#microsoft

Xbox's Latest Console Pricing Confirmed, Matches the Extortionate PS5 Pro Pricing for Xbox's new X25 console has been revealed, and it matches the steep cost of Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro. A reliable source has leaked the price, suggesting the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition will cost roughly the same as the current PS5 Pro without a disc drive. While the exact figure isn’t specified, the reported price could position the Xbox console as one of the most expensive in the market. Microsoft announced the Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition in June 2026, highlighting its design inspired by the original translucent green Xbox console from 2001/02. The special edition includes a matching controller, 1TB of storage, and a disc drive. Pre-orders for the console are set to launch during Gamescom next week, with the translucent green controller receiving a standalone release on October 20, 2026. Despite its nostalgic design and limited-edition status, the Xbox Series X25 is essentially an updated version of the Xbox Series X, which launched in 2020. Its performance remains unchanged from the original console, and it does not offer the enhanced power of the PS5 Pro. Critics argue that the premium price is largely a result of its collectible appeal rather than significant technological advancements. The trend of rising console prices has intensified in recent years. When the Xbox Series X debuted in November 2020, it cost £449.99/$499.99, while the Xbox Series S (512GB) was priced at £249.99/$299.99. Today, the standard Series X with a disc drive costs £669.99/$799.99, and the Series S has risen to £429.99/$499.99. Similarly, the PlayStation 5, which launched at £449.99/$499.99 in 2020, now costs £569.99/$649.99. The PS5 Pro, introduced in November 2024 without a disc drive or vertical stand for £699.99/$699.#microsoft #sony #playstation_5_pro #xbox_series_x #xbox_series_x25

IREN Rallies 6% as Microsoft Signs Off on Horizon 1, NVIDIA Grants Exemplar Cloud Status IREN shares surged 6% on Thursday, trading at $46.42, after Microsoft formally accepted the Horizon 1 data center project at Childress, Texas. The move triggered monthly invoicing under a five-year, $9.7 billion cloud services agreement. NVIDIA also granted Horizon 1 “Exemplar Cloud” status, validating its AI performance and potentially positioning IREN to attract hyperscaler clients beyond Microsoft. The acceptance of Horizon 1 marks a critical milestone for IREN, as it transitions from a capital project to recognized revenue. Under the agreement, Microsoft has a five-day window to test each GPU deployment against agreed criteria. Once accepted, IREN can begin invoicing Microsoft monthly, converting a large capital investment into recurring revenue rather than work-in-progress. Horizon 1 is the first of four 50MW deployments planned for 2026 under the contract, which is expected to generate approximately $1.94 billion in annualized run-rate revenue. A 20% customer prepayment is already in place, providing immediate financial cushion. NVIDIA’s Exemplar Cloud designation underscores the system’s reliability and performance on AI workloads, enhancing IREN’s appeal to enterprise and hyperscaler clients. This validation is crucial as IREN aims to achieve 480MW of gross AI cloud capacity by 2026 and 1.2GW by 2027—far exceeding the 200MW contracted with Microsoft. IREN Limited Co-CEO Daniel Roberts highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating, “Delivering Horizon 1 demonstrates the strength of our vertically integrated model and our ability to execute complex AI infrastructure projects at speed and scale.” He noted that over 3,000 employees contributed to the project’s completion.#microsoft #nvidia #childress_texas #dell_technologies #iren

Dubai Launches Virtual Workspace Initiative to Boost Government Work Flexibility The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has introduced the "Virtual Workspace" initiative, a digital transformation project developed in partnership with Microsoft. This initiative aims to provide government employees with a secure, flexible, and integrated digital work environment, marking a significant step toward modernizing public sector operations. The project aligns with directives from leadership to adopt artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, ensuring business continuity while promoting sustainability and efficiency in the workplace. Khalifa Bin Humaidan, Director of the Support Services Department at DGHR, emphasized during a recent radio interview that the initiative reflects the department's commitment to implementing sustainable digital solutions. He stated that the project enhances employee readiness and fosters a work environment that supports both productivity and adaptability. "This project confirms the department's commitment to adopting the latest sustainable digital solutions that serve to develop the work environment and enhance employee readiness," Bin Humaidan said. The Virtual Workspace initiative offers several core benefits for employees and IT teams managing government infrastructure. For employees, it provides seamless access to applications, files, and systems from any location and at any time, while adhering to strict security standards and permissions. This flexibility ensures uninterrupted service delivery, even under challenging circumstances, by maintaining an always-available virtual environment. The initiative also streamlines onboarding processes, significantly reducing the time and effort required to provision new employees.#microsoft #dubai #dubai_government_human_resources_department #khalifa_bin_humaidan #virtual_workspace

