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Tag: microsoft

  • Wild Tech starts Microsoft Dynamics 365 program with Metro Department Store Singapore

    Wild Tech starts Microsoft Dynamics 365 program with Metro Department Store Singapore

    Wild Tech has commenced an engagement with Metro Department Store Singapore to support the retailer’s transition away from a long-running legacy environment and into the Microsoft Dynamics 365 ecosystem. Metro is one of Singapore’s established department store brands, operating physical stores including Metro Paragon and Metro Causeway Point.

    The engagement begins with a requirements and solution study, designed to clarify Metro’s future-state finance needs and establish a practical pathway to implementation. Metro’s broader modernisation program includes changes associated with financial and inventory practices, with the initial focus placed on ensuring finance foundations are fit-for -purpose before subsequent phases are considered.

    “This is exactly the kind of engagement where getting the foundations right matters more than rushing to configuration,” said Matthew Rodgers, Head of Microsoft APAC at Wild Tech. “Metro has been clear about moving into the Microsoft Dynamics world, and our role in this phase is to bring structure and transparency to the requirements, so the implementation approach is realistic, well-governed, and able to scale into future phases as confidence grows.”

    After assessing options within the Dynamics portfolio, Metro selected Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (F&O) as the target platform. The program will be designed to support improved governance, control, and reporting capability, while creating a scalable base for future operational uplift across the wider retail environment.

    Wild Tech’s current scope centres on defining requirements, mapping priority processes, confirming data and reporting needs, and identifying key integration touchpoints typically required in retail environments. This includes establishing how finance will connect to upstream operational systems that influence inventory, costing, reconciliation, and management reporting. The work will also set out a staged roadmap intended to reduce delivery risk and avoid unnecessary disruption during transition.

     

  • Microsoft Commits $17.5B to Boost India’s AI and Cloud Infrastructure: A Game-changer for Asia’s Tech Landscape

    Microsoft Commits $17.5B to Boost India’s AI and Cloud Infrastructure: A Game-changer for Asia’s Tech Landscape

    Microsoft has pledged to invest a staggering USD 17.5 billion in India’s cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, which is its most significant financial commitment in Asia thus far. The investment, scheduled across four years from 2026 to 2029, plans to boost hyperscale cloud capacity, extend data centers, support AI adoption, and introduce sovereign cloud solutions for industries regulated by the government.

    CEO Visit and Plans

    This landmark investment was unveiled during Satya Nadella’s visit to New Delhi, the CEO of Microsoft. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met with Nadella, lauded the initiative as a powerful endorsement of India’s technology ecosystem and its proficient workforce.

    Microsoft aims to establish a new cloud region, called India South Central, in Hyderabad. The expected launch date is in mid-2026. Additionally, the tech giant plans to broaden its operations in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune. Microsoft also intends to provide sovereign public cloud and sovereign private cloud solutions to support secure, locally hosted workloads for enterprises and government institutions.

    Investment in Skills and Training

    Another part of Microsoft’s ambitious plan is to train 20 million individuals in AI and digital skills by 2030. This project will involve collaboration with educational institutions, startups, and government programs, aiming to cultivate a workforce ready for the future. The company also plans to integrate AI into public platforms, such as e-Shram and the National Career Service (NCS), to deliver predictive analytics, job-matching services, and multilingual access for millions of workers in the informal sector.

    This USD 17.5 billion commitment overshadows Microsoft’s previous announcement in 2025 to invest USD 3 billion to develop cloud and AI infrastructure, new data centers, and workforce skilling over the following two years. Industry experts believe the expanded investment highlights India’s strategic role in the global AI ecosystem and underscores the country’s appeal as a hub for next-generation technology.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of Microsoft’s investment in India?
    The investment aims to enhance India’s cloud and AI infrastructure, expand data centers, support AI adoption, and introduce sovereign cloud solutions for regulated industries.

    What is meant by ‘sovereign cloud solutions’?
    Sovereign cloud solutions refer to cloud computing services that are hosted within a country’s borders, providing improved security and data sovereignty for enterprises and government institutions.

