A naukri.com initiative
Microsoft News
The Verge
2w
242
Image Credit: The Verge
Microsoft goes passwordless by default on new accounts
- Microsoft is now making its biggest move towards a passwordless future by asking new account sign-ups to use secure methods like passkeys, push notifications, and security keys by default.
- New Microsoft accounts will be 'passwordless by default,' while existing users can delete their passwords in account settings.
- Microsoft has introduced a more optimized sign-in window design to facilitate a passwordless and passkey-first experience for users.
- The company has also renamed 'World Password Day' to 'World Passkey Day' and aims to promote passkeys over passwords with a high success rate of signing in using passkeys.
Read Full Article
14 Likes
Perficient
2w
34
Transform Your Sales Strategy with Microsoft’s AI-Driven Tools
- Microsoft offers AI-driven tools like M365 Copilot for Sales, Sales Agent, Sales Chat, and Sales Research Agent in Dynamics 365 to enhance sales strategies and drive business growth.
- M365 Copilot for Sales streamlines workflows, simplifies tasks, personalizes interactions, and helps sellers focus on building relationships and closing deals efficiently.
- Sales Agent in Microsoft 365 autonomously completes sales processes, qualifies leads, provides insights, and integrates with CRM systems and Microsoft 365 data.
- Sales Chat accelerates the sales cycle, offers actionable insights from CRM data, pitch decks, and meetings, helping sellers understand customers and improve efficiency.
- Sales Research Agent in Dynamics 365 assists sales leaders in gaining visibility into sales performance, providing natural language interaction, AI-powered research plans, and comprehensive research blueprints.
- Key features of Microsoft's AI tools include natural language interaction, AI-generated research outputs, multibranch research journeys, AI cursor for exploration, and comprehensive research blueprints.
- By embracing Microsoft's AI tools, sales teams can improve efficiency, productivity, and customer insights, ultimately transforming their sales strategies for better outcomes.
Read Full Article
2 Likes
Pymnts
2w
82
Image Credit: Pymnts
Microsoft Raises Xbox Prices, Citing ‘Market Conditions’
- Microsoft raised prices for Xbox consoles and controllers globally, with plans to increase first-party game prices later this year during the holiday season.
- The price hikes were attributed to market conditions and rising development costs, with a focus on offering more gaming options and value for Xbox players.
- Price changes affect Xbox headsets in the U.S. and Canada, while some controllers remain unchanged; potential impact of U.S. tariffs not specified.
- Retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Home Depot, discussed challenges related to tariffs with President Trump, as companies sought ways to manage increased costs and potential product scarcity.
Read Full Article
4 Likes
Playstationlifestyle
2w
190
Image Credit: Playstationlifestyle
Xbox Games to Become More Expensive Than PS5 Games for Now
- Microsoft has announced a price increase for Xbox products, including video games, from $69.99 to as high as $79.99 for future releases.
- The price increase for Xbox games will be global and affect both physical and digital versions.
- The reason provided for the price change includes 'market conditions' and the 'rising cost of development' according to Microsoft.
- Sony has not increased the prices of its first-party PS5 titles yet, but Xbox first-party games coming to PS5 will start at $79.99.
Read Full Article
11 Likes
Silicon
2w
71
Image Credit: Silicon
Microsoft Pledges To Protect European Operations From Trump
- Microsoft has promised to protect its operations in Europe and announced five digital commitments to provide reassurance against potential disruptions under US President Donald Trump.
- The commitments include expanding cloud and AI infrastructure in Europe, upholding digital resilience, protecting data privacy, defending cybersecurity, and enhancing economic competitiveness.
- Microsoft plans to increase its European data center capacity by 40% in the next two years and ensure oversight by a European board of directors.
- The company will double its European data center capacity between 2023 and 2027, resulting in operations across over 200 data centers in Europe.
- Microsoft aims to establish sovereign cloud data centers in partnership with local organizations to strengthen security and data protection.
- Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president, emphasized the importance of providing digital stability amid geopolitical uncertainty and committed to contest any order that could disrupt cloud operations in Europe.
- The move aims to reassure European customers amidst trade tensions and calls for more European tech sovereignty, with Microsoft being proactive in safeguarding access to its services.