Leaked Images Show New Built-in Screen on Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller A Reddit user shared leaked images of a prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 controller, revealing a built-in screen not previously seen in earlier leaks. The images, posted via The Verge, depict a device purchased on OfferUp, though the original post has since been removed. The new visuals show a screen located above the USB-C charging port, which appears to serve as a pairing interface for the controller’s Cloud Mode. This mode allows direct connection to Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, similar to Google’s Stadia controller. The screen includes a “Pair” button, enabling users to switch between Local Mode and Cloud Mode. The leaked images also highlight design changes compared to earlier leaks from Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) in May. These include a redesigned D-Pad, two new scroll wheels near the headphone jack, and a removable battery. One image shows a pill-shaped interface with the Pair button, while another displays a shortened URL linking to a non-functional Microsoft webpage. Another image resembles the Xbox Cloud Gaming loading screen, featuring a spaceship animation approaching an Xbox console. The Redditor who shared the images noted the prototype is non-functional, stating it does not pair with an Xbox or charge via a cable. Instead, it only displays a blinking red light. The device’s battery compartment reveals Torx T6 screws, suggesting a more repairable design than previous Xbox Elite models. Microsoft plans to release the new controller before the end of 2023, according to The Verge’s Tom Warren. The Series 2 version was announced in June 2019 and showcased at gamescom.#microsoft #the_verge #xbox_elite_series_3 #xbox_cloud_gaming #torx_t6

Xbox Expands Game Pass Perks with New Freebies in August 2026 Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Perks program is continuing to roll out additional benefits for subscribers in August 2026, offering a wide range of in-game rewards across popular titles. The perks are now accessible to Essential, Premium, and Ultimate members, though some exclusive content remains reserved for Ultimate subscribers. Titles like Fortnite Crew and Rocket League Rocket Pass are among the exceptions, requiring an Ultimate subscription for access. The latest batch of perks includes free cosmetic items, character unlocks, and special in-game advantages, with specific deadlines for claiming each reward. The perks list features a variety of titles, each offering unique benefits. Fortnite Crew members receive a monthly subscription, granting access to premium rewards such as customization options and XP boosts. Rocket League players can unlock the Rocket Pass Premium, which provides enhanced gameplay features. Wuthering Waves players gain a bundle and exclusive Sigil, while The First Descendant offers in-game benefits like a Back Attachment, weapon skins, and cosmetic upgrades. FragPunk players can unlock extreme-tier weapon skins, and Idle Champions players receive a bundle featuring the character Raistlin Majere and collectible items. Other notable perks include Disney Speedstorm’s Monocrome Pack, which allows players to customize Goofy’s racing outfit, and World of Tanks Modern Armor’s exclusive bundle, offering Premium Account access and XP boosters. Delta Force players can claim combat-related items like TurBricks and Armament Vouchers, while World of Tanks: HEAT provides vehicle skins and special agent designs.#microsoft #rocket_league #wuthering_waves #xbox_game_pass #fortnite_crew

IREN Signs $2.8B AI Contracts, Raises 2026 ARR Target to Over $4B IREN (NASDAQ: IREN) announced it has raised its year-end 2026 AI Cloud annualized run-rate revenue (ARR) target from $3.7 billion to more than $4 billion, citing new multi-year cloud services agreements with leading AI developers. The company reported that approximately 85% of the $4 billion ARR target is now under contract, supported by deals totaling $2.8 billion in value. These agreements, which include partnerships with Microsoft, NVIDIA, and several AI specialists, are expected to span an average of four years. The contracts also feature customer prepayments covering about 45% of the associated GPU capital expenditures, reducing IREN’s net funding requirements for these deployments. As of June 30, 2026, IREN held approximately $7.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents, including $1.7 billion in restricted cash tied to GPU financing. The company’s self-built AI Cloud capacity has expanded from 3 megawatts to 480 megawatts in 12 months, with a target of 1.2 gigawatts by 2027. IREN’s customer base now includes Microsoft, NVIDIA, Perplexity, Figure AI, Together AI, Fluidstack, Fireworks AI, Fal AI, Hume AI, and a new leading AI developer. The company emphasized its selective approach to capacity allocation, prioritizing diversification and growth across its platform. Demand from hyperscalers, enterprises, AI developers, and frontier labs continues to exceed available capacity, with IREN engaged in expansion programs for 2026 and 2027. Daniel Roberts, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of IREN, stated: “Our vertically integrated AI Cloud platform is scaling at pace. In the past 12 months, we have expanded from approximately 3MW of self-built AI Cloud capacity to 480MW being delivered this year, with 1.#microsoft #nvidia #perplexity #iren #figure_ai