    How will Microsoft’s investment impact India’s workforce?
    Microsoft plans to train 20 million people in AI and digital skills by 2030, preparing them for the future job market. They will also integrate AI into public platforms to provide job-matching services and multilingual access for millions of workers in the informal sector.

  • Microsoft Bridges Android-Windows Gap: Seamless Transition across Devices Now Possible with Windows 11

    Microsoft Bridges Android-Windows Gap: Seamless Transition across Devices Now Possible with Windows 11

    Microsoft continues its quest to enhance Android compatibility with Windows 11, introducing exciting updates that aim to facilitate a smoother interaction between the two platforms.

    Expanded App Integration

    Previously, Microsoft had introduced the capability to resume playing Spotify tracks on Windows 11 from the exact point where users had paused on their Android phones. Now, this functionality is being expanded to include a wider range of applications. The integration is currently being rolled out incrementally, starting with the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 (KB5070307). While it remains in its beta stage, with positive user feedback, it is expected to become available to all Windows 11 users in the near future.

    This expanded feature means integration is no longer limited to Spotify alone. For instance, users of vivo Android phones can now pick up their web browsing on their PC from where they left off on their mobile’s vivo browser.

    Moreover, owners of Samsung, Oppo, Huawei, Honor, or vivo devices can open files from the M365 Copilot apps, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, on their PCs. Depending on whether the app is installed, the files will either open within the app or in the user’s default browser. However, it is important to note that offline files stored on the phone are currently not supported.

    Closing the Android-Windows Gap

    The integration also allows users to resume using other applications on their PCs from where they left off on their Android devices, similar to the Spotify feature. This is a significant step forward in bridging the gap between Android and Windows, a challenge that has long been frustrating due to the numerous variations of Android and different device manufacturers involved.

    The challenge is further amplified when compared to the seamless cross-device continuity enjoyed by Apple users, who can start a task on an iPhone and continue on a MacBook or iPad. However, Microsoft’s recent efforts to emulate this seamless transition, albeit across different brands within the ecosystem, are quite promising and could prove to be a game changer for both Windows and Android users.

    Improved Mobile Experience

    Once this feature is accessible to all, it is expected to significantly enhance the user experience. The ability to transition seamlessly between an Android phone and a Windows laptop without losing one’s progress is a minor convenience that could make a major impact.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main update provided by Microsoft for Windows 11?
    The key update allows users to resume their activities on Windows 11 from where they left off on their Android phones across a wider range of apps, not just Spotify.

    What are the M365 Copilot apps and how are they integrated into this feature?
    The M365 Copilot apps include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Users with certain Android devices can now open files from these apps on their PCs.

    What does this update mean for Android and Windows users?
    This update signifies a major step towards bridging the gap between Android and Windows, offering users the potential for a more seamless cross-device experience.

  • Apple And Microsoft Challenge Chrome’s Dominance: Unveiling The Privacy Controversy

    Apple And Microsoft Challenge Chrome’s Dominance: Unveiling The Privacy Controversy

    Apple has recently cautioned iPhone users against employing the Chrome browser, citing security risks. This situation may remind one of a previous advertising scenario in 2024 where the tech giant, through creative visuals, illustrated Android users exploring the Chrome Browser in public and being surveilled by transforming cameras. These cameras symbolized internet user trackers, which failed when attempting to spy on users of Apple’s own Safari browser. The underlying message being that Safari provides superior protection of users’ personal information than its counterparts, specifically pointing out the Chrome browser.

    Google’s Privacy Sandbox: A Failed Attempt at Privacy

    In a parallel move, Microsoft attempted to dissuade Windows users from using Chrome. They promoted their own browser, Microsoft Edge, as a trustworthy alternative that operates on the same technology as Chrome. Despite these concerted efforts by Microsoft and Apple to dethrone Chrome, the browser boasts a massive user base of over 3 billion worldwide. However, Google recently dropped a bombshell by announcing the end of its Privacy Sandbox project, its proposed alternative to third-party cookies for the web and Android applications.

