Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Amazon, Google criticize Microsoft’s cloud modifications

Microsoft's cloud modifications
  • Microsoft’s (MSFT.O) recent improvements to cloud computing have been attacked by Amazon and Google.
  • The companies claim that they hinder competition and deter users from transferring.
  • Microsoft’s action comes after smaller European Union rivals complained to EU antitrust officials about its cloud service policies.

Microsoft’s (MSFT.O) recent improvements to cloud computing have been attacked by Amazon (AMZN.O) and Google, a unit of Alphabet (GOOGL.O), who claim that they hinder competition and deter users from transferring to competing cloud service providers.

On Monday, the US software behemoth revealed new licensing agreements and other adjustments that will go into effect on October 1 and, according to the company, will make it simpler for cloud service providers to compete.

The transactions will not include Microsoft’s own cloud services, Amazon, Google, Alibaba (9988. HK), or any other cloud provider.

Microsoft’s action came after smaller European Union rivals complained to EU antitrust officials about its cloud service policies.

The regulators then questioned market participants on the matter and the effects they have seen.

Amazon was harsh in its criticisms, trailing just Microsoft and Google as the top cloud service providers.

Instead of listening to its customers and restoring fair software licensing in the cloud for everyone, Microsoft is now doubling-down on the same harmful practices by implementing even more restrictions in an unfair attempt to limit the competition it faces, a spokesperson for its cloud service unit AWS said in an email.

Marcus Jadotte, Google’s vice president for policy and government affairs, had a similar critique.

In a tweet, he stated that “the promise of the cloud is flexible, elastic computing without contractual lock-ins.”

Customers ought to be free to switch between platforms and select the technology that best suits their needs rather than Microsoft’s, according to Jadotte.

 

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Despite US-China tensions, Microsoft and ByteDance will work on AI

AI project

Microsoft and ByteDance are teaming up to create a new kind of AI called KubeRay. The two companies are working together to push the limits of what AI can do. This project will be open source, so it could broaden its scope in the future. During most of the 20th century, the US was probably … Read more

LastPass confirms its source code was stolen by hacker

LastPass

LastPass CEO Karim Toubba says no personal data or encrypted passwords were compromised. The corporation wouldn’t say how long the incident went undetected. It’s the latest mishap for LastPass, which angered many customers by making its free tier less functional in 2021. Earlier this week, LastPass began warning users of a “recent security incident” in … Read more

Paul Allen: Microsoft co-founders $1 billion in paintings to be sold at the biggest art auction ever

Paul Allen

The greatest art auction in history will feature works of art valued at an estimated $1 billion (£847 million) that belonged to the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Botticelli, Renoir, David Hockney, and Roy Lichtenstein all have works in the collection. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 65. The greatest art auction … Read more

Microsoft Outlook now shows more ads on iOS and Android

Microsoft Outlook ads

Microsoft is adding more ads to the Android and iOS Outlook apps. Free users can avoid seeing adverts by using the Focused inbox. If you can’t stand the ads, you must subscribe to Microsoft 365 or de-install Outlook.com/Outlook. There are ads everywhere on the internet, even when you are just reading your email. Now, Microsoft … Read more

Microsoft Bing says it encounters billions of ‘unseen URLs’ daily

microsoft bing

Microsoft Bing Search encounters billions of similar URLs daily, but we doubt it indexes them. Fabrice Canel says that most of this kind of content is useless. Many people commented on how much Bing struggles with daily chores and how this will just make matters worse. Fabrice Canel has now written a new report that shows … Read more

Microsoft Excel update solves a major workplace issue

microsoft excel update

@mentions will let teams of people work together on spreadsheets in real-time. The general availability date for the feature is October 2022, but some users may already have access. Thanks to a new update, it might soon be a lot easier to make the monster Microsoft Excel workbook of your dreams. Spreadsheet software can be … Read more

Microsoft reduces consumer R&D

Microsoft

The company declined to comment but didn’t deny the reports of layoffs. According to LinkedIn posts, contractual recruiters in Chicago were also laid off. Layoffs were concentrated at Microsoft’s MLX customer-focused R&D group. Microsoft cut more jobs this week after reducing its Office and Windows workforces in July. This round of layoffs was concentrated at … Read more

Microsoft claims hydrogen fuel cells might power data centres

Microsoft

Microsoft has been trying out fuel cell technology since 2013. Diesel generators are utilized as backup power in data centres. This new generator has no carbon emissions. Microsoft says it has made a replacement for the diesel-powered generators that are used as backups in data centres in case of power outages and other service disruptions. … Read more

Microsoft servers are hacked to add proxies

Microsoft servers

Proxyware is on the rise due to its capacity to remain undetected for lengthy periods of time. Hackers deploying malware on Microsoft SQL servers monetized endpoint bandwidth. Some can earn up to $6,000 per month for renting out excess bandwidth. The bandwidth of endpoints has been monetized by hackers installing malware on Microsoft SQL servers. … Read more

Austria probes claim spyware targeted law firms, banks

Austria probe
  • Microsoft security team says malware called Subzero was deployed in 2021 and 2022.
  • Victims include law firms, banks and consultancies in Austria, the UK and Panama.
  • Interior ministry says it knows of the company but has not had business ties with it.

