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Microsoft abruptly cuts services to Chinese university, genomics firm
a year ago
- Microsoft abruptly ended commercial services for Sun Yat-sen University and BGI Group in China.
- Sun Yat-sen University's Microsoft 365 services, including OneDrive and OneNote, will cease operations soon.
- BGI Group lost access to Microsoft services like Outlook and OneDrive, forcing them to use alternatives like WPS Office.
- Microsoft has not provided any public explanation for the service suspensions.
- BGI Group has been targeted by US authorities, with subsidiaries added to the US trade blacklist.
Outlook stores email in Microsoft Cloud – what you need to know
a year ago
- Recent changes to Outlook involve Microsoft's cloud service acting as a middleman for email access, raising privacy concerns.
- Emails and authentication details are now stored on Microsoft's cloud servers, not just on the user's device.
- Microsoft claims the new system improves performance and integrates better with Microsoft 365 services.
- Privacy concerns include broad permissions, unclear data jurisdiction, and lack of control over data storage.
- Microsoft complies with GDPR but personal accounts may not be fully covered by the EU Data Boundary.
- Alternatives include using Runbox Webmail, different email clients like Thunderbird, or sticking to older Outlook versions.
Life before the web – Running a Startup in the 1980's
a year ago
- PowerPoint was developed in the 1980s, a time when the internet was unknown outside a small research community.
- Startups in the 1980s had to plan far ahead due to the lack of immediate feedback and sales, unlike today's rapid iteration approach.
- PowerPoint faced competition from over 30 presentation software products, but differentiated by targeting Mac and Windows early.
- The development of PowerPoint for Windows took three times longer than expected due to the platform's immaturity compared to Mac.
- Marketing in the 1980s involved grooming magazine editors, traveling for demonstrations, and maintaining physical contact files, unlike today's digital outreach.
- The lack of the web imposed high costs on software distribution, requiring physical diskettes and boxes, and complicating updates.
- Forethought Inc. initially ran a dual-track plan, developing PowerPoint while publishing other software, which nearly led to financial ruin.
- PowerPoint became the first major presentation application for Windows, shipping alongside Windows 3.0, securing its market dominance.
- Robert Gaskins reflects on the challenges of 1980s startups, emphasizing how modern web-based development would have alleviated many issues.
- The series continues with insights into working directly with Bill Gates post-acquisition.
The people stuck using ancient Windows computers
a year ago
- Ancient Windows computers, like Windows XP, are still in use in various sectors, including hospitals, ATMs, and public transport systems.
- Microsoft's legacy includes deeply embedded systems that many organizations rely on, despite the availability of newer technologies.
- Upgrading from old Windows systems is often hindered by high costs, hardware compatibility issues, and the need for regulatory compliance.
- Specialized hardware and software, such as CNC machines and high-end printers, often depend on outdated Windows versions due to their unique requirements.
- Government and healthcare systems, like the US Department of Veterans Affairs, use decades-old software, leading to inefficiencies and user frustration.
- Old technology preservation is a labor of love for some, like Dene Grigar, who maintains vintage computers to showcase early digital art and literature.
- Microsoft's long support windows and licensing strategies have contributed to the prolonged use of its older operating systems in businesses and organizations.
xAI's Grok 3 comes to Microsoft Azure
a year ago
- Microsoft offers managed access to Grok AI models (Grok 3 and Grok 3 mini) via Azure AI Foundry.
- Grok, developed by Elon Musk's xAI, is known for its edgy, unfiltered responses compared to other AI models.
- Grok 3 is among the more permissive models in handling sensitive subjects, according to benchmarks.
- Grok has faced controversy, including generating inappropriate content and temporary censorship issues.
- Azure-hosted Grok models are more restricted and come with enhanced data integration and governance features.
Towards Effective Extraction and Evaluation of Factual Claims
a year ago
- Microsoft's main navigation includes products like Microsoft 365, Teams, Copilot, Windows, Surface, and Xbox.
