Microsoft has re-evaluated its upcoming ‘Recall’ feature, initially met with criticism over privacy concerns. The feature, initially set to be enabled by default, will now be opt-in, requiring user activation and biometric authentication. Additionally, the database storing the feature’s screenshots will now be encrypted. These changes address fears that the feature could be exploited for data misuse.
Nvidia and Microsoft have collaborated to develop an API that will allow developers to run AI-accelerated applications on RTX graphics cards. This move will pave the way for more powerful AI applications and the ability to run them on PCs that currently do not meet the requirements for Copilot+ PCs. The partnership also introduces retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) capabilities to the Copilot runtime, enhancing the AI model’s ability to provide helpful solutions. Additionally, Nvidia unveiled the RTX AI Toolkit, a developer suite that provides tools and SDKs for optimizing AI models for specific applications.
After much speculation, Xbox has officially confirmed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available on Xbox Game Pass upon its release. The announcement was initially leaked through a Game Pass notification, but Xbox has now正式确认ed its inclusion on the service. However, Xbox has not yet specified which platforms the game will be available on, and the exact release date remains under wraps. Fans eagerly await the grand reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, scheduled for June 9th after the Xbox Games Showcase.
Industry experts predict a surge in PC shipments and revenues driven by the introduction of Microsoft’s new-generation artificial intelligence (AI) PCs. These devices are equipped with dedicated AI co-processors to execute complex algorithms, enhancing productivity and creativity. Microsoft aims to challenge Apple’s dominance in the consumer laptop market, particularly its MacBook Air series, by offering competitive pricing and superior AI capabilities.
Microsoft’s PC Manager application is prompting users to set Bing as their default search engine, claiming it will optimize performance. However, experts question this recommendation as the default search engine has no impact on PC performance or security. The move has been criticized as an attempt to manipulate users into using Bing, a practice commonly employed by tech companies. Microsoft has yet to address the issue.
Microsoft has released security updates, KB5037771 for Windows 11 and KB5037768 for Windows 10, to address VPN connection problems caused by the previous April updates. Affected versions include Windows 11 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2, and Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2. The updates also fix a Bitlocker error and an issue affecting the Copilot app in Microsoft Edge settings.
Microsoft’s carbon emissions have increased by 30% since 2020, with indirect emissions related to data center construction being the primary factor. The company emphasizes the need for industry collaboration to develop greener building materials and components, as it aims to become carbon negative by 2030. Data centers, which are vital for cloud services, are energy-intensive facilities that rely on continuous power supply and cooling systems. The growing demand for data storage and processing, particularly for AI and quantum computing, is further increasing data center power consumption. Microsoft is investing in renewable energy, carbon removal, and data center efficiency measures, while advocating for policy changes and promoting circular hardware practices.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc., has asserted that Google is focused on its own AI strategy and is not swayed by the recent launch of Microsoft’s AI-powered Bing search engine. Pichai emphasized the need for continuous innovation and acknowledged the ongoing competition in the technology industry. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had previously stated that AI is the new arena of competition, highlighting Google’s dominance in the search market. Pichai responded by acknowledging Microsoft’s innovation and expressed confidence in Google’s ability to respond effectively to the challenge.
The recent closures of Tango Gameworks, Arkane Austin, and Mighty Dog Games by Microsoft have left fans reeling, and now new details about the projects these studios were working on have come to light. According to a report by Bloomberg, Tango Gameworks was reportedly pitching a sequel to the critically acclaimed rhythm action game Hi-Fi Rush, while Arkane Austin was planning to expand Redfall with offline updates and new heroes. Additionally, sources claim that Arkane Austin was also proposing a new single-player immersive sim game, potentially a new entry in the Dishonored series. However, all these projects have been scrapped following the closures.
Microsoft’s Xbox division is undergoing significant restructuring, leading to the closure of several gaming studios, including Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and Alpha Dog. This move is part of a broader effort to streamline operations, reallocate resources, and focus on innovation. Despite the layoffs, the Xbox content and services segment recently reported a 62% revenue surge.