Microsoft Releases July 2026 Security Patches Addressing 622 Vulnerabilities Microsoft has released its monthly security update for July 2026, addressing 622 vulnerabilities across its products. Among these, 57 are classified as "critical," with two of the vulnerabilities already exploited in the wild. The update includes detailed information on the nature of these flaws, their potential impact, and the systems they affect. Two critical vulnerabilities, CVE-2026-56155 and CVE-2026-56164, have been exploited in real-world attacks. CVE-2026-56155 is an elevation of privilege flaw in Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS), allowing an authorized attacker to escalate privileges locally due to insufficient access control. CVE-2026-56164 is a spoofing vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint Server, enabling an unauthorized attacker to impersonate users over a network due to missing authentication for critical functions. The 57 critical vulnerabilities are categorized into four types: 48 remote code execution (RCE) flaws, seven elevation of privilege (EoP) issues, one spoofing vulnerability, and one security feature bypass. The RCE vulnerabilities span a wide range of Microsoft products, including Windows services, Office applications, SharePoint, SQL Server, and cloud services. Notably, 11 of the critical RCE vulnerabilities are rated "more likely" to be exploited. Among the most significant RCE vulnerabilities are several heap-based buffer overflows in the Windows DHCP Server service, such as CVE-2026-50370 and CVE-2026-50518, which allow unauthorized attackers to execute code remotely. CVE-2026-54128 is a use-after-free vulnerability in the Windows DHCP client, enabling local code execution.#microsoft #cve_2026_56155 #cve_2026_56164 #active_directory_federation_services #microsoft_sharepoint_server

H1-B Faces Fresh Scrutiny as Indian-Origin CEO-Led Xbox Cuts Jobs Microsoft’s recent layoffs in its Xbox division have intensified debates over the H-1B visa program, with critics accusing the company of replacing American workers with foreign labor. The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and online commentators, who argue that the Indian-origin CEO of Xbox, Asha Sharma, is exploiting the visa system to undermine domestic employment. The allegations come amid broader scrutiny of the H-1B program, which has already faced investigations into potential fraud and misuse. Microsoft announced plans to cut approximately 4,800 jobs globally, including around 3,200 positions in its Xbox gaming division, as part of a restructuring effort to improve profitability. The decision has sparked accusations that the company is prioritizing cost-cutting over American workers, with critics pointing to the simultaneous hiring of H-1B visa holders. A Republican congressman, Riley Moore, has called for the complete abolition of the H-1B program, claiming that tech giants like Microsoft are using the visa system to replace U.S. workers with cheaper foreign labor. Moore argued that the program is a “scam” that harms both white-collar and blue-collar workers, warning that it allows companies to “systematically replace” American jobs. The backlash has also fueled social media outrage, with users alleging that Xbox’s Indian-origin leadership is orchestrating a deliberate effort to fire American employees and replace them with H-1B visa holders. Some posts claim that Sharma, who was appointed CEO of Xbox in February 2024, is using her position to “take over” key industries through “hiring discrimination and fraud.#microsoft #xbox #asha_sharma #h1b_visa #riley_moore