Austria said Friday that it was investigating a report that an Austrian company developed spyware targeting law firms, banks and consultancies in at least three countries.

Microsoft’s security team earlier this week said it found that a malware called Subzero — developed by Vienna-based company DSIRF — was deployed in 2021 and 2022.

“Observed victims to date include law firms, banks and strategic consultancies in countries such as Austria, the United Kingdom and Panama,” it wrote in a blog entry on Wednesday.

Austria’s interior ministry said it had not received reports of any incidents.

“Of course, (intelligence agency) DSN checks the allegations. So far, there is no proof of the use of spy software from the company mentioned,” it said in a statement.

Austria’s Kurier newspaper cited DSIRF as saying that Subzero had not been misused and “was developed exclusively for use by authorities in EU states” and was not commercially available.

DSIRF did not immediately return a request for comment from AFP.

Austria’s interior ministry said it knew of the company but “has not had any business relationships” with it.

Last year several media outlets reported that governments around the world, including in the EU, had used Pegasus spyware made by Israel’s NSO Group to spy on opponents.

Budapest and Warsaw responded that the use of Pegasus was for legitimate national security reasons.

 

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Microsoft Ignite will be in-person event once more

Microsoft Ignite

Microsoft will continue to host global livestreams. Ignite registration has yet to open. In October, Microsoft created the conference website for its Ignite event. Microsoft launched the official website for its Ignite conference in October, and it appears that the event will return to Seattle in person for the first time since 2019. Microsoft will … Read more

Microsoft earnings fall short as computer sales sag

Microsoft earnings fall
  • Microsoft reported a profit of $16.7 billion on revenue of $51.9 billion, topping the same quarter a year earlier.
  • The earnings stumble was due mostly to foreign exchange rates and shutdowns of personal computer factories in China.
  • Microsoft saw consumers spend less on Xbox videogame content in the quarter.

Microsoft on Tuesday said that its earnings in the recently ended quarter fell shy of expectations as personal computer sales suffered from production holdups in China and sagging demand.

The US technology giant reported profit of $16.7 billion on revenue of $51.9 billion, topping the same quarter a year earlier but missing market forecasts.

The earnings stumble was due mostly to foreign exchange rates and shutdowns of personal computer factories in China, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said in a note to investors.

Microsoft said that the strong US dollar made its offerings more costly in foreign markets, hurting sales.

“The most important core business; cloud and commercial bookings was relatively rock solid despite fears,” Ives said.

“The core DNA of the Microsoft growth story is cloud and core Azure growth which was healthy this quarter and appears to have momentum into 2023 despite economic headwinds.”

Microsoft shares were up some 4 percent in after-market trades that followed release of the earnings figures.

“In a dynamic environment we saw strong demand, took share, and increased customer commitment to our cloud platform,” said Microsoft chief financial officer Amy Hood.

Shutdowns at computer production facilities in China in May, and a deteriorating market for personal computers, cost Microsoft some $300 million in revenue it would have made from Windows operating systems bought to power the machines, the earnings report indicated.

The personal computer market had been in steady decline prior to the pandemic, as people turned to smartphones or tablets.

A massive shift to shopping, working, socializing and playing from home reignited demand for desktop computing power, but it remains to be seen whether that appetite will remain post-pandemic.

Ad revenue at Microsoft’s online news, search, and career social network LinkedIn suffered due to companies cutting marketing budgets due to broad economic woes, the company said.

The tech veteran based in the US state of Washington also logged $126 million in operating expenses related to scaling back its operations in Russia because of that country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Microsoft saw consumers spend less on Xbox videogame content in the quarter compared to the same period a year earlier, in a possible sign that many are out playing in the real world more as pandemic restrictions ease.

However, Microsoft’s cloud, business and productivity offerings continued to thrive.

“We see real opportunity to help every customer in every industry use digital technology to overcome today’s challenges and emerge stronger,” said Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella.

 

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To compete with Facebook, Microsoft is developing its own social app

Microsoft

Microsoft will soon have Viva Engage, which is similar to Facebook. The company plans to start its own social media platform. It will be released in “late August.” Microsoft will soon have Viva Engage, which is similar to Facebook. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made the announcement. He said that the company plans to start its … Read more

Netflix partners with Microsoft on ad-supported subscription plan

Netflix

Netflix has been struggling to maintain and increase subscribers. Microsoft’s advertising sector benefits greatly from the new business. The advertising efforts are still in their “very early stages,” with “lots to work through”. Microsoft has been appointed as Netflix’s partner for its ad-supported service, the two firms said on Wednesday. “As we develop a new … Read more

Netflix & Microsoft will provide ad-supported memberships

Netflix
  • Netflix’s has confirmed that Microsoft will be its “global advertising technology and sales partner”.
  • All adverts on Netflix will be only accessible through the company’s platform.
  • The corporations disclosed that the cooperation is still in its infancy and that much work remains.
  • Both stated that they are “excited to work together”.