- Support and deals are highlighted for small businesses and general users.
- Software offerings include Windows Apps, OneDrive, Outlook, Skype, OneNote, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Edge.
- Hardware products include Computers, Xbox, Accessories, VR & mixed reality devices, and Phones.
- Entertainment services feature Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Live Gold, and digital games.
- Business solutions include Microsoft Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Advertising.
- Developer & IT resources cover .NET, Visual Studio, Windows Server, and Windows Dev Center.
- Additional sections include Microsoft Rewards, education resources, store locations, and gift cards.
Transforming R&D with agentic AI: Introducing Microsoft Discovery
a year ago
- Microsoft announces Microsoft Discovery, an enterprise agentic platform to accelerate R&D.
- The platform integrates AI agents with a graph-based knowledge engine for scientific outcomes.
- Designed for extensibility, it allows integration of custom models, tools, and datasets on Azure.
- Demonstrated success: Novel non-PFAS coolant prototype discovered in 200 hours.
- Collaborations with industries like chemistry, materials, energy, manufacturing, and pharma.
- Features include graph-based reasoning, specialized AI agents, and enterprise-grade security.
- Partnerships with NVIDIA, Synopsys, PhysicsX, Accenture, and Capgemini enhance capabilities.
- Platform aims to transform R&D with AI-driven speed, scale, and accuracy.
Microsoft's ICC email block triggers Dutch concerns over dependence on U.S. tech
a year ago
- Microsoft blocked access to ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan's email account, raising concerns in the Netherlands about reliance on U.S. tech.
- The block, tied to U.S. sanctions, highlights vulnerabilities in Dutch public institutions dependent on American tech infrastructure.
- Dutch officials and cloud providers are exploring ways to reduce reliance on U.S.-based cloud services, though migration is complex and time-consuming.
- Dutch law requires critical infrastructure to have backup plans, with some institutions storing email copies locally to ensure access if Microsoft blocks services.
- Microsoft's dominance in Dutch government systems is entrenched, with programs like 'Beter Samen Werken' (BSW) relying on Microsoft Teams despite geopolitical concerns.
- Efforts to explore alternative technologies, such as French and German solutions, face challenges due to Microsoft's entrenched ecosystem.
- Microsoft's recent charm offensive in Europe, including storing source code in Switzerland, has been met with skepticism by Dutch experts.
- Experts criticize Microsoft's contradictory actions, such as blocking ICC access despite prior assurances, undermining trust in the company's commitments.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Windows 3.0
a year ago
- Windows 3.0, released in 1990, was the first commercially successful version of Microsoft Windows.
- Advantages included cooperative multitasking, improved stability over previous versions, and the inclusion of graphical versions of Word and Excel.
- It was affordable and ran on inexpensive hardware, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Windows 3.0 standardized hardware compatibility and took advantage of the 386 processor's capabilities.
- The GUI was user-friendly and allowed for personalization, a significant improvement over DOS.
- Disadvantages included frequent crashes, reliance on DOS, and only cooperative multitasking.
- Hardware support was initially spotty, and Windows 3.1 soon replaced it with better performance and stability.
- Despite its flaws, Windows 3.0 was pivotal in establishing Microsoft's dominance in the PC market.
Microsoft-backed Builder.ai collapsed after finding potentially bogus sales
a year ago
- Microsoft-backed Builder.ai collapsed after finding potentially bogus sales.
- Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device.
- Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device.
- Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders.
- Digital access for organisations includes exclusive features and content.
- Over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.
In 3.5 years, Notepad.exe goes from "barely maintained" to "it writes for you"
a year ago
- Major updates for Windows' Notepad were rare until late 2021, when a redesign and new settings were considered significant.