Microsoft Reportedly Cancels Avowed Sequel As Obsidian Focuses On A Fallout Game Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind the Pillars of Eternity series, The Outer Worlds, and Fallout: New Vegas, is undergoing significant restructuring as part of Microsoft’s broader efforts to reorganize its gaming division. Bloomberg reports that the developer, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2018, has canceled multiple projects, including a sequel to its open-world action RPG Avowed. The studio is now shifting its focus to a new Fallout game, according to the report. The changes come amid widespread layoffs across Microsoft’s gaming business. Bloomberg details that Obsidian is cutting around a quarter of its workforce, with specific layoffs outlined in WARN notices. Game File notes that the studio is reducing its staff by 52 employees, including 43 in-office workers based in Irvine, California, and nine remote employees within the state. These layoffs are part of a larger trend at Microsoft, as the company continues to streamline its operations. Other Xbox studios are also facing similar cuts. id Software, the developer behind Doom, is reportedly laying off approximately half of its staff, with more than 90 employees affected. Outside of gaming, Microsoft is eliminating another 3,200 jobs as part of its restructuring efforts. The decision to cancel Avowed’s sequel and pivot to a Fallout project marks a significant shift for Obsidian. The studio’s previous work on Fallout: New Vegas and its upcoming Fallout game has positioned it as a key player in the Fallout franchise, which has been a cornerstone of Bethesda Softworks’ portfolio. However, the cancellation of Avowed’s sequel raises questions about the studio’s ability to balance multiple high-profile projects amid financial and operational challenges.#microsoft #obsidian_entertainment #fallout_game #avowed_sequel #ashamed_sharma

Meta Stock Soars as Zuckerberg Explores Cloud Business Expansion Meta shares surged nearly 9% on Wednesday following reports that the company is pursuing a significant expansion into the cloud computing sector. The move comes amid growing interest in AI-driven services, which have created a surge in demand for data processing power, benefiting major tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. The Facebook and Instagram parent company is reportedly forming a dedicated business unit to leverage its extensive investments in data centers and AI infrastructure, positioning itself to compete in the rapidly expanding cloud market. The potential shift is highlighted by Bloomberg’s report that Meta plans to offer access to its AI models, including its proprietary Muse Spark series, through a service akin to Amazon Web Services’ Bedrock platform. This would involve Meta managing the data centers and hardware that power these models while charging developers for usage rights. Additionally, the company is considering selling surplus "raw" computing power to external clients, a strategy that could further capitalize on its vast resources. The announcement has already triggered market reactions, with competitors like CoreWeave and Nebius experiencing sharp declines. CoreWeave’s stock dropped nearly 14%, while Nebius fell 17% on Wednesday, reflecting investor concerns about Meta’s potential threat. Bernstein analyst Madison Rezaei noted that Meta’s existing data center capacity—estimated at 20 gigawatts—could soon expand to 34 gigawatts, placing it on par with leading cloud providers. Rezaei emphasized that this scale could disrupt the industry, given Meta’s ability to generate significant revenue from its infrastructure.#microsoft #google #amazon #meta #mark_zuckerberg

Xbox Games Showcase 2026 Highlights Halo Return and New Exclusives Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase 2026, held earlier this month, underscored the company’s renewed focus on exclusive titles and its efforts to strengthen its position in the competitive gaming market. The event confirmed the release of Halo: Campaign Evolved, a long-awaited return to the franchise’s narrative roots, and unveiled a lineup of first-party games that have been highly anticipated by Xbox fans. The showcase also highlighted strategic moves to secure major titles like GTA 6, which will launch on Xbox simultaneously with other platforms, marking a shift from previous exclusivity arrangements. Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch on July 28, positioning it as one of the most significant Xbox releases of the year. The game is described as a return to the franchise’s storytelling origins, with a single-player campaign developed by 343 Industries. This release is expected to be a major milestone for the Halo series, which has faced mixed reactions since the divisive Halo Infinite in 2021. The July 28 date places it among the most anticipated Halo entries in recent memory, with fans eager to see how the series evolves after years of delays and shifting creative directions. Beyond Halo, the showcase confirmed that GTA 6 will be available on Xbox at launch, a notable victory for the platform. Rockstar Games, known for its history of releasing new titles on PlayStation first, has opted for a simultaneous cross-platform debut rather than a timed exclusivity deal. This decision is seen as a strategic move to bolster Xbox’s appeal to a broader audience while ensuring the game’s accessibility across multiple platforms.#microsoft #gta_6 #halo_campaign_evolved #xbox_games_showcase_2026 #xbox_elite_controller_series_3