Netflix has been losing subscribers recently, and one of its remedies is to offer them an even cheaper, ad-supported tier to return. The streaming platform has officially confirmed that Microsoft will be its “global advertising technology and sales partner.”

Greg Peters, COO and CPO of Netflix, stated in a press statement that “Microsoft has the proven ability to support all advertising needs” while working on an ad-supported product. Microsoft also provided “the ability to innovate on both the technological and sales sides over time.”

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The future of music and Web3

The future of music and Web3

Mixtape is a web3 app since it uses creator economy and blockchain. The Future It’s clear that there’s a lot of excitement. Web3 could improve artists’ and fans’ metaverse connections. Streaming music services make it easier for musicians to get heard. They’ve made it difficult for musicians to make a living. Spotify and Apple Music … Read more

Microsoft separates Windows Insider Beta to test new features

Microsoft separates Windows Insider Beta to test new features

Microsoft split Windows Insider Beta into two paths Insiders in the 22622.x range will get builds with new features enabled by default. Another group of Insiders will stay in build 22621.x, with enabling packages turned off. Microsoft splits the Windows Insider Beta channel into two paths to carefully test new features for Windows 11 version … Read more

Bing Maps adds distance calculating and other features for travelers

Bing Maps adds distance calculating and other travel capabilities

New Bing Maps features include distance computation, petrol price and parking locator. Microsoft introduced additional features for Bing Maps travelers. Another new feature is a gas price map that shows local pricing. Microsoft introduced additional features for Bing Maps travelers. New Bing Maps features include distance computation, petrol price and parking locator. Distance calculation is … Read more

Android spyware can sign up for premium services without notifying users

Android Spyware
  • Spyware that can sign you up for a premium subscription without your knowledge is becoming more common.
  • Malware-containing apps are typically categorized as “toll frauds” and use “dynamic code loading” to execute the attack.
  • Some virus variants disable your Wi-Fi or just wait till you leave the range.

According to Microsoft’s 365 Defender Team, spyware that can sign you up for a premium subscription without your knowledge is becoming more and more common.

However, the attack is rather complex, and the malware must complete a number of steps.

To begin with, the malware-containing apps are typically categorized as “toll frauds” and use “dynamic code loading” to execute the attack.

In essence, spyware uses your monthly telecom bill to sign you up for a premium service. Then you are made to pay.

The so-called WAP (wireless application protocol), used by cellular networks, is the only method through which the malware functions.

Because of this, some virus variants disable your Wi-Fi or just wait till you leave the range of your Wi-Fi. This is where the dynamic code loading stated before comes into play.

After reading an OTP (one-time-password) you might have received before subscribing, the malicious program reads it, fills out the OTP form on your behalf, and also hides the message to mask its tracks.

The good news is that because Google limits the usage of dynamic code loading by apps, the malware is primarily disseminated outside of Google Play.

Therefore, use caution and refrain from side-loading Android apps.

 

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Microsoft makes time management easy with Outlook bookings

Microsoft makes time management easy with Outlook bookings

Outlook’s “Bookings with me” helps people plan appointments and manage your time. Viva Sales is a new sales experience to drive customer relationships and sales. Microsoft has updated Word’s online Designer with more suggestion. Microsoft has recapped the new Microsoft 365 features from the past month, as it does every month. This time, the focus … Read more

CLM combines art and science

CLM combines art and science

The two-part series examines contract lifecycle management . There was a comparison made between contract management and lifecycle management. The right-sizing process elevated CLM to the next level. CLM has cleared the road for creative and scientific approaches to more closely meld together and become inexorably connected. This two-part series investigates the development of contract … Read more

Metaverse open standards group is formed by Microsoft, Meta, and others

Metaverse

The Metaverse Standards Forum aims to promote open, interoperable standards for augmented and virtual reality. It has been founded by Microsoft, Epic Games, Meta, and 33 other firms and organisations. The club aims to conduct its first meetings in 2022, and will focus on “action-based projects”. A standards group for “metaverse” technology has been founded … Read more

Microsoft and Meta have joined Google in using AI in data centres

Microsoft and Meta

Microsoft and Meta are developing an AI system; that generates alerts for data centre construction. They’re developing operations teams; in order to “prevent or mitigate the impact of safety incidents”. Five people were taken to the hospital after a chlorine gas leak; at an Apple data center in Maiden, North Carolina. Data centres, which power … Read more

South Korean engineer builds gravestone in memory of Internet Explorer’s retirement

Internet Explorer's retirement

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer has a heartfelt farewell to the internet after nearly 27 years. Microsoft is now advising its users to adopt Microsoft Edge. A South Korean engineer, spent over $300 (around Rs 25,000) on a gravestone. Internet Explorer has finally bid a sorrowful goodbye to the internet after nearly 27 years. Microsoft is now … Read more