- Recent Notepad updates focus on generative AI, including features like Rewrite, Summarize, and now Write for AI-generated text.
- AI features in Notepad require a Microsoft Account and consume monthly AI credits (15 for free users, 60 for Microsoft 365 subscribers).
- AI features can be disabled in Notepad settings and are unavailable for local accounts.
- Paint and Snipping Tool also receive preview updates, with Paint focusing on AI features like a sticker generator and smart select tool.
- A new welcome screen in Paint highlights recent AI-related updates.
Microsoft Edge for Mac
a year ago
- Microsoft's main navigation includes products like Microsoft 365, Teams, Copilot, Windows, Surface, and Xbox.
- Support and deals are highlighted for small businesses and general users.
- Software offerings include Windows Apps, OneDrive, Outlook, Skype, OneNote, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Edge.
- PCs & Devices section covers computers, Xbox accessories, VR & mixed reality, and phones.
- Entertainment options include Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Live Gold, and digital games.
- Business solutions include Microsoft Azure, Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, and advertising services.
- Developer & IT resources include .NET, Visual Studio, Windows Server, and developer documentation.
- Other sections include Microsoft Rewards, education resources, store locations, and gift cards.
Microsoft's ICC email block reignites European data sovereignty concerns
a year ago
- Microsoft's ICC email block raises European data sovereignty concerns.
- Microsoft chief Brad Smith committed to defending European interests but actions contradict words.
- ICC chief prosecutor's Microsoft services were suspended due to US government sanctions.
- Microsoft's actions demonstrate willingness to comply with US government demands.
- Dutch government and public bodies are exploring non-Microsoft alternatives.
- Other European countries like Germany, Nordics, and France are also reconsidering Microsoft services.
- Public sector buyers are looking for alternative providers due to loss of confidence.
- Microsoft's revenue from Europe is significant, making rash actions unlikely but damage to trust is done.
- Proton Mail was used by ICC prosecutor as an alternative to Microsoft services.
- Lesson: Cloud providers may not always protect data or services as promised.
Signal to Windows Recall: Drop Dead
a year ago
- Microsoft's Recall feature continuously takes snapshots of your screen to create a searchable timeline, raising privacy and security concerns.
- Despite updates making Recall opt-in and encrypting snapshots, critics argue it remains inherently risky due to its nature of capturing everything displayed.
- Signal has introduced a 'Screen security' setting to block Recall from capturing its chats, citing ongoing risks to privacy-preserving apps.
- Experts and institutions, like the University of Pennsylvania and Kaspersky, warn against using Recall due to security and privacy vulnerabilities.
- The article suggests using Linux as a more secure alternative to Windows for those concerned about privacy and security.
Microsoft wants Windows Update to handle all apps
a year ago
- Microsoft is opening Windows Update to third-party apps for updates.
- A new Windows Update orchestration platform will allow updates for any app or driver.
- The platform focuses on business apps but is open to all apps and management tools.
- Developers can use scheduled updates based on user activity, battery status, and energy timing.
- Apps will integrate with native Windows Update notifications and appear in update history.
- Supported app formats include MSIX/APPX packaged apps and some custom Win32 apps.
- Microsoft previously encouraged app updates via the Microsoft Store but faced adoption challenges.
- Windows Package Manager also addresses app updates but is mainly used by power users.
- This integration could appeal to businesses and major developers like Adobe.
Microsoft Is Spying on Users of Its AI Tools
a year ago
- Microsoft and OpenAI detected hackers from China, Russia, and Iran using AI tools to enhance cyberoperations.
- The detection implies Microsoft and OpenAI monitor chatbot sessions, likely permitted under their terms of service.
- The term 'spying' is debated, with comparisons made to email providers filtering spam.
Microsoft Confirms Password Deletion–Now Just 8 Weeks Away
a year ago
- Microsoft is ending the password era for its billion-plus users due to increasing security risks.
- Starting June 2025, users can no longer save new passwords in Microsoft Authenticator.
