News Analysis India

Tag: Microsoft

  • Microsoft Gaming's Layoffs Hit Skylanders Studio 'Toys for Bob', Let Go 86 Workers

    According to Eurogamer, the layoffs at the gaming studio are much higher than the original estimate of 35 people, which accounted for 30 to 40 percent of its workforce.

  • CEO Satya Nadella Wants Microsoft To 'Copilot' India's AI journey To Foster Innovation

    Addressing concerns about job cuts due to technology, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella pointed out that the current generation of AI reduces the learning curve.  

  • Google Plans Renaming AI Chatbot Bard To Gemini: Report |

    New Delhi: Google introduced a new image generation feature for its AI chatbot Bard recently. This functionality is similar to Microsoft’s Copilot which enables users to generate AI-created images by providing text prompts to the chatbot. There are reports suggesting that Google intends to rename its chatbot Bard to Gemini, mirroring Microsoft’s rebranding of its AI chatbot Bing to Copilot.

    Dylan Roussel, a developer on X platform (formerly Twitter), shared a recently discovered changelog from Google. The changelog reportedly outlines upcoming updates for the AI chatbot Google Bard. As per the provided screenshot these updates are scheduled for release on February 7, and among the changes is the replacement of the name Bard with Gemini. (Also Read: Happy Birthday: Facebook Turns 20; Mark Zuckerberg Celebrates By Sharing Reel On Instagram)

    Google added a new changelog for Bard, and — oh boy — it’s a big one!

    The availability in Canada is awesome! That said I don’t really understand the limitations with the app. That’s disappointing as someone who lives in Europe.

    Oh by the way… https://t.co/xM2snHVYJ9 is real. pic.twitter.com/QKgKrRjmM4
    — Dylan Roussel (@evowizz) February 3, 2024

    This decision is in line with Google’s strategy to incorporate its LLM model Gemini across various products. Gemini serves as the AI model powering Bard indicating that Google may be opting to promote its AI model Gemini more broadly. (Also Read: Deepfake Video Scam: Company Loses $25.6 Million As Virtual Avatar Of CFO Orders Money Transfers)

    In addition to the name change, the changelog screenshot suggests that Google is considering the introduction of a paid ‘Advanced’ tier featuring Gemini Ultra. Similar to OpenAI’s subscription model for its advanced large language model GPT-4, Google is reportedly planning to offer an upgraded version of Gemini at a fee.

    This enhanced version is expected to bring improved multi-modal capabilities, enhanced coding support, and the ability to explore and analyze files and documents more extensively. Furthermore, the release of Gemini is extending to include Canada, marking its first availability in the country since the initial launch.

    Last year, Google introduced its LLM model called Gemini, comprising three versions: Gemini Nano, Gemini Pro, and Gemini Ultra. Google claims that its LLM model can handle intricate tasks such as logical reasoning, coding, interpreting nuanced instructions, and engaging in creative collaboration.

    Google has intentions to release a specialized Gemini application for mobile users. The Gemini app, designed by Google, allows users to leverage Google AI for tasks like learning, writing, and planning directly on their smartphones. This app will integrate with other Google services such as Gmail, Maps, and YouTube. Android users will have a standalone app for Gemini, while iOS users might access it through the Google app.

    As per a leaked Google changelog, the Gemini app is expected to have limited availability which would be accessible only on specific devices. The app will also feature support for additional languages like Japanese, Korean, and English covering most parts of the world, excluding certain European countries and regions.

    Google has future plans to incorporate more countries and languages into the Gemini app. It’s essential to highlight that while Google has not officially confirmed these details, significant announcements are anticipated later this week.

  • Microsoft Teams Suffers Mega Outage, Company Says Fixing

    Microsoft attributed the outage to a networking issue affecting a portion of the Teams service.

  • Microsoft Incorporates Touch Controls Into Xbox Apps For iOS And Android |

    New Delhi: Microsoft is enhancing the Xbox experience on mobile devices by integrating touch controls into its Xbox apps for iOS and Android, as reported by The Verge. The touch controls currently in beta testing, empower Xbox users to remotely handle their consoles and engage in gaming on smartphones and tablets without requiring a Bluetooth controller.

    The touch controls being introduced to Microsoft’s Xbox apps for mobile devices mirror those found on the Xbox Cloud Gaming service. They include an on-screen overlay that allows users to navigate the Xbox user interface remotely. This functionality enables users to open games and stream directly from their consoles eliminating the need for a physical controller. (Also Read: Samsung Unveils 10-Minute Delivery Service For Galaxy S24 Series In THESE Indian Cities)

    Although dedicated controllers provide a better gaming experience, Microsoft’s touch controls are reported to be quite effective, especially for users who were previously dependent on Bluetooth controllers for remote play. Microsoft highlights that 20 percent of Xbox Cloud Gaming players exclusively use touch controls. The company has actively integrated customized Xbox touch controls into many games, gaining traction in popular titles such as Hades, Minecraft Dungeons, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon. (Also Read: Krutrim Becomes India’s 1st AI unicorn With Latest Funding)

    At the same time, Microsoft has implemented notable organizational changes by revealing the elimination of around 1900 positions within its Xbox and Blizzard gaming divisions. This workforce reduction accounts for approximately 8 percent of the total employees in the Microsoft Gaming division, which currently stands at about 22,000.

    In an internal communication, Matt Booty, President of Game Content and Studios at Microsoft, confirmed the workforce reductions and announced the departure of Blizzard’s Chief Design Officer, Allen Adham. Adham, a co-founder of Blizzard, played a crucial role in shaping the company’s games. Booty expressed confidence that Adham’s impact would endure through his mentorship of emerging designers in the industry.

    Microsoft disclosed the cancellation of a previously announced survival game from Blizzard as part of the restructing. Despite this setback Booty affirmed that the talent from this project would be redirected toward promising new initiatives in the early stages of development within Blizzard.

  • Microsoft Teams Introduces New App for ‘Work from Car’ Experience; Check Details |

    New Delhi: Microsoft is set to launch its video conferencing tool, Teams, on Android Auto in the upcoming month. This development follows the initial announcement made nearly a year ago at Google I/O 2023.

    The integration allows Android phones to effortlessly link with a car’s infotainment system. As per details provided in the Microsoft 365 roadmap, the upcoming Teams on Android Auto will streamline meeting access through the calendar, enable quick calls to speed dial contacts, and display recent calls on Android phones.

    The inclusion of messaging features from Teams or other specific functionalities such as file sharing and collaboration on this platform is currently unclear and remains uncertain from Microsoft’s plans.

    Alongside this update, Microsoft is introducing a latest Copilot key on keyboards for Windows PCs. Activation of the Copilot in Windows feature is initiated by pressing this key simplifying its integration into daily tasks.

    Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Consumers, mentioned in a blog post, “The Copilot key, alongside the Windows key, will become an integral part of the PC keyboard, instantly bringing up the Copilot in Windows feature for everyday use.”

    With the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on the horizon, Microsoft has announced that the new Copilot key will be featured on numerous Windows 11 PCs from their ecosystem partners. Anticipated to be available from late February to Spring, these updates will extend to upcoming Surface devices as well.