Being in process of internal restructuring and team optimization, Microsoft has made the decision to discontinue the Windows Insider MVP program, effective December 31, 2023.
Category: Microsoft Company
Microsoft closes deal to buy Activision Blizzard
Microsoft announced on October 13th that it has successfully acquired Activision Blizzard, marking a significant milestone for the corporation. With this purchase, Microsoft now holds full ownership of all internal studios and publisher intellectual property. The massive deal, with a staggering value of $68.7 billion, stands as the gaming industry's largest acquisition to date.
An internal memo leak reveals the future of Windows
A leak of an internal memo authored by Yusuf Mehdi, reveals the future of Windows. There, he praised Panos Panay's contributions to the development of Windows and Surface. Panos, who was responsible for Surface and Windows for many years recently announced his resignation. Microsoft will continue to invest in these products, but intends to place more emphasis on AI.
Microsoft accidentally leaked 38 TB of confidential employee data
Once again, Microsoft has been thrust into the limelight following a breach of confidential data. The incident is said to have occurred as a result of an error made by a research group that was working on artificial intelligence.
Panos Panay is leaving Microsoft after 19 years
After 19 years at Microsoft, Panos Panay has announced his departure from the company via a post on X (formerly Twitter). During his tenure, he oversaw the development of Surface devices and led the creation of client versions of Windows, including Windows 11.
Microsoft and Activision Blizzard delay merging deadline to October 18
Following negotiations with UK regulators, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have agreed to extend their merger agreement until October 18. The companies have committed to following all regulatory agreements and will work with the CMA to address any concerns raised in the UK. Microsoft Vice Chairman and President Brad Smith expressed confidence in finalizing the deal.
Microsoft to start new wave of layoffs
Microsoft has recently announced a new round of layoffs, although the exact number of affected employees has not been specified. The cuts are expected to primarily impact workers in sales, education, support services, and the Microsoft Modern Work team.
Microsoft renames Azure AD to Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Entra ID is new the new name for Azure Active Directory (Azure AD). It will be in use somewhere "in the second half of 2023" . The name change reflects the consolidation of the Microsoft Entra product family and aims to simplify secure access experiences.
Microsoft wins court against FTC over purchase of Activision
A U.S. federal court has rejected the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) request to block the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. It is a victory for Microsoft in the U.S. lawsuit, although the FTC still has the option to appeal the ruling.
Microsoft will use a new unified cloud.microsoft domain for its online apps and services
Microsoft is beginning to reduce their service fragmentation by bringing authenticated, user-facing Microsoft 365 apps and services onto a single domain cloud.microsoft. Consolidating Microsoft 365's user-facing authenticated experiences onto a single domain has several benefits for customers.
