Recent #Microsoft news in the semiconductor industry

5 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
5 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
5 months ago

➀ Microsoft postpones its first-party Xbox handheld project to focus on optimizing Windows 11 for third-party devices like Asus' 'Kennan';

➁ SteamOS's superior performance on handhelds challenges Windows 11's dominance, driving Microsoft's strategic shift;

➂ Asus' 'Kennan' handheld, co-developed with Microsoft, is on track for a late 2025 launch with finalized hardware

AsusMicrosoftgaming
6 months ago

➀ A developer created Defendnot, a tool exploiting an undocumented Windows Security Center API to disable Windows Defender by simulating third-party antivirus registration;

➁ The tool injects code into Windows Task Manager, leaving systems vulnerable as it mimics antivirus software without actual protection;

➂ Microsoft flagged Defendnot as a Trojan, warning of its potential misuse, while debates arise over user autonomy versus system security risks.

MicrosoftPrivacycybersecurity
6 months ago

➀ Microsoft's new ad claims Arm-based Copilot+ PCs are up to 58% faster than Apple's M3 MacBook Air in multi-core benchmarks;

➁ The comparison uses 2024 data and targets last-gen Mac hardware, ignoring Apple's newer M4-powered MacBook Air;

➂ Copilot+ PCs focus on AI capabilities and battery life but face challenges in Windows-on-Arm software compatibility.

AppleLaptopMicrosoft
6 months ago

➀ Asus is developing two ROG Ally 2 variants: a high-end black model with AMD Z2 Extreme (8-core Zen 5, 16 CU iGPU), 64GB RAM, and an Xbox button, and a white model with an unreleased AMD "Aerith Plus" APU and 16GB RAM.

➁ The black model aligns with Microsoft's Project Kennan, likely retaining Windows 11 but adding Xbox integration, while the white model targets mainstream users with a 7-inch 120Hz display and 65W charging.

➂ Pricing concerns arise as leaks suggest the Z2 Extreme model could exceed $1,000, competing with devices like the Steam Deck OLED and Lenovo Legion Go.

AMDAsusMicrosoft
6 months ago

➀ Software engineer Svnscha developed an open-source tool (mcp-windbg) that integrates GitHub Copilot with Microsoft's WinDBG to automate crash dump analysis using natural language.

➁ The tool leverages AI to execute complex debugger commands, interpret assembly code, and suggest fixes, drastically reducing the manual effort required for debugging.

➂ Despite its advanced capabilities, users still need basic debugging knowledge to maximize the tool's potential as it acts as a 'Python wrapper' around conventional debuggers.

AIGitHubMicrosoft
6 months ago

➀ Microsoft has entered the final phase of rolling out Windows 11 24H2, automatically pushing the update to unmanaged Home and Pro edition devices;

➁ Users can manually check for updates, but many will face automatic downloads with limited control over installation timing, potentially causing issues for storage-constrained devices;

➂ Despite Windows 10 still holding a 52.94% market share, Microsoft is aggressively promoting Windows 11 through ads and update prompts ahead of Windows 10's end-of-support in October 2025.

MicrosoftWindows 10Windows 11
6 months ago

➀ The trend in gaming in 2025 is that everything is getting more expensive, including the popular Call of Duty franchise.

➁ There are rumors that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will have more expensive changes to its Battle Pass system.

➂ Some items, such as higher value rewards and loot, will be available only to Battle Pass owners, and Limited-Time Modes will be locked behind an additional fee.

MicrosoftXbox
6 months ago
➀ Skype, once a dominant VOIP software, is shutting down after 23 years; ➁ Microsoft Teams is now the focus of Microsoft's efforts in the VOIP market; ➂ The decline in Skype's user base has been significant, with a drop from over 300 million to around 36 million in 2023.
MicrosoftVoIP
6 months ago

➀ Microsoft retires Skype after 22 years, urging users to migrate to Microsoft Teams by January 2026;

➀ Skype's journey from 2003's revolutionary PC-to-PC calls to its $8.5B acquisition by Microsoft in 2011, peaking at 40% global call market share;

➂ Teams' dominance post-pandemic (300M users) eclipsed Skype's decline (36M users), leading to Microsoft's strategic consolidation.

Microsoft
6 months ago

➀ Microsoft will unveil compact 12-inch Surface Pro 11 and 13-inch Surface Laptop 7 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chips at its May 6th event;

➁ Both devices feature UFS storage (up to 512GB), 16GB LPDDR5x RAM, and limited ports without bundled chargers;

➂ Specs differ from existing models with smaller displays, lower refresh rates, and ARM-based architecture targeting mobile productivity.

AI PCArmMicrosoft
6 months ago

➀ Microsoft recently announced significant price hikes for its Xbox hardware lineup, including the Xbox Series X and S.

➁ The Xbox Series S (512GB) in Robot White is still available for $273.99 at Walmart, 28% below the new MSRP.

➂ The Xbox Series S (1TB) can be found for $347 at Walmart, 19.3% below the new MSRP.

➃ The Xbox Series X (1TB) is becoming scarce at the old price point, but can still be found for $449 at Sams's Club.

➄ Some accessories like the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller and Full Controller are also available at reduced prices.

DealsMicrosoftXbox