- Autofill with Authenticator will be disabled in July 2025.
- From August 2025, saved passwords in Authenticator will be inaccessible and unsaved generated passwords will be deleted.
- Microsoft is shifting password management to Edge, syncing saved passwords securely to users' Microsoft accounts.
- Authenticator will continue supporting passkeys, which Microsoft recommends over traditional passwords and 2FA.
- Microsoft advises users to delete passwords once passkeys are set up to eliminate legacy vulnerabilities.
- FIDO research shows 35% of people have had accounts compromised due to password vulnerabilities, with over half considering passkeys more convenient and secure.
Microsoft to finally stop shoving Edge down your throat
a year ago
- Microsoft has been aggressively pushing its Edge browser through various tactics, including pop-ups, blocking default browser changes, and forcing links to open in Edge.
- Due to the EU's Digital Markets Act, Microsoft is dialing back some of these aggressive behaviors, but only for users in the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Changes include no more prompts to set Edge as default unless opened directly, stopping apps from reinstalling Edge, and better default browser settings covering more file types.
- Bing app and Windows Widgets will now respect default browser choices, and users in the EEA can uninstall the Microsoft Store later this year.
- Windows Search in the EEA will allow other apps to provide web results, enabling users to see results from multiple providers and reorder them in Settings.
- These changes are already in Windows Insider builds and will roll out to Windows 10 and 11 in early June.
Bing gets a free Sora-powered AI video generator
a year ago
- Microsoft Bing introduces Bing Video Creator using OpenAI's Sora model for text-to-video generation.
- OpenAI's Sora model is now available for free via Bing, previously limited to paying customers.
- Bing Video Creator is initially mobile-only; desktop support is not available at launch.
- Video generation can take hours, even in 'fast' mode, which is supposed to take minutes.
- Free users can generate 10 video clips; additional videos cost 100 Microsoft Rewards points each.
- Microsoft Rewards points can be earned through Bing searches or Microsoft Store purchases.
- Users can queue up to three 5-second videos at a time, with no option to adjust length.
- Videos are currently generated in a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio, ideal for TikTok or Instagram.
- Horizontal 9:16 video uploads will be supported soon.
Microsoft wants a version of USB-C that "just works" consistently across all PCs
a year ago
- USB Type-C has become a universal connector over the past decade, appearing in laptops, game consoles, Android phones, iPhones, and more.
- Despite its widespread adoption, USB-C has inherent confusion due to separate specifications for charging (USB Power Delivery), non-USB signals (Alt Mode), and data transfer speeds.
- Not all USB-C ports support all functionalities, leading to inconsistencies where some ports fall short of the 'do-everything' promise.
- Microsoft is addressing these inconsistencies by mandating support for charging, display output, and at least 5Gbps USB speeds on all USB-C ports in Windows PCs through its Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP).

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#microsoft

Microsoft abruptly cuts services to Chinese university, genomics firm

Outlook stores email in Microsoft Cloud – what you need to know

Life before the web – Running a Startup in the 1980's

The people stuck using ancient Windows computers

xAI's Grok 3 comes to Microsoft Azure

Towards Effective Extraction and Evaluation of Factual Claims

Transforming R&D with agentic AI: Introducing Microsoft Discovery

Microsoft's ICC email block triggers Dutch concerns over dependence on U.S. tech

Advantages and Disadvantages of Windows 3.0

Microsoft-backed Builder.ai collapsed after finding potentially bogus sales

In 3.5 years, Notepad.exe goes from "barely maintained" to "it writes for you"

Microsoft Edge for Mac

Microsoft's ICC email block reignites European data sovereignty concerns

Signal to Windows Recall: Drop Dead

Microsoft wants Windows Update to handle all apps

Microsoft Is Spying on Users of Its AI Tools

Microsoft Confirms Password Deletion–Now Just 8 Weeks Away

Microsoft to finally stop shoving Edge down your throat

Bing gets a free Sora-powered AI video generator

Microsoft wants a version of USB-C that "just works" consistently across all PCs