Asha Sharma faces tough decisions with limited room for manoeuvre Asha Sharma, the newly appointed CEO of Xbox, has navigated her first 100 days in the role with a mix of strategic positioning and cautious decision-making. Despite initial skepticism from critics who feared her background in Microsoft’s Core AI division would compromise the gaming division’s focus, Sharma has managed to shift perceptions. Her early actions, such as canceling the Copilot project for consoles, have been seen as a decisive move to prioritize the gaming brand over AI integration. However, the challenges she now faces are far more complex than the initial adjustments she has made. The most pressing test for Sharma lies in the development of Project Helix, Microsoft’s next-generation console. Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball recently hinted at a strategic pivot, suggesting the console may need to be more affordable to compete in a market plagued by soaring component costs. This contrasts with Sharma’s public stance that Helix will be a “leading-end performance” device capable of running PC games and offering backward compatibility. The tension between Ball’s affordability focus and Sharma’s emphasis on high-end performance raises questions about how Microsoft will balance these competing priorities. Some analysts speculate that a hybrid business model, such as bundling Helix with a multi-year Game Pass subscription and a hardware surcharge, could help address cost concerns while maintaining the console’s premium positioning. Beyond Helix, Sharma must confront the financial struggles of the Xbox division. Internal metrics, such as the “accountability margin” of 3%, have drawn scrutiny, though Microsoft has denied reports of a push to increase this figure to 30%.#microsoft #xbox #asha_sharma #project_helix #matthew_ball

Xbox's 100-Day Reset: Reviving the Console Giant Microsoft's Xbox team has outlined its progress and challenges during the first 100 days of its reset initiative, emphasizing renewed efforts to strengthen its position in the gaming industry. The message, addressed to global Xbox employees, highlights key achievements and ongoing obstacles as the company seeks to rebuild its platform. Over the past 100 days, Xbox teams have delivered more updates than in the previous year combined, expanding its active partner network and reviving its Game Pass service after months of decline. The platform has also reintroduced exclusive titles such as Gears of War: E-Day (2026) and Clockwork Revolution (2027), with plans to continue releasing signature exclusives annually. Additionally, events like the Xbox Games Showcase and FanFest have reconnected millions of fans worldwide, showcasing the company's commitment to community engagement. Despite these early successes, Xbox acknowledges significant challenges ahead. The first reality outlined is the scale of its user base: over 1 billion players engage with Xbox and its games annually, accumulating 72 billion hours across consoles, PC, mobile, and streaming platforms (excluding China and other regions). However, the company faces intense competition for attention, as the gaming landscape has expanded to include more games, TV series, franchises, and content formats. Financial pressures are another critical issue. Xbox is projected to end its fiscal year with a 3% accountability margin, down from previous years. Over the past five years, the company has invested over $20 billion in content, platform development, and hardware subsidies, yet annual revenue has declined by nearly $500 million. This trend must reverse to ensure long-term sustainability.#microsoft #xbox #phil_spencer #xbox_games_showcase #fanfest

A New Era for Xbox Begins with 2026 Games Showcase Microsoft’s annual Xbox Games Showcase is set to return on Sunday, June 7, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for the gaming division under its new leadership. The event, which streams live on Xbox’s YouTube and Twitch channels, will feature first gameplay looks and major announcements from Xbox Game Studios and third-party partners. Highlights include updates on highly anticipated titles such as Halo: Campaign Evolved, Fable, Clockwork Revolution, and State of Decay 3, alongside ongoing and released games like Forza Horizon 6, Sea of Thieves, and Minecraft. The showcase will also spotlight Microsoft-owned properties from Bethesda Softworks (Fallout 76) and Activision Blizzard (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Overwatch), with rumors suggesting third-party reveals such as Persona 6 and Persona 4 Revival may also debut. The event will be the first major presentation under Asha Sharma, who became Microsoft Gaming’s CEO in February 2026, succeeding Phil Spencer. Sharma’s leadership marks a shift in strategy, as the focus appears to be on expanding the Xbox ecosystem rather than prioritizing the next-gen Xbox, Project Helix. Matt Booty, Microsoft’s chief content officer, confirmed that Project Helix will not have a significant presence at the showcase, signaling a temporary pause in discussions about the next-generation console. Instead, the event will emphasize software and game development, reflecting the company’s broader goals to strengthen its position in the competitive gaming market. Following the main showcase, Xbox will host a dedicated Direct for Gears of War: E-Day, the latest installment in the iconic franchise from The Coalition.#microsoft #asha_sharma #phil_spencer #xbox_games_showcase #bethesda_softworks

