AI-driven approach in the fashion tech market.
- Gates acknowledged the support her father provided in her education, contrary to his own path in starting a company.
- The use of AI tools like ChatGPT is becoming mainstream for businesses and personal endeavors across various industries.
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Windows
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Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4452 (Beta Channel)
- Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.4452 (KB5060836) released to Beta Channel for Windows 11, version 24H2.
- New Copilot+ PC experiences introduced with Recall Homepage for easy access to recent activities and top-used content.
- Improvements in Recall navigation with new navigation bar for intuitive access to key features.
- New setting to move hardware indicators for brightness, volume, etc., to different positions on the screen.
- Various changes and improvements in Start menu, File Explorer, and Settings.
- Fixes for issues including input problems, File Explorer performance, and Windows Vista boot sound.
- Known issues, including problems with Start menu navigation, Xbox Controllers, and AI actions in File Explorer.
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Insider
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Image Credit: Insider
MAGA is split over the AI provision in Trump's Big Beautiful Bill
- Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' contains a provision prohibiting states from regulating artificial intelligence for 10 years, causing division within the GOP.
- While Big Tech supports the provision, some of Trump's staunchest supporters in Congress criticize it as 'bad,' 'potentially dangerous,' and a violation of states' rights.
- The proposal aims to provide leeway to the tech industry amidst the AI competition with China and prevent discrepancies in state laws.
- Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and other GOP members like Sen. Josh Hawley and Sen. Marsha Blackburn oppose the AI regulation ban.
- Greene expressed concerns about the potential dangers of unrestricted AI development over the next decade.
- Sen. Hawley advocates for federalism and sensible oversight to safeguard liberties regarding AI regulations.
- Trump has not publicly commented on the provision, and key Democrats, including Sen. Chris Murphy, criticize it as giving undue advantage to the tech sector.
- The Senate's version of the bill penalizes states that pass new AI rules by withholding federal broadband funds.
- While Big Tech generally supports the 10-year moratorium, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has criticized it as lacking a clear federal response.
- The Senate may decide to vote on removing the AI provision before the final bill passage targeted before July 4, potentially subjecting the bill to further amendments.
- Trump's stance on the AI provision remains unknown, and the bill's fate will depend on potential revisions before reaching his desk.
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