    Back in January 2024, Google initiated the process of phasing out third-party cookies from Chrome. The agenda was to replace them with the Privacy Sandbox, aiming to gauge a consumer’s interests without resorting to widespread internet tracking to push personalized advertisements. Such targeted ads typically command higher prices from the advertisers due to their increased effectiveness, thereby contributing to Google’s revenue.

    The Privacy Sandbox was intended to shift ad selection and data processing tasks directly to the user’s browser and device, eliminating the need for third-party trackers to transmit individual user data across the web. Despite initial plans, Google resolved not to discontinue the use of third-party cookies last year, culminating in the current halt to the six-year-old Privacy Sandbox initiative.

    The Future of Chrome Amidst Privacy Concerns

    Although Chrome users may once again be subjected to tracking and personalized advertising, Chrome’s substantial market share is anticipated to remain unaffected. Currently, the browser dominates over 70% of the market, both in mobile and desktop segments. However, emerging competition from AI browsers like Perplexity’s Comet and an upcoming AI browser from Open AI’s parent ChatGPT could potentially pose a threat to Chrome.

    The Privacy Sandbox tools that Google has decided to withdraw include a host of features such as Attribution Reporting API for both Chrome and Android, IP Protection, On-Device Personalization, Private Aggregation, and more.

    An API, or Application Programming Interface, serves as an intermediary enabling two distinct software interfaces to communicate and exchange data. This process can be likened to the functioning of a restaurant, where an app seeking data is the customer, the API is the waiter relaying the order to the kitchen (the server), and then serving the prepared food (data) back to the customer.

    Google’s cancellation of the Privacy Sandbox was attributed to its “low levels of adoption”, indicating that it failed to provide sufficient value to its users.

    Questions & Answers

    Why did Apple caution its users against using Chrome?
    Apple cited security risks as the primary reason for advising its users against using the Chrome browser. The company highlighted through a past advertisement that its own Safari browser offers better protection of personal data.

    What was the purpose of Google’s Privacy Sandbox?
    Google’s Privacy Sandbox was intended to replace third-party cookies in Chrome. It sought to understand consumer interests without having to track user behavior across the internet, facilitating the delivery of personalized ads.

    Why did Google decide to cancel the Privacy Sandbox?
    Google stated that the Privacy Sandbox had not been adopted widely and that it wasn’t providing enough value to its users, which led to its decision to discontinue the project.

  • Microsoft Appoints Chia Wee Luen as New Managing Director for Singapore’s Dynamic Market

    Microsoft Appoints Chia Wee Luen as New Managing Director for Singapore’s Dynamic Market

    In a significant move for its Singapore operations, Microsoft has appointed Chia Wee Luen as the new managing director, stepping into the role previously held by Lee Hui Li. This appointment comes at a crucial time as the tech giant aims to drive Singapore’s digital ambitions forward, especially in cloud services and artificial intelligence.

    Pioneering Singapore’s Tech Landscape

    Wee Luen will be at the forefront of Microsoft’s initiatives in Singapore, focusing on fostering innovation and inclusive transformation among customers, partners, and government entities. He brings a wealth of experience from his recent position as managing director for Asia at ServiceNow, a role that has equipped him with a deep understanding of the regional tech landscape.

    Mayank Wadhwa, Microsoft’s ASEAN president, emphasized the strategic importance of Singapore to the company’s global operations. “Under Wee Luen’s leadership, we will empower our customers to harness the full power of technology to drive meaningful impact and unlock the region’s extraordinary potential,” Wadhwa said, hinting at a promise of innovative collaborations ahead.

    A Visionary Leader with Deep Roots

    With over 20 years in enterprise technology, Wee Luen expressed his enthusiasm for the role. “I’m honoured to join Microsoft Singapore at this pivotal moment. I look forward to working with the team, our partner ecosystem, and visionary customers to capitalise on this transformative era of AI and continue shaping Singapore’s future together,” he remarked, echoing a sentiment of collective advancement.