Trump to Meet AI Leaders to Discuss US Investment in Their Companies US President Donald Trump is planning to meet executives from major artificial intelligence (AI) companies to discuss potential government investments in their ventures. Speaking on Air Force One, Trump emphasized that the goal of such investments would be to "create almost a partnership with the American public." He indicated the meeting is expected to take place at the White House in the coming week, though he did not name specific companies. Among the most prominent US AI firms, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, SpaceX, and Anthropic are the leading contenders. While the latter two are anticipated to go public in the near future, representatives of the other four companies did not respond to requests for comment. Trump drew a parallel between the proposed AI investments and the US government’s previous 10% stake in Intel, a semiconductor company, which he claimed has already yielded financial returns. He also highlighted the importance of improving public sentiment toward AI, which has become increasingly skeptical. "We're talking about it," Trump said, referring to discussions with AI leaders, "where the American people can benefit from the success of AI, the American people will like it better." Senator Bernie Sanders recently proposed a sovereign wealth fund model that would grant the US a 50% stake in AI companies. When asked about Sanders’ idea, Trump acknowledged that he had been considering similar measures for over a year but did not dismiss the senator’s proposal. "Where economics are concerned, we have things that aren't that far apart," Trump stated, suggesting a potential alignment of interests between the two. However, Sanders’ representative did not respond to requests for comment.#microsoft #artificial_intelligence #donald_trump #google #openai

Xbox Game Pass Expands Its June 2026 Lineup With Nine New Titles Microsoft has announced the addition of nine new games to its Xbox Game Pass service in June 2026, with titles becoming available between June 3 and June 16. The update includes a mix of exclusive and cross-platform releases, catering to different tiers of the Game Pass subscription. Additionally, three games joined the service on June 2, while a free 10-hour trial for EA Sports UFC 6 was introduced for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on June 12. The company also confirmed the inclusion of other titles in the second half of June, such as Denshattack! and Abyssus. The June 3-16 additions include the following games: Herdling (June 4) – Available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Cloud, exclusive to the Premium tier. Total Chaos (June 4) – Also available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Cloud, exclusive to the Premium tier. Solarpunk (June 8) – Available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Cloud, accessible to Ultimate and PC tiers. Undisputed (June 8) – Available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Cloud, accessible to Ultimate and Premium PC tiers. Persona 5 Royal (June 9) – Available on console, PC, and Cloud, accessible to Ultimate and Premium PC tiers. Beastro (June 11) – Available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Cloud, accessible to Ultimate and PC tiers. Frog Sqwad (June 11) – Available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Cloud, accessible to Ultimate and PC tiers. Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions (June 11) – Available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Cloud, accessible to Ultimate and PC tiers. Junkster (June 16) – Available on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Cloud, accessible to Ultimate and PC tiers. In addition to these new titles, three games were added to Game Pass on June 2, including Jurassic World Evolution 3.#microsoft #xbox_game_pass #ea_sports_ufc_6 #denshattack #abyssus

OneGov’s discounted deals are ‘a first step’ to longer-term contracts, officials say The General Services Administration is exploring the possibility of extending temporary price reductions offered by technology companies through its OneGov initiative, as part of broader efforts to transition to long-term contracts. The agency has already secured agreements with 20 firms, including Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft, under the program, which aims to provide federal agencies with significant cost savings by consolidating procurement. These agreements initially included discounts of up to 70% to 90% on software and services, though many of these reduced rates are set to expire after specific timeframes. While the initiative has been praised for its potential to lower costs, federal officials have raised concerns about the financial implications when the discounted rates end. Agencies may face higher prices for the same products and services, prompting the GSA to emphasize that the current deals are only the first phase of a multi-step strategy. Warren Blankenship, director of the Category Management Service Center within the GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service, explained that the agency is working to re-negotiate these temporary deals while simultaneously pursuing direct contracts under the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. Blankenship described the current phase as a “springboard” to longer-term agreements, noting that the GSA is in the second stage of its OneGov initiative. This phase involves limited-time offers with companies as a preliminary step toward establishing direct contracts. He highlighted that the agency is actively engaging with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to restructure deals and transition them into formal MAS contracts.#microsoft #google #openai #governmentservicesadministration #onegov

