Recent #Microsoft news in the semiconductor industry

1 day ago

➀ A Chinese Facebook group PCDIY! identified pre-release Phison firmware as the root cause of recent SSD failures, contradicting initial blame on Microsoft's Windows 11 update;

➀ Affected drives used unreleased engineering firmware, while consumer SSDs with official firmware remain stable;

➁ Phison and Microsoft previously denied responsibility, but new findings suggest overlapping complexities in firmware, hardware, and OS updates.

PhisonMicrosoftSSD
1 day ago

➀ Two major submarine cables (SEA-ME-WE 4 and IMEWE) in the Red Sea were severed, causing latency spikes for Microsoft Azure users in South Asia and the Gulf;

➁ Microsoft rerouted traffic via longer paths, while repairs may take weeks due to geopolitical risks and scarce repair resources;

➂ This marks the second major cable disruption in the Red Sea since 2024, highlighting vulnerabilities in global Internet infrastructure.

MicrosoftcloudHPC
3 days ago

➀ Choosing server CPUs for databases in 2025 remains complex due to performance factors like core count, cache, and memory hierarchy, alongside database licensing costs;

➁ High licensing fees for enterprise databases (e.g., Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, SAP HANA) are often tied to CPU cores or memory, making CPU selection critical for cost optimization;

➂ AMD EPYC CPUs exemplify the trade-off between performance and licensing expenses, as vendors design chips to balance database workloads and license-driven cost constraints.

AMDOracleMicrosoft
about 1 month ago

➀ Winaero Tweaker is a free utility that enables deep customization of Windows 11/10, including removing ads, disabling telemetry/data tracking, and eliminating AI Copilot;

➁ The tool allows advanced users to freeze system states for benchmarking by disabling driver/Windows updates, while also restoring nostalgic features like classic shutdown shortcuts;

➂ Caution is advised when disabling critical security features like User Account Control (UAC), as it increases system vulnerability risks.

MicrosoftPrivacyWindows
2 months ago

➀ Microsoft's Copilot AI suffered an embarrassing defeat against a 1970s Atari 2600 emulator in chess, despite pre-match trash talk about the vintage system's "bizarre moves";

➁ The AI lost critical pieces by its 7th turn and ultimately surrendered, acknowledging the Atari's victory as "fair and square";

➂ Though built on OpenAI's GPT-4 and Bing integration, Copilot's chess skills remain inferior to specialized systems, contrasting with its claimed "silicon sorcerer" computational abilities.

AIMicrosoft
2 months ago
➀ Windows 11 version 25H2 is set to be the next major update, leveraging the same core platform as 24H2 for a streamlined transition. ➁ New features will be introduced progressively, initially in a disabled state, and activated via monthly updates. ➂ The update is expected to be released between September and October 2025, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10.
MicrosoftWindows 11 Update
3 months ago

➀ Microsoft's 'This is an Xbox' campaign promotes the idea that various hardware can access its Game Pass service.

➁ Meta confirmed in April 2024 that it was working with Microsoft to create a limited-edition Meta Quest inspired by Xbox.

➂ Leaked images suggest the upcoming Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition will cost $399 MSRP with 128GB of storage and include an Elite Strap, Xbox wireless controller, and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

MicrosoftVRXbox
3 months ago

➀ Microsoft announces a new policy to regularly remove legacy drivers from Windows Update to enhance security and compatibility;

➁ The cleanup targets outdated drivers with newer replacements and allows partners to provide feedback, but older devices may lose support;

➂ Critics express concerns about potential forced upgrades and reduced functionality for legacy hardware.

MicrosoftWindowscybersecurity
3 months ago
➀ A reliable source claimed Microsoft hired the developers behind Xenia emulator for an official Xbox emulator; ➁ Xenia developer ZoloKluk denied the claim, stating Microsoft already has their own emulator; ➂ Jez Corden of Windows Central also stated that Microsoft is looking at ways to bring more Xbox games to more devices, but not through emulation.
MicrosoftXbox
3 months ago

➀ AMD announced an expanded roadmap for gaming-optimized Ryzen/Radeon chips targeting consoles, handhelds, and cloud gaming platforms;

➁ The initiative follows a new partnership with Microsoft for next-gen Xbox consoles and handheld PCs, with plans to bridge compatibility across platforms;

➂ Future APUs may integrate AI upscaling and enhanced backward compatibility, potentially reshaping gaming hardware ecosystems.

AMDMicrosoftgaming
3 months ago

➀ AMD will power Microsoft's first-party gaming systems for the foreseeable future;

➁ The partnership involves co-engineering silicon across a portfolio of devices, including next-generation Xbox consoles;

➂ Speculations about Microsoft launching another console and a potential handheld gaming device;

➃ AMD aims to advance the state of art in gaming silicon with AI-enhanced graphics and gameplay experiences.

AMDMicrosoftgaming
3 months ago
➀ Despite the heavy marketing of their xCloud game service, Microsoft's Xbox cloud streaming still lags behind its competitors in various categories; ➁ Reports suggest that Microsoft is developing the next generation of Xbox cloud servers, which are currently being tested at Redmond HQ; ➂ These servers are expected to offer lower lag, improved bitrates, and higher resolution options.
Cloud GamingMicrosoftXbox
3 months ago

➀ Microsoft is consolidating Xbox and Windows platforms through 'Xbox PC' branding in game marketing, targeting Steam's dominance by redirecting users to the Xbox app;

➁ The redesigned Xbox App now integrates console games into PC libraries, signaling deeper Xbox-Windows store integration;

➂ Facing SteamOS's handheld performance advantages, Microsoft partners with Asus for an Xbox-branded handheld in 2025, amid lagging Xbox console sales.

Handheld GamingMicrosoft
3 months ago

➀ ASUS is urging Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase a new PC due to the end of support for Windows 10.

➁ Microsoft has been warning about the risks of using unsupported PCs, emphasizing the need for a modern, secure operating system.

➂ ASUS highlights the benefits of Windows 11 and Copilot+, suggesting that if your current laptop doesn't support these, it's time for an upgrade.

AsusMicrosoftWindows 10Windows 11