- Smith highlighted the significance of maintaining trust with European countries and governments, recognizing Europe as a crucial market for Microsoft's business.
- By making legal commitments in contracts and standing ready to challenge disruptive government orders, Microsoft aims to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring continuity of access to technology in Europe.
- The proactive steps taken by Microsoft reflect a strategic approach to address concerns and bolster confidence in its operations amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Read Full Article
4 Likes
The Verge
2w
219
Image Credit: The Verge
Microsoft is getting ready to host Elon Musk’s Grok AI model
- Microsoft is preparing to host Elon Musk's Grok AI model on its AI infrastructure.
- Discussions have been ongoing between Microsoft and xAI to make the Grok AI model available through Azure cloud service.
- If the deal goes through, Grok will be accessible on Azure AI Foundry for developers to integrate the model into their applications.
- This move could potentially create tensions with Microsoft's partner OpenAI.
Read Full Article
12 Likes
Cgmagonline
2w
216
Image Credit: Cgmagonline
Microsoft Raising Xbox Prices—And $79.99 Games Are Next
- Microsoft is raising prices of nearly its entire catalogue, including Xbox Series consoles and accessories, by a proposed $10 increase on software prices expected to go into effect at a later date.
- The new pricing on Xbox consoles and peripherals is already live globally, with the exception of wireless headsets, which will see increases in the U.S. and Canada.
- Microsoft plans to adjust the pricing of some first-party games to $79.99 starting this holiday season, similar to Nintendo's confirmed $79.99 launch price for Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Xbox stated the pricing changes were made considering market conditions and rising development costs, focusing on offering more ways to play games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.
Read Full Article
13 Likes
Guardian
2w
173
Image Credit: Guardian
Microsoft raises Xbox prices globally amid tariff uncertainty
- Microsoft is increasing Xbox console prices globally, including a 27% hike for the Xbox Series S and a 22% increase for the Series X Galaxy Black model in the US.
- Prices for certain new games from Microsoft-owned studios will also rise by 14% in the US, and the Series S in Europe will see a 17% price increase.
- The price adjustments were made due to market conditions and rising development costs, according to Microsoft. The impact of Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese products is indirectly affecting the gaming industry.
- Sony and Nintendo have also been dealing with similar issues, with Sony increasing PS5 prices in some markets and Nintendo delaying pre-orders for the Switch 2 console following Trump's tariff announcement.
Read Full Article
10 Likes
Kotaku
2w
225
Image Credit: Kotaku
Welp, GTA 6 Is Definitely Going To Be At Least $80 Now
- Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch later this year and is expected to cost at least $80, following Nintendo and Microsoft announcing $80 price tags for their games.
- This price increase trend is influenced by various factors like President Trump's tariffs, leading major publishers to raise game prices in the U.S., with Sony likely to follow suit.
- Take-Two and Rockstar Games are likely to price GTA 6 at $80 or more, with the anticipation that fans will still purchase the highly anticipated game despite the higher cost.
- Rockstar Games may benefit from the precedent set by other publishers, as announcing GTA 6 at $80 will be less controversial after recent price hikes in the gaming industry.
Read Full Article
13 Likes
Siliconera
2w
351
Image Credit: Siliconera
Xbox Console and Controller Prices Up After Trump Tariffs
- Microsoft will increase the prices of Xbox Series X and S consoles, controllers, and accessories globally due to Trump tariffs from May 2025.
- Increases range from about $80 to $100 on Xbox systems, with retailers like Amazon still showing lower prices for now.
- Trump referenced higher prices and smaller selections due to tariffs, impacting Xbox prices in the US and worldwide.
- Other companies, including Sony and Nintendo, are also raising prices or affecting pre-orders due to the Trump tariffs on electronics.
Read Full Article
21 Likes
Massivelyop
2w
268
‘This is an injunction, not a negotiation’: Apple’s antics secure a fresh court victory for Epic Games
- Epic Games secured a fresh court victory against Apple with a permanent injunction ensuring third-party purchasing options couldn't be blocked.
- Apple found in 'willful violation' of court's 2021 injunction as it continued anticompetitive conduct to maintain revenue stream.
- Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers was not amused by Apple's actions, ordering production of real-time documents and possible financial penalties for Apple.
- Apple is blocked from adding fees to third-party app purchases and manipulating buttons and links, while Epic is hoping to bring Fortnite back soon.
Read Full Article
16 Likes
Kotaku
2w
316
Image Credit: Kotaku
Fans React To Xbox Price Hikes And $80 Games
- Microsoft announced major price hikes for the entire Xbox ecosystem, leading to an increase in the cost of Xbox Series X and potential $80 games.
- Concerns arise over the impact of tariffs and rising development costs on the price increases, with uncertainties on future price adjustments based on trade war outcomes.
- Fans express shock and frustration over the price changes, attributing some blame to Nintendo's pricing strategies and anticipating potential price adjustments from Sony in response.
- The escalating costs in the gaming industry raise questions about the affordability of future consoles like Xbox Series X and PS6, as well as the pricing of new games, possibly driving players towards alternative gaming options.
Read Full Article
19 Likes
Insider
2w
15
Image Credit: Insider
'Liberation Day' losses erased: Microsoft and Meta spark a huge comeback for tech stocks
- Tech stocks, including AI-related companies, experienced a significant comeback following strong earnings reports from Microsoft and Meta Platforms.
- Both companies emphasized their commitment to investing in AI technology during their earnings calls.
- Meta raised its capex guidance for 2025, signaling continued growth in AI infrastructure. AI-related stocks surged, with companies like Nvidia, Arista Networks, Vistra, and Vertiv seeing significant gains.
- Microsoft's Azure cloud business showed strong growth, with a significant portion attributed to AI. Microsoft and Meta Platforms' positive results boosted tech stocks and helped indexes rally, erasing previous losses.
Read Full Article
Like
Windows
2w
182
Secure your organization against changing conditions with a special offer from Windows 365
- Businesses today face challenges in adapting to changing economic conditions and technological advancements. Adopting new technologies like AI is crucial for staying competitive and secure, as per the 2025 Work Trend Index report.
- With the end of support for Windows 10 approaching in October 2025, it's essential for companies to plan effectively for streamlined operations and enhanced security.
- Windows 365 offers a secure and reliable AI and cloud-powered solution for businesses, with a 20% discount on all plans for new customers aiming to transition to Windows 11.
- Transitioning to Windows 365 provides a secure Windows 11 experience in the cloud, promoting flexibility and security by adhering to Zero Trust principles.
- Windows 365 not only offers cost-effective alternatives to physical device refresh but also aligns with sustainability goals, contributing to reduced carbon footprints.
- Extended Security Updates (ESUs) are available at no cost to Windows 365 customers, ensuring Windows 10 PCs remain secure beyond the support deadline while transitioning to Windows 11.
- Windows 365 caters to various industries and use cases, with companies like Crocs and dnata Travel Group experiencing cost savings and streamlined operations post-migration.
- By embracing Windows 365, organizations can enhance productivity, reduce IT costs, improve security, and prepare for the AI-powered future of end-user computing.
- The promotional offer for Windows 365, running from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2025, provides a 20% discount to new customers, emphasizing Microsoft’s commitment to supporting businesses during uncertain times.
- Given the transformative impact of cloud solutions like Windows 365, organizations can position themselves for future success by leveraging the cloud, enhanced security, predictable costs, and operational efficiency.
Read Full Article
10 Likes
TechCrunch
2w
264
Image Credit: TechCrunch
Xbox consoles, controllers, and games are getting more expensive
- Microsoft announced price increases for Xbox consoles, controllers, and some games, with Xbox Series X and Series S models going up by $80-$100 each.
- The basic Xbox Series S and Series X models were priced at $299.99 and $499.99 originally but are set to increase to $379.99 and $599.99 respectively.
- Standard Xbox Wireless Controller prices will rise to $64.99, while Elite Series 2 controllers will range from $149.99 to $199.99. First-party games will cost $79.99 during this holiday season.
- Speculations suggest the price hikes could be related to market conditions and increasing development costs due to potential tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.
Read Full Article
15 Likes
For uninterrupted reading, download the app