Tag: Microsoft

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Leaders

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announces 3,200 job cuts

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has announced a major restructuring of Microsoft’s gaming division, with around 3,200 employees set to lose their jobs as the company seeks to build a more focused and sustainable business.

In a message to employees, Sharma said the decision followed lessons from recent investments and highlighted the need to improve efficiency across Xbox operations. She reportedly noted that some investments had not delivered expected returns, with the company losing “64 cents for every dollar” invested in certain areas.

The layoffs will impact teams across Xbox, including game studios and development operations. Microsoft is also reviewing its studio portfolio, with some projects being cancelled or reconsidered as the company prioritises franchises and services with stronger growth potential.

Sharma said the restructuring was aimed at creating a more agile organisation and allowing teams to focus on projects that provide greater value to players and the business.

The move comes as Microsoft continues to reshape its gaming strategy after major investments, including the acquisition of Activision Blizzard and expansion of Xbox Game Pass. The company has been pushing beyond console sales through cloud gaming, subscriptions and multi-platform game releases.

However, the gaming industry has faced growing pressure due to rising development costs, slower market growth and changing player habits. Several global gaming companies have announced layoffs and project cancellations as they attempt to control expenses.

Also Read: Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs as Xbox restructures

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Beyond

Microsoft cuts 4,800 jobs as Xbox restructures

Microsoft has announced another round of job cuts, affecting thousands of employees as the technology giant restructures its gaming business and reviews operations across the company.

The company is cutting around 4,800 jobs, representing about 2.1% of its global workforce, according to reports. The layoffs are expected to impact several divisions, including the Xbox gaming unit, as Microsoft looks to streamline costs and improve efficiency.

The latest reductions come as Microsoft continues to reshape its gaming strategy following its major acquisition of Activision Blizzard and efforts to expand its gaming ecosystem beyond traditional consoles. The company has been reassessing its studio portfolio, with some game development teams facing closures, changes or possible spin-offs.

Microsoft’s Xbox division has undergone significant changes in recent months as the company focuses on cloud gaming, subscriptions and making games available across multiple platforms. The restructuring reflects a broader shift in the gaming industry, where companies are prioritising profitability, fewer large-scale projects and more sustainable development models.

Employees affected by the cuts are expected to receive support during the transition, while Microsoft said the decisions were taken to align resources with long-term business priorities.

The layoffs follow similar workforce reductions across the technology sector as companies continue to adjust after years of rapid expansion. Rising development costs, changing consumer behaviour and increased competition in gaming have pushed major firms to reassess spending.

For Xbox, the changes come at a crucial time as Microsoft competes with rivals in the console, cloud and digital gaming markets. The company has invested heavily in building a wider gaming ecosystem, but the industry slowdown has led publishers to become more selective about new projects.

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Technology

Windows users to see Copilot added automatically soon

Microsoft is preparing to automatically roll out its Microsoft 365 Copilot app to eligible Windows devices, signalling a major step in the company’s efforts to bring artificial intelligence into everyday workplace operations.

The deployment, expected to begin over the next few weeks, will target business customers using Microsoft 365 applications on Windows systems. Users may find the Copilot app installed on their devices without manually downloading it, as Microsoft plans to make the rollout automatic by default. However, IT administrators will have the option to block or disable the installation if their organisations choose not to participate.

The move reflects Microsoft’s growing confidence in AI-powered productivity tools. The Microsoft 365 Copilot app acts as a central hub for AI features integrated across popular workplace applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams. Through these tools, users can generate content, analyse data, summarise information and automate routine tasks.

For many businesses, the rollout could provide easier access to AI capabilities without requiring employees to install additional software. Microsoft believes this approach will encourage wider adoption of its AI ecosystem and help organisations improve efficiency in day-to-day operations.

At the same time, the decision has sparked discussion among IT professionals and enterprise customers. Some administrators have questioned the practice of automatically deploying software, arguing that organisations should have greater control over what appears on employee devices. Others have raised concerns about governance, security policies and the management of AI tools in regulated industries.

Microsoft has stressed that the rollout only installs the application and does not automatically activate premium Copilot services. Users and organisations will still need the required licences and subscriptions to access advanced AI features.

