Microsoft has been busy lately, making waves across various sectors of the tech world. From innovative AI solutions to skepticism surrounding quantum computing and limited-time deals on productivity software, here's a roundup of the latest Microsoft news.
Preserving History with AI
In a significant move towards preserving historical narratives, Microsoft has developed an AI tool in collaboration with Edut 710. This tool is designed to archive real-time testimonies from the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th, creating a collective memory of the tragic events. Engineers from Microsoft Israel’s R&D department played a crucial role in developing this tool, ensuring the accurate and long-term preservation of these firsthand accounts.
The goal is to facilitate the preservation of these testimonies as part of a collective memory. It's a powerful example of how AI can be used not just for business or entertainment, but for safeguarding important historical records. The tool aims to archive firsthand accounts and ensure that these testimonies are preserved accurately over time, offering future generations insights into the human experience during this critical moment.
Quantum Computing Under Scrutiny
Not all news is positive, however. Amazon executives and employees have reportedly expressed skepticism about Microsoft's recent claims regarding its quantum computing advancements. According to sources, they are questioning the true significance of Microsoft's new quantum chip. This internal doubt within Amazon highlights the competitive landscape and the challenges of pushing the boundaries of quantum technology.
The skepticism from Amazon raises important questions about the current state of quantum computing and the level of progress being made. Is it truly revolutionary, or is some of the excitement just "BS and hype," as some reportedly said? Only time and further developments will tell.
Office for Mac at a Bargain Price
On a brighter note, Mac users can rejoice! For a limited time, a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac is available for just $39.99 – a significant 82% discount. This offer, available through Macworld, provides a cost-effective alternative to the recurring subscription fees of Microsoft 365.
This version includes essential productivity tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams, all for a one-time payment. It’s an especially attractive deal for users with older or refurbished Macs. Just make sure your Mac meets the compatibility requirements: MacOS Monterey (Version 12) or newer, and at least 4GB of RAM.
"This isn’t the latest version, but Microsoft Office 2019 is a solid choice if you want the trusty basics." - Macworld
Beware of Malvertising
Finally, a crucial security warning: Microsoft's threat analysis team has detected a large-scale malvertising campaign that impacted nearly one million devices globally in December 2024. This campaign spread malware through advertisements appearing on illegal streaming websites. It's a stark reminder to be cautious about the websites you visit and the ads you click on.
Always ensure you have robust antivirus software installed and avoid clicking on suspicious links or advertisements. Staying vigilant is key to protecting your devices from these types of threats.