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airedale.futurecdn.netMicrosoft Announces Majorana 2 Quantum Chip, Claims 1,000x Reliability Boost but Lacks Peer Review
The new chip records average qubit lifetimes of 20 seconds and some lasting a minute. Microsoft now targets a practical quantum computer by 2029.
marketpulse.comMicrosoft Open-Sources ASSERT, a Framework for Turning Natural-Language AI Policies Into Scored Tests
Microsoft launched ASSERT on Tuesday, an open source framework that converts natural-language descriptions of AI behavior into scored tests. The tool records system paths and supports continuous monitoring for application-specific policies.
The VergeMicrosoft Launches Scout, an Always-On AI Agent Built on OpenClaw, at Build Conference
Microsoft introduced Scout, an always-on AI assistant built on the OpenClaw framework, at its annual Build developer conference. The agent integrates with Microsoft 365 tools and requires a GitHub Copilot subscription.
thenewstack.ioMicrosoft Open-Sources Agent Control Specification and SDK with Plugins for LangChain, AutoGen, OpenAI, Anthropic and Other Agent Frameworks
Microsoft introduced the Agent Control Specification, an open-source standard that lets teams define portable policies for AI agents. The specification ships as an SDK with plugins for multiple agent frameworks.
thurrott.comMicrosoft Releases New AI Models, Local Copilot App and Windows 11 Updates
Microsoft will present new AI models, a Copilot super app, and Windows developer tools during its Build conference in San Francisco this week.
The VergeFTC Investigates Microsoft Cloud Practices, Demands Information From Competitors
The Federal Trade Commission is examining whether Microsoft used unfair methods of competition in cloud computing and software services. The inquiry, which began in 2024, continues under President Donald Trump.
thurrott.comMicrosoft Launches 15-inch Surface Laptop with Nvidia RTX Spark Arm Processor
Microsoft unveiled the 15-inch Surface Laptop Ultra on June 1, 2026, featuring Nvidia’s RTX Spark superchip. The device is scheduled to begin shipping later this fall.
SemaforMicrosoft AI Chief Says Distilled Models Fall Short on General Tasks
Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman said companies using distilled models built from frontier lab data will eventually lag on broad tasks. He said Microsoft is training its models with zero distillation. Demand for frontier models has risen faster than demand for open-source vers…
Microsoft Adds Goal Post Shape to Xbox Thumbstick Toppers
Microsoft announced an update to its Xbox thumbstick toppers at the Ability Summit. The company introduced a seventh design and improved durability based on community feedback.
theverge.comXbox Fans Request Exclusive Games, Backward Compatibility, and Free Online Play
Microsoft opened an Xbox Player Voice portal on May 18, 2026, to gather player feedback. Top requests include exclusive console games, expanded backward compatibility, and free online multiplayer for console users.
gamingbolt.comForza Horizon 6 Review Covers Open-World Racing in Japan
Microsoft released Forza Horizon 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S. The game features a large map of Japan with various races and challenges.
investopedia.comMicrosoft Tests Repositionable Taskbar and Resizable Start Menu in Windows 11
Microsoft is rolling out a test update to Windows 11 Insiders in the Experimental channel that allows users to place the taskbar on any side of the screen and select smaller taskbar and Start menu sizes. The changes also include toggles to show or hide sections of the Start menu…
The VergeBrazil Regulator Publishes Images of Upcoming Xbox Elite 3 Controller
Brazil's Anatel regulator leaked images of Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Elite 3 controller hours after a smaller Xbox Cloud Gaming controller appeared online. The successor to the Elite 2 features an interchangeable D-Pad, paddles, two new mysterious buttons, scroll wheels and a clo…
The VergeMicrosoft to Cancel Most Claude Code Licenses by End of June
Microsoft will remove most Claude Code licenses at the end of its financial year on June 30 and transition developers in its Experiences + Devices group to GitHub Copilot CLI. The company began offering Claude Code to thousands of employees in December as an experiment to encoura…
The VergeImages Show Unreleased Xbox Cloud Gaming Controller
A Brazilian regulator has published photos of a new unreleased Xbox controller designed for cloud gaming. The device includes built-in Wi-Fi to connect directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, along with Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery. The images were published by Tecnoblog o…
The VergeMicrosoft to Test Cloud-Initiated Driver Recovery Feature for Windows
Microsoft is introducing Cloud-Initiated Driver Recovery to replace problematic drivers without user intervention. The feature, now in testing with hardware partners, is scheduled to roll out gradually in September. The company is also adding multiple options to make Windows Upda…
techcentral.co.zaMicrosoft Reports Departure of Executive in Item 5.02 8-K Filing
Microsoft disclosed the departure of a principal officer under Item 5.02 of Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 14 2026. The change triggers standard executive transition protocols that require updated disclosures and board-level actions in the coming weeks.
