Tag: Microsoft

AIInnovationSoftware

Microsoft Introduces Mico, an Emotional AI Assistant as Clippy’s Successor

Microsoft has revealed Mico, a cheerful blob-shaped AI persona for Copilot that responds with emotional cues. The company aims to create a balanced assistant that engages users without fostering overreliance, learning from past experiences with Clippy.

Microsoft’s New Emotional AI Assistant

Microsoft has reportedly developed a successor to its iconic Clippy assistant, introducing Mico as a new emotional AI companion for its Copilot platform. According to reports from the Associated Press and company statements, Mico represents Microsoft’s latest attempt to create a more engaging, voice-first conversational AI experience that learns from the mixed reception of its predecessor.

by Leo Renshaw
BusinessHardwareTechnology

PlayStation 6 Could Reportedly Cost Half as Much as Next Xbox, Echoing Historic Pricing Battle

New rumors indicate Sony’s PlayStation 6 might launch at half the price of Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console. If accurate, this would mirror but reverse the companies’ positions from the Xbox 360 versus PlayStation 3 era, with significant implications for the upcoming console war.

Potential Console Pricing Shakeup

According to recent industry reports, Sony’s PlayStation 6 could launch at approximately half the price of Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox console. Sources indicate this potential pricing strategy would mark a dramatic reversal from the historic Xbox 360 versus PlayStation 3 launch battle, where Microsoft’s console held the significant price advantage that helped establish its market position.

by Darren Holt
AIBusinessSoftware

Microsoft Explores AI Integration for On-Premises Exchange Environments

Microsoft is reportedly gauging enterprise interest in bringing AI capabilities to on-premises Exchange Server deployments. The company’s survey explores potential Copilot features and hybrid data processing models for organizations maintaining local mailboxes.

Microsoft Probes Exchange Server AI Integration

Microsoft appears to be exploring the integration of its Copilot AI assistant into on-premises Exchange Server environments, according to reports from industry observers. The company has distributed a survey to IT administrators managing mailboxes in on-premises or hybrid configurations, seeking feedback about potential AI feature implementation.

by Mason Drayton
BusinessSoftwareTechnology

Microsoft Reportedly Mandates 30% Profit Margin for Xbox Studios, Sparking Industry-Wide Restructuring

According to a new report, Microsoft has implemented an aggressive 30% profit margin target for its Xbox gaming division, significantly above industry averages. Sources indicate this financial pressure has triggered widespread studio closures, project cancellations, and controversial pricing changes across Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem.

Xbox Division Faces Aggressive Profit Margin Targets

Microsoft has reportedly pushed its Xbox gaming studios to achieve a 30% profit margin, according to a recent Bloomberg report by journalist Jason Schreier. This target significantly exceeds the video game industry’s typical 17-22% margin range and represents a substantial increase from Xbox’s historical 10-20% performance over the past six years. The report states this financial mandate has triggered sweeping changes across Microsoft’s gaming operations.

by Leo Renshaw
InnovationSoftwareTechnology

Windows 11 Update Introduces Simplified Em Dash Shortcut Amid AI Writing Debates

Microsoft is rolling out a new keyboard shortcut in Windows 11 to simplify inserting em dashes during typing. This enhancement comes as punctuation usage faces increased scrutiny in the age of AI-generated content. Reports indicate the update responds to long-standing user requests for more accessible typographical tools.

New Typing Enhancement for Windows 11 Users

Microsoft has introduced a dedicated keyboard shortcut for inserting em dashes in Windows 11, according to reports from the company’s engineering team. The software giant reportedly added this functionality in the KB5065789 preview update for OS Builds 26200.6725 and 26100.6725, addressing what sources indicate has been a longstanding accessibility issue for writers and professionals who regularly use this punctuation mark.

by Darren Holt
BusinessSoftwareTechnology

Microsoft to Discontinue Office Online Server, Pushing On-Premises Users Toward Cloud Solutions

Microsoft has announced it will retire Office Online Server by December 2026, eliminating on-premises web app support. The move pushes users toward Microsoft 365, impacting SharePoint and Skype for Business integrations.

Office Online Server Reaches End of Life

Microsoft is discontinuing its Office Online Server, with support ending on December 31, 2026, according to reports. After this date, the company will no longer provide security updates, patches, or technical assistance for the on-premises solution. Sources indicate this decision aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to prioritize cloud-based services over traditional server products.

by Mason Drayton