    His impressive background began in Singapore’s public sector and unfolded through senior leadership roles at noted firms such as Red Hat, Qlik, and Oracle. Notably, Wee Luen is dedicated to community engagement, serving on the Digital & Technology Committee of the Children’s Cancer Foundation and chairing the Tech for Good Committee at the Singapore Computer Society, reinforcing his commitment to social responsibility.

    Anticipating a Bright Future

    As Microsoft embarks on this new chapter, the industry watches with keen interest. Will the savvy digital strategist manage to capture the zeitgeist of technological advancement in Singapore? Only time will tell, but if the past is any guide, his leadership could very well ignite a new era of innovation.

    Questions & Answers

    What are Chia Wee Luen’s main responsibilities as managing director of Microsoft Singapore?
    He is tasked with leading Singapore’s operations, focusing on advancing digital ambitions through cloud services and AI while fostering innovation and collaboration with customers and stakeholders.

    What was Chia Wee Luen’s role before joining Microsoft?
    Prior to his current appointment, Wee Luen served as managing director for Asia at ServiceNow, where he gained valuable experience in enterprise technology.

    How is Wee Luen involved in community initiatives?
    He participates actively in the community through his roles on the Digital & Technology Committee of the Children’s Cancer Foundation and as chair of the Tech for Good Committee at the Singapore Computer Society.

  • Microsoft Unveils Ambitious Multimodal AI Vision for Windows 2030 Experience

    Microsoft Unveils Ambitious Multimodal AI Vision for Windows 2030 Experience

    Microsoft’s ambitious Windows 2030 Vision unveils a future where artificial intelligence (AI) is woven into the very fabric of its operating system, dramatically reshaping the user experience. Imagine a world where AI agents tackle mundane tasks, freeing users to focus on creativity, innovation, and collaboration—sounds like a sci-fi plot, right? But this is what Microsoft envisions for the coming decade.

    AI: The New Driving Force

    In this forward-thinking landscape, interaction with the operating system will evolve into a seamless, multimodal experience. The OS will not only “see” and “hear” but also respond empathetically to user inputs, making computing more intuitive and human-like. Users will be able to execute complex requests simply by speaking or gesturing, thanks to advanced voice and visual commands.

    Revolutionizing Security

    Security features are also set to see a significant overhaul. Microsoft plans to transition from traditional app and OS-level protection to a more holistic appliance-level security system. Picture this: one-click, comprehensive device security, designed to keep your digital life safe without the usual hassle. This all-encompassing approach promises to redefine how users protect their sensitive information.

    A Blueprint for Tomorrow

    The union of intuitive computing and robust security within the Windows ecosystem highlights Microsoft’s determination to blend human creativity with AI-driven efficiency. As we look ahead to 2030, it’s clear that Microsoft is not just dreaming about the future of work; it’s designing it. With these innovations on the horizon, the way we work, communicate, and safeguard our digital assets will likely be transformed forever.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the primary goal of Microsoft’s Windows 2030 Vision?
    The goal is to integrate artificial intelligence deeply into the operating system to enhance user experience by automating routine tasks and facilitating a more intuitive interaction with technology.

    How will security change with the new Windows vision?
    Windows aims to shift from traditional security measures to a more comprehensive appliance-level protection model, allowing users to secure their devices with a single click.

    What is the anticipated impact of these changes on users?
    Users can expect to have more time for creative and innovative pursuits as AI manages everyday tasks, making computing not only more efficient but also more engaging.

  • Bill Gates Could Have Surpassed Elon Musk as Richest Person with $1.2 Trillion in Microsoft Stock

    Bill Gates Could Have Surpassed Elon Musk as Richest Person with $1.2 Trillion in Microsoft Stock

    Elon Musk is making headlines with a staggering net worth of $409 billion, as reported by Forbes. Meanwhile, Melinda French Gates, co-founder of the Gates Foundation and former wife of Bill Gates, is right behind Musk, projected to become the world’s third-richest individual with a net worth of $300 billion.