The VergeMicrosoft Adds Tab-Aware Copilot to Edge, Retires Agentic Mode
The company announced multiple AI upgrades to its browser on May 13, 2026, letting Copilot query all open tabs while folding agentic features into an existing tool. New capabilities include AI-generated podcasts from tabs, study quizzes, long-term memory and screen sharing on mob…
techjuice.pkMicrosoft Israel General Manager Alon Haimovich to Step Down at End of May
Alon Haimovich, who has led Microsoft Israel for four years, is stepping down at the end of May. His departure follows reports linking him to an internal probe over the Israeli military's use of Azure cloud services for intelligence gathering. Microsoft described the move as step…
Microsoft Spends More Than $100 Billion on OpenAI Partnership
Microsoft has invested more than $100 billion in its partnership with OpenAI. The spending highlights the software maker's central role in the artificial intelligence company's expansion. The partnership has continued to grow in recent years.
The VergeXbox PC App Update References Unconfirmed 'Project Saluki' Codename Related to China
Microsoft's latest Xbox PC app update contains references to Project Saluki, described internally as a China market expansion for Game Pass, Rewards, and subscription tiers. The discovery comes as the company already sells Xbox consoles in China but does not offer Game Pass there…
forbes.comWindows 11 Testing Feature to Improve App Launch Speeds
The company is testing a feature called Low Latency Profile that temporarily increases CPU frequency to make the Start menu, apps and menus more responsive. Windows 11 testers have reported faster launch times for File Explorer, Outlook, the Microsoft Store and Paint. The approac…
EngadgetDouble Fine Employees File Petition to Unionize with Communications Workers of America
Xbox studio Double Fine filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board on May 7 to form a union covering all 42 of its regular employees. The move follows a series of successful unionization efforts at other Microsoft gaming studios including Blizzard and ZeniMax. Worke…
The VergeMicrosoft Shows Updated Xbox UI Across Consoles, Handhelds, PC, and Cloud
Microsoft on May 7, 2026 released video from its March 2026 Game Developers Conference Xbox keynote showing a unified interface for consoles, handhelds, PCs and cloud gaming. Jason Ronald, VP of next generation at Xbox, detailed efforts to reduce fragmentation players have notice…
indiatoday.intoday.inMicrosoft Offers Voluntary Early Retirement Package to Long-Serving US Employees
The company posted details of a buyout package on its internal HR site on May 6, 2026, one day ahead of schedule. Eligible employees with combined age and service years totaling 70 or more will receive healthcare, cash severance and stock vesting. It is the first such program in…
The VergeXbox to Update Boot Animation and Sound on May 13
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a new console boot animation and sound for May 13. The update uses the revised Xbox logo revealed in April 2026 and follows organizational changes at the company. Microsoft has released matching dynamic backgrounds and profile pictures.