TV9 Badminton Championship Season 2: A Corporate Wellness Initiative in Hyderabad The TV9 Badminton Championship Season 2 kicked off in Hyderabad, organized by the TV9 Network and hosted at the Gopichand Academy, a premier badminton training center in India. This event marks a significant step in promoting corporate wellness and fostering healthy competition among professionals. Key Highlights Participants: Over 300 players from top corporate companies like Amazon, Infosys, Microsoft, and others participated. The event attracted international-standard competition, with players showcasing elite skills. Prize Money: Winners received a prize money of ₹5 lakh, along with trophies, making it one of the most lucrative corporate badminton tournaments in India. Host and Venue: The tournament was hosted by Gopichand Academy, renowned for its world-class training facilities and international standards. Gopichand, the legendary badminton player, personally oversaw the event, ensuring adherence to global benchmarks. Corporate Wellness Focus: The event aims to reduce work-related stress and promote healthier work environments among corporate employees. It encourages team bonding and sportsmanship across industries. Tournament Structure: The competition features structured rounds, with participants from diverse sectors competing in singles and doubles formats. The finals are anticipated to be highly competitive, with players vying for the top prize. Significance Industry Impact: The event highlights the growing trend of corporate sports initiatives in India, blending professional development with physical fitness. Cultural Shift: It reflects a shift towards work-life balance and employee wellness, crucial for sustaining productivity in competitive industries.#microsoft #amazon #infosys #tv9_network #gopichand_academy

Degrees Still Offer Job Security Despite Generational Skepticism The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has revealed that despite widespread criticism from Gen Z and millennials about the value of college degrees, graduates remain the least likely to be unemployed. Among workers aged 25 and over, those with a bachelor’s degree have the lowest unemployment rate compared to all other education groups. This trend has persisted for decades, with data showing that college graduates have consistently fared better in the job market than those without a high school diploma. The data highlights a stark contrast between public perception and economic reality. While a third of graduates claim their degrees are a waste of money, the numbers tell a different story. In 2026, the unemployment rate for individuals without a high school diploma stands at 6.4%, compared to 2.8% for college graduates. This gap has remained largely unchanged since 2006, when the unemployment rate for high school dropouts was 6.9%, versus 2.2% for college-educated workers. Even as the economy and workplace have evolved, the advantage of a degree in securing employment has remained a consistent factor. Critics argue that the value of a degree is diminishing in the face of rising student debt, stagnant wages, and the rise of alternative career paths. Many graduates feel trapped in underpaid roles, facing financial strain from rent and loans while watching peers without degrees build successful careers through trades, startups, or side hustles. Robbie Scott, a Gen Z advocate, criticized the system, stating, “We’re staying in school.#microsoft #google #us_bureau_of_labor_statistics #robbie_scott #goodwill_ceo

Stock Market Retreats as Tech Sector Slumps and Treasury Yields Rise Amid Trump-Xi Summit Outcomes Stocks across major U.S. indices fell sharply on Friday, driven by a sharp decline in technology stocks and a surge in U.S. Treasury yields. The S&P 500 dropped 1%, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 1.4%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.7% after a volatile trading session. The downturn followed a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which failed to deliver significant policy breakthroughs, leaving investors wary of economic uncertainty. The tech sector was a key drag on the market, with major companies like Intel, Advanced Micro Devices, and Micron Technology all declining by around 5%. Nvidia and Cerebras Systems also saw steep losses, with the latter dropping 4% despite a 68% surge the previous day. Analysts noted that the tech sector had experienced an "extremely unsustainable move" in recent weeks, making it vulnerable to profit-taking. However, Microsoft stood out as an exception, rising nearly 2% after Bill Ackman of Pershing Square revealed the hedge fund had built a position in the company. Rising Treasury yields further pressured equities, with the 30-year Treasury rate surpassing 5.1%—its highest level since 2025. Higher yields, combined with concerns over inflation, raised fears about the impact on high-growth tech stocks. Reports indicated that inflation was rebounding, partly due to elevated oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Oil prices rose sharply on Friday, with U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures climbing 3% to $104 per barrel and international Brent crude gaining 2% to $108. The Trump-Xi summit also left investors disappointed, as no major deals were announced.#microsoft #gemini #xi_jinping #pershing_square #trump_donald