    A Glimpse Into Microsoft’s Roots

    Take a step back in time to 1986, when Microsoft went public. Bill Gates owned 11.2 million shares—almost 49% of the company—valued at approximately $200 million back then. Fast forward to today: had he retained all those shares through various stock splits, his and Melinda’s holdings would balloon to an impressive 3.2 billion shares, constituting a 43% stake worth an estimated $1.4 trillion.

    The Fortune of Giving

    In addition to the astonishing value of their stake, the couple could have accrued around $100 billion in after-tax dividends over the years, positioning Bill firmly among the wealthiest, with only 18 billionaires surpassing him globally, according to Forbes.

    The Philanthropic Legacy

    However, rather than hoarding his wealth, Gates has been on a journey of giving, gradually selling and donating his shares over the years. Today, he holds only 0.9% of Microsoft, valued at $28 billion, which constitutes about a quarter of his net worth. Melinda possesses 380,000 shares worth around $170 million, a fraction of her wealth.

    Since its establishment in 2000, the Gates Foundation has received a remarkable $60.2 billion in donations from the couple, making them the second-largest philanthropists in the U.S., following Warren Buffett.

    Looking Forward

    In a bold commitment made in May, Gates pledged to donate an astonishing 99% of his more than $100 billion fortune over the next two decades to further bolster charitable initiatives through the Gates Foundation. Meanwhile, Melinda is no slouch either; she launched her own initiative, Pivotal Philanthropies, in 2022 and announced a $1 billion commitment over the next three years specifically to advocate for women’s and girls’ rights. “We all have power,” she stated in a March interview with Elle. “But there are barriers in society that often keep women from using our full power. Our job is to help remove those barriers.”

    Questions & Answers

    What is Elon Musk’s current estimated net worth?
    Musk is valued at approximately $409 billion according to Forbes.

    How much have Bill and Melinda Gates donated over the years?
    The couple has together donated around $60.2 billion since establishing the Gates Foundation in 2000.

    What initiative has Melinda Gates launched?
    Melinda founded Pivotal Philanthropies in 2022, pledging $1 billion over three years to support women’s and girls’ rights.

  • Microsoft is changing how your Windows laptop tells you it’s crashing

    Microsoft is changing how your Windows laptop tells you it’s crashing

    Microsoft is shaking things up with some new changes to Windows and while some are aimed at making your experience smoother and faster, others, like the removal of the option to set up a new PC without signing in with a Microsoft Account, might ruffle the feathers of Windows 11 users who prefer a bit more freedom. And there is another change that might not sit well with everyone.

    Microsoft has announced it is revamping the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). The classic blue background, frowning face and QR code are gone, replaced by a simpler error screen in black.

    However, it is still unclear whether the black screen will stick around in the final update or if it will eventually turn green, as users on the beta, dev and canary channels are seeing the test builds with a green background instead. Time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – BSOD is getting a makeover.

    We’re previewing a new, more streamlined UI for unexpected restarts which better aligns with Windows 11 design principles and supports our goal of getting users back into productivity as fast as possible. We’ve simplified your experience while preserving the technical information on the screen. As a reminder, for Windows Insiders this appears as a “green screen”.

    This marks the biggest change to the BSOD since Microsoft first added the sad face back in Windows 8. The redesigned error screen still shows the faulty driver or error message but keeps things simple with just a “your device ran into a problem and needs to restart” message.

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  • Microsoft-owned LinkedIn might have quietly used your DMs to train AI

    Microsoft-owned LinkedIn might have quietly used your DMs to train AI

    In today’s AI-driven world, data has become an incredibly valuable asset for developers and companies alike. The usage patterns and interactions of thousands – or even millions – of users often contribute to training AI models. Now, LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform, finds itself in hot water. A new lawsuit accuses the company of allegedly sharing user DMs to train AI systems.

    LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft – who has a close partnership with OpenAI (yep, the brains behind ChatGPT), is now facing a lawsuit. LinkedIn Premium users are accusing the platform of sharing their private messages with third parties to train AI models – and they never gave their consent for that.

    The lawsuit claims that back in August, LinkedIn “quietly” rolled out a new privacy setting that automatically signed users up for a program allowing third parties to use their personal data for AI training. It also accuses the Microsoft-owned company of covering its tracks a month later by updating its privacy policy to state that user data could be shared for AI training purposes.

    To top it off, the filing says LinkedIn edited its FAQ section, mentioning that users could opt out of sharing data for AI training. However, it also made it clear that opting out wouldn’t undo any training that had already been done using their data.

    The complaint further argues that LinkedIn’s move to “cover its tracks” shows it knew it was breaking its promise to only use personal data to improve its platform, all while trying to dodge public backlash and legal trouble. Of course, LinkedIn denies these allegations.

    The lawsuit, filed in federal court in San Jose, California, represents LinkedIn Premium users who exchanged InMail messages and had their private data shared with third parties for AI training before September 18. It demands damages for breach of contract and violations of California’s unfair competition law, along with $1,000 per user under the federal Stored Communications Act.

    This isn’t the first time a company’s been accused of crossing the line when it comes to user privacy for AI training. Just last year, Elon Musk’s X was called out for allegedly using data from EU users to train its AI chatbot, Grok, without permission. That said, legal battles like these tend to drag on for years – if they ever get resolved at all.

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  • Google now allows Microsoft Teams messages to be migrated to Google Chat

    Google now allows Microsoft Teams messages to be migrated to Google Chat

    Google announced this week that it’s expanding the ability to migrate messages to Microsoft Teams. Starting today, Google Workspace admins can migrate conversations from channels in Microsoft Teams to spaces in Google Chat.

    In order to migrate data from Microsoft Teams to Google Chat, admins must use the dedicated console. Here are the steps an admin must follow to migrate their organization’s data from Microsoft Teams to Google Chat:

    • First, connect to your Microsoft account.
    • Then, upload a CSV of the teams from where you want to migrate the messages. You can specify the source to destination identity mapping by uploading a CSV of the email ID’s from source to target.
    • Next, you’ll enter the starting date for messages to be migrated from Teams. Then you can begin your data migration.
    • Finally, you’ll complete the migration by making migrated spaces, messages and related conversation data available to Google Workspace users.

    It’s imporant to mention that admins can only migrate data to accounts of existing users with a user license and the Google Chat service turned on.

    Equally important is the fact that the Chat migration tool will not delete or modify existing Google Chat spaces or messages. On top of that, admis can also run a delta migration, which will migrate any messages added to Teams channels since the primary migration (messages already migrated will be skipped).

    As soon as the migration process is complete, admins can export a report that contains detailed information regarding content that skipped, failed or had warnings during the migration.

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  • Microsoft Teams announces new chat and channels experience for all platforms

    Microsoft Teams announces new chat and channels experience for all platforms

    In a rare moment of sincerity, Microsoft admitted that Teams offers a sub-par experience in comparison with the competition, and decided to remove some key features, which were obsolete and no longer helped users in any way.

    Decluttering the app of unnecessary features is an important step toward making Teams a contender in the communication app space.

    The next step would be to continue to iterate on already existing features and make them as easy to use as possible. In a recent blog post, Microsoft announced a new chat experience is coming to all platforms Teams is now available on, including desktop, mobile, iOS, and Android.

    The new chat experience features mobile-specific settings, such as the option to choose between viewing messages organized by sections or by most recent. Since the new experience has been specifically designed for different screen sizes, it will make it easier for mobile users to read and respond to messages while on the go.More importantly, Microsoft has decided to bring chats, teams, and channels into one place under Chat. This will allow users to navigate and prioritize all their conversations without having to switch contexts.

    Those who preferred the previous layout can keep chat and channels separate during the onboarding process that pops up when Teams is launched for the first time after the update. This can also be done at any time later.