SemaforKenya Pauses $1B Microsoft-G42 Data Center Project, Citing Insufficient Power Capacity
President William Ruto said the project would have required a third of the country's installed electricity capacity, forcing reconsideration of the plan announced in Washington in May 2024. The geothermal-powered facility, originally targeted for completion in May 2026, stalled a…
ForbesMicrosoft to Update Secure Boot Certificates on Most Windows PCs as 2011 Versions Expire in June
Microsoft is set to automatically install new Secure Boot certificates on most Windows PCs as the original 2011 certificates begin expiring in late June. Hundreds of millions of users, particularly those on Windows 10 without extended support, face immediate risks without the upd…
The VergeMicrosoft Reorganizes Xbox Platform Team with New Hires and Leadership Changes
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a reorganization under CEO Asha Sharma, introducing new technical experts and promoting internal leaders. The changes include departures of veterans and a focus on platform improvements. The moves follow Sharma's recent adjustments to Game…
bgr.comMicrosoft Updates Windows 11 Widgets to Default Without MSN Feed
Microsoft announced changes to make the Windows 11 widgets feature less distracting, including hiding the MSN feed by default. The updates also involve disabling automatic panel openings and taskbar badges. These adjustments are part of broader improvements to Windows 11 rolling…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewMicrosoft Secures Royalty-Free Access to OpenAI AI Through 2030 in Revised Partnership
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella detailed the company's revised partnership with OpenAI during an earnings call, highlighting retained access to advanced AI without payments. The deal follows OpenAI's new collaborations, including with Amazon. Microsoft's AI business reported a $37 bi…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewMicrosoft Reports 40% Azure Revenue Growth Amid $31.9 Billion Capex Surge and Mixed Quarterly Results
Microsoft reported strong growth in its Azure cloud services, with revenue up 40% in the recent quarter. Capital spending hit $31.9 billion, below analyst expectations, while AI-related revenue annualized at $37 billion. The company also noted executive retirements and a decline…
gamereactor.euMicrosoft to Provide Xbox.com Email Addresses to All Xbox Employees Next Month
Microsoft is assigning @xbox.com email addresses to all Xbox employees as part of efforts to strengthen the Xbox identity. The change, set for next month, allows opt-outs and includes similar updates for Mojang staff. It follows last week's rebranding of the gaming division to Xb…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewMicrosoft and OpenAI Renegotiate Partnership Allowing Multi-Cloud Access Through 2032
Microsoft and OpenAI announced a renegotiated deal on April 27, 2026, granting Microsoft a non-exclusive license to OpenAI's intellectual property until 2032. The agreement ends Microsoft's exclusive rights, enabling OpenAI to offer products across any cloud provider. This resolv…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewMicrosoft Rolls Out Windows Update Changes with Indefinite Pause Option
Microsoft has begun implementing updates to Windows Update for users in its Dev and Experimental Windows Insider channels. The changes allow users to pause updates for up to 35 days indefinitely and include options to restart or shut down without installing updates. These adjustm…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewGoogle and Microsoft Emerge as Bidders for SoftBank's US Data Center Clients
Bidders are set to select clients for SoftBank's data center in the US. Google and Microsoft are among those bidding for the facility owned by SoftBank. The process highlights interest from major tech firms in expanding data infrastructure.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewMicrosoft Xbox Leaders Outline Strategy Focused on Daily Active Players
Microsoft's Xbox division has released an internal memo detailing a new strategy emphasizing daily active players and priorities in hardware, content, experience, and services. The memo acknowledges player frustrations and outlines plans for a global platform. It also mentions a…
indiatoday.intoday.inLinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky Steps Down After Six Years, COO Dan Shapero Assumes Role
Ryan Roslansky has stepped down as CEO of LinkedIn after leading the platform for six years. Dan Shapero, the company's chief operating officer, takes over immediately. The transition occurs amid LinkedIn's growth to 1.3 billion members and over $17 billion in annual revenue.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewUK Court Rules Microsoft Must Face Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Market Abuse
A UK court has ruled that Microsoft must proceed to a class action trial. The case centers on allegations of abusing its dominant market position to overcharge businesses. The decision marks a significant step in the ongoing legal challenge against the tech giant.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewMicrosoft Plans Teams Redesign to Move Raise Hand Button and Add Toolbar Customization
Microsoft is updating its Teams software to relocate the raise hand button and enable user personalization of toolbar controls. The changes aim to reduce mis-clicks and improve usability. The update is set for rollout in June 2026.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewHackers Exploit Unpatched Vulnerabilities in Windows Defender
A security researcher released details and exploit code for three vulnerabilities in Windows Defender. Hackers are now using this code in attacks on organizations, according to a cybersecurity firm. Microsoft stated it supports coordinated vulnerability disclosure.