The development comes as competition among technology giants intensifies in the race to integrate artificial intelligence into mainstream software products. Companies are increasingly positioning AI assistants as essential workplace tools rather than optional add-ons.

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Corporate

Microsoft partners with Alt Carbon for carbon removal project

Microsoft has signed a carbon removal agreement with Indian climate-tech startup Alt Carbon, marking a significant step in the tech giant’s efforts to meet its climate goals while highlighting India’s growing importance in the global carbon removal industry.

The deal focuses on a carbon removal technique known as enhanced rock weathering (ERW), a process that captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by spreading crushed rock on agricultural land. As the rock naturally breaks down, it absorbs and stores carbon, helping reduce greenhouse gas levels.

Under the agreement, Alt Carbon will generate carbon removal credits through its projects in India, which Microsoft will purchase as part of its broader strategy to become carbon negative. The exact financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but industry observers describe it as a major milestone for India’s emerging carbon removal sector.

Founded by Indian entrepreneurs, Alt Carbon works with farmers to deploy enhanced rock weathering across agricultural regions. The company says the approach not only removes carbon from the atmosphere but can also improve soil health and support agricultural productivity.

The partnership is being viewed as a vote of confidence in India’s climate innovation ecosystem. Until recently, most large-scale carbon removal projects were concentrated in North America and Europe. Microsoft’s decision to work with an Indian startup signals growing international interest in climate solutions being developed in emerging markets.

Carbon removal technologies have become increasingly important as governments and companies seek ways to offset emissions that are difficult to eliminate. Major corporations, including Microsoft, have committed billions of dollars toward achieving ambitious sustainability targets and are investing in a range of carbon reduction and removal initiatives.

India could become a major hub for carbon removal projects due to its large agricultural sector, favourable climate conditions and expanding climate-tech ecosystem. Such projects may also create new income opportunities for farmers participating in carbon credit programs.

For Alt Carbon, the agreement represents a significant validation of its technology and business model. The deal is expected to accelerate the startup’s growth and strengthen India’s position in the rapidly evolving global market for carbon removal solutions.

Also Read: Jeff Bezos backed AI startup Prometheus raises $12 bn

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Technology

Nvidia teams up with Microsoft on new PC chip

Nvidia has introduced a new processor for Windows laptops, deepening its presence in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence PC market. The chip, developed in partnership with Microsoft, is expected to power a new line of AI-focused laptops from major manufacturers including Dell and HP.

The processor is designed to bring advanced AI capabilities directly to personal computers, enabling users to run complex AI applications without relying heavily on cloud services. The technology is expected to improve performance in areas such as content creation, productivity, language translation, virtual assistants and other AI-driven tasks.

The launch comes as technology companies increasingly focus on integrating artificial intelligence into consumer devices. Industry leaders believe AI-powered PCs could become the next major growth segment in the personal computing market, driving demand for more powerful and efficient processors.

Microsoft has been encouraging hardware partners to develop devices capable of supporting advanced AI features within the Windows ecosystem. Nvidia’s latest offering aligns with that strategy and expands the range of AI hardware available to PC makers.

Dell and HP are among the first companies expected to introduce laptops powered by the new processor. These devices are likely to feature enhanced AI performance, improved energy efficiency and faster processing for AI-related workloads.

The announcement also reflects Nvidia’s broader effort to diversify beyond its dominant position in data centre and graphics processing markets. The company has emerged as a leading player in artificial intelligence infrastructure, and the latest chip represents an attempt to bring that expertise to everyday consumer devices.

With the launch of its new Windows-focused processor, Nvidia is positioning itself at the centre of the evolving AI computing landscape. The company hopes the technology will help drive a new generation of personal computers built around artificial intelligence capabilities.

The move could intensify competition in the AI PC segment, where several chipmakers are seeking to establish an early advantage. As more software applications incorporate artificial intelligence features, demand for specialised processors is expected to rise.

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Technology

Copilot key on Windows can now be remapped

Microsoft is updating Windows 11 to give users more control over the Copilot key, allowing it to be reassigned instead of always opening the AI assistant.