    Another useful feature added to Teams is the addition of new filters like “Unread,” “Chat,” “Channels,” “Meetings,” and “Muted.” Now, whenever you’re looking for a specific type of conversation, like channels, you’ll be able to select the relevant filter to further narrow your search and locate the most relevant results.

    Also, the new chat and channels experience includes a new favorites section, which is available for everyone by default. You’ll find all your pinned chats and channels from previous experience in this section.

    Besides that, Teams takes advantage of new custom sections where users can group together all their relevant conversations on a certain topic, be it in chats, channels, meetings, Teams bots or AI agents. You can have up to 50 sections and 50 items per section in Teams.

    According to Microsoft, the new chat and channels experience is coming to public preview in November to desktop, mobile, iOS, and Android, so keep an eye out for a consistent update next month.

  • Microsoft makes Skype ad-free on all platforms, rolls out new features

    Microsoft makes Skype ad-free on all platforms, rolls out new features

    Microsoft is now rolling out a major Skype update that brings a bunch of new features and improvements. Hidden in the fairly long list of changes is a line that feels like it deserves its own paragraph: Skype is now ad-free.

    The Redmond-based company announced that the latest update removes all ads from Skype Channels and the entire Skype platform. Users can now finally focus on their chats without any ad distraction, as the app has now become cleaner and more user-friendly.

    Besides decluttering Skype, Microsoft also introduced a wide range of new features and design tweaks. Here are some of the most important changes included in this update:

    • Streamlined Access: Easily access the AI image creator from the chat window or the top bar.
    • Enhanced UI: Enjoy a more intuitive and visually appealing interface for creating AI images.
    • Improved Image Expansion: Images now expand on click, making it easier to view your creations.
    • Better Navigation: Navigate seamlessly with the new back button for the ideas page.
    • Optimized Menu Options: The image creator option is now more conveniently placed after the forward option in the message context menu.
    • Consistent Margins: Fixed margin inconsistencies in the image creator on macOS for a consistent design.

    In addition to the changes above, Microsoft confirmed that Skype for iOS is finally getting OneAuth introduction, a feature that was available on Android for quite some time. The OneAuth integration simplifies the sign-in process across all Microsoft apps.

    Obviously, OneAuth replaces the old sign-in system, as the former lets users sign in to Skype automatically if they’ve already signed into other Microsoft apps like Teams. Basically, if you’re signed into any Microsoft app, you’ll now be signed into Skype too.

    Finally, Microsoft fixed a couple issues on mobile platforms, including one that prevented some users from sending media when connected to a 5G network. Also, the bug where users could hear the ringtone but were unable to pick up the call on iOS has been addressed too.

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  • Microsoft launches new contact editor for Outlook on iOS and Android

    Microsoft launches new contact editor for Outlook on iOS and Android

    Microsoft is bringing Outlook Mobile users a brand-new contact editor, which includes a slew of features developed based on users’ feedback. The new contact editor was specifically designed to enhance the contact experience on both mobile platforms, iOS and Android.

    The contact editor allows users to easily add and edit contacts. It’s important to mention that the new contact editor will replace the use of the devices’ native editors in Outlook Mobile.

    After receiving feedback about compliance concerns in the previous native Android and iOS editors related to managing and enforcing Intune policies for contact editing in Outlook Mobile, Microsoft found a solution that brings multiple benefits to make the contact editing experience better.

    • Compliance: Users can now efficiently manage their contacts in Outlook Mobile using the editor, while ensuring compliance with their chosen Microsoft Intune policies.
    • Coherence: Enjoy a consistent contact-editing experience across iOS and Android, as well as with the editors on Outlook.com and the new Outlook app for Windows.
    • Easy to organize: Categories offer an easy, flexible way to sort your contacts. Think of categories as tags that you can apply to group your contacts into meaningful clusters.

    According to Microsoft, all contacts that were created through the earlier native editors will remain accessible for viewing and editing within the Outlook mobile and web platforms.