Introduced in 2024, the Copilot key was meant to provide quick access to Microsoft’s AI tool. However, some users complained it replaced useful keyboard functions and changed familiar layouts.

The upcoming update will allow users to remap the key through system settings. It can be switched to functions like Right Ctrl or the Context Menu key, depending on user preference.

The change is part of Microsoft’s effort to refine its AI integration while keeping traditional keyboard usability intact. The feature will be available directly in Windows Settings in a future update.

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Corporate Uncategorized

Gates Foundation ends Microsoft era with $3.2 bn sale

The Gates Foundation has officially ended its long financial association with Microsoft by selling its remaining shares in the company, worth around $3.2 billion. The sale marks the end of a relationship that has lasted for more than two decades and is closely linked to the fortune created by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

According to reports, the foundation sold its final 7.7 million Microsoft shares, completing a gradual reduction of its stake over the past few years. At one point, Microsoft had been among the foundation’s largest investments, with holdings worth billions of dollars.

The move, however, is not being viewed as a sign of reduced confidence in Microsoft or its business prospects. Instead, reports suggest that the sale is part of the foundation’s larger financial plan as it prepares to increase spending on global charitable work.

The Gates Foundation has been expanding its work in areas such as healthcare, education and poverty reduction. It reportedly plans to increase annual grant spending to around $9 billion, which requires greater cash availability for long-term projects and programmes.

The decision also carries symbolic importance because Microsoft played a central role in building Bill Gates’ wealth. Over the years, Gates gradually moved away from day-to-day involvement in the company and shifted much of his attention toward philanthropy and global development efforts.

Despite the foundation’s complete exit, Bill Gates personally still holds Microsoft shares. The sale therefore appears to be more about financial planning and supporting future philanthropic goals rather than any concerns about the company itself.

Also Read: Meta staff brace for May 20 layoffs

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1 Minute-Read

LinkedIn to cut 5% of workforce in latest restructuring

LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, is set to lay off about 5% of its global workforce as part of a new restructuring plan.

The cuts are expected to affect several hundred employees across different teams as the company reshapes its operations to focus on priority areas and future growth.

Even with the job reductions, LinkedIn has reported revenue growth in its recent performance, showing continued demand for its services.

The company said the decision is part of regular organisational changes and not solely driven by automation or artificial intelligence.

The decision comes amid ongoing job cuts across the global tech industry.

Categories
Corporate

OpenAI, Microsoft reset partnership terms

OpenAI and Microsoft have updated the terms of their high-profile partnership, signalling a new chapter in one of the most influential relationships in the artificial intelligence industry.

The revised agreement gives both companies greater flexibility at a time when the global AI race is accelerating and demand for computing power is rising sharply.

Microsoft will continue as a major cloud partner for OpenAI, but it will no longer be the exclusive provider of infrastructure. That means OpenAI can now work with other cloud companies when needed, helping it secure more capacity to train and run advanced AI systems.

For OpenAI, this is an important shift. Since the success of ChatGPT, the company has grown rapidly and needs huge amounts of computing resources to support users, developers and businesses around the world.

The new structure may help OpenAI expand faster while reducing dependence on a single partner.

For Microsoft, the reset allows it to maintain close ties with OpenAI while also creating more room to develop its own AI strategy.

Microsoft has already integrated OpenAI technology into products such as Copilot, Azure services and workplace software, making the partnership central to its recent AI push.

The companies have also reportedly adjusted financial arrangements and removed earlier clauses tied to future advanced AI scenarios, simplifying what had become a complex long-term relationship.

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1 Minute-Read

Meta, Microsoft cut jobs in AI shift

Meta and Microsoft have announced job cuts as they shift focus toward artificial intelligence and restructuring. Meta plans to reduce about 8,000 jobs, around 10% of its workforce, while also closing several unfilled roles to improve efficiency.

Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to nearly 7% of its US employees as part of internal restructuring, mainly targeting senior staff. Both companies are increasing spending on AI infrastructure, data centres and new technologies.

The decision reflects a wider trend in Big Tech, where firms are cutting costs while aggressively investing in AI development.