    In order to access the new contact editor, users must first update their Outlook Mobile app, click on Apps in the bottom panel to navigate to the Contact tab, and then click on “New Contacts.”

    Another way to access the new contact editor is to navigate to the Feeds tab from the bottom panel and then click on “Create+.” Finally, Outlook Mobile users can click on “Add to Contacts” or “Edit Contact” from a People Card to access the new contact editor.

    Besides that, Android users can also navigate to the Feeds tab from the bottom panel, click on “Create+” and choose “Scan Business Card.” The card details should automatically appear pre-filled in the editor. Once again, this feature is not available on iOS.

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  • Microsoft brings its Xbox Cloud Gaming service to Amazon Fire TV

    Microsoft brings its Xbox Cloud Gaming service to Amazon Fire TV

    he best deals in the gaming industry, Xbox Game Pass, will soon be available on Amazon Fire TV. Microsoft has just announced it has teamed up with Amazon to bring its Xbox Cloud Gaming service to over 25 countries where Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is available.

    This will allow Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to play games directly from the Xbox app on select Fire TV devices via cloud gaming. Obviously, you’ll need an exceptional internet connection, but you won’t have to pay for a console or download anything on your Fire TV device.

    Basically, you’ll only need a Fire TV Stick, a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller, and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to gain access to hundreds of high-quality games, including Forza Horizon 5, Starfield, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.

    Microsoft announced that the Xbox app will be released on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) and Fire TV Stick 4K very soon. Here is what you’ll have to do to start playing games:

    • Install and launch the Xbox app from your Fire TV device.
    • Sign in with your Microsoft account to play.
    • If you haven’t already, you can join Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for one low monthly price.
    • Connect a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller (i.e Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation DualSense, DualShock 4)
    • Start playing!

    It’s worth mentioning that even if you don’t have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, you’ll still be able to play some games that are free such as Fortnite.

    For those who just want to see how smooth the cloud gaming experience is and if it’s worth paying for it, can pay $1 for 14 days. Subscription continues automatically if not canceled during the 14-day trial. The cost of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is $16.99 per month, but it covers all platforms (PC, console, and cloud gaming).

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  • Microsoft’s Copilot AI chatbot arrives on Telegram

    Microsoft’s Copilot AI chatbot arrives on Telegram

    Microsoft’s popular AI chatbot, Copilot, is making an impact in the tech world once again by expanding its reach to the messaging app Telegram. This strategic move allows users to integrate AI interactions into their daily conversations seamlessly. Telegram, known for its privacy-centric approach, now hosts the official Copilot bot, complete with a verification checkmark and the username @CopilotOfficialBot

    Accessing Copilot on Telegram is straightforward, requiring users to search for the bot and share their Telegram phone number with Microsoft. This step, while necessary for functionality, might raise some eyebrows among Telegram users who value the app’s strong emphasis on privacy.

    While Copilot for Telegram mirrors many features of its counterparts, it does come with certain constraints. Unlike some other AI chatbots, it currently focuses on text-based interactions and does not support image generation. However, its capabilities are far from limited. Microsoft highlights Copilot’s ability to perform internet searches, provide movie recommendations, generate workout routines, assist with coding tasks, translate conversations, and offer quick facts.

    Users should note that there is a daily limit of 30 conversational turns, which means the user and Copilot can only exchange 30 messages back and forth within a 24-hour period. This limitation aims to manage resource allocation while ensuring fair access for all users.

    This expansion into Telegram aligns with Microsoft’s overall strategy to integrate Copilot into various products and services. The company has already introduced Copilot for business applications, PCs with built-in Copilot functionality, Copilot for Microsoft 365, and a premium version offering access to cutting-edge AI models for a monthly subscription according to Microsoft is not alone in its efforts to bring AI chatbots to messaging platforms. Other companies, such as Meta and Google, have also integrated their AI models into their respective messaging apps. This trend points to AI’s growing importance in shaping how people communicate and access information in the digital age. It will be interesting to see how this move impacts the adoption and evolution of AI chatbots in the future.