Tag: Microsoft

  • Microsoft unveils a new state of the matter: A Quantum computing revolution

    Microsoft unveils a new state of the matter: A Quantum computing revolution

    Microsoft has made a groundbreaking announcement that could redefine the boundaries of physics and computing: the invention of a new state of matter.

    Unveiled on February 19, 2025, this unprecedented development centres on Microsoft’s Majorana 1 quantum chip, which harnesses a “topological state” or “topological superconductivity.” Unlike the familiar states of solid, liquid, and gas, this novel phase of matter is set to revolutionise quantum computing, potentially solving some of humanity’s most complex challenges in years, not decades.

    Read also: Microsoft to equip 1 million South Africans with AI, digital skills by 2026

    A breakthrough in Microsoft’s Quantum computing

    Microsoft’s claim revolves around creating a topological superconductor, a material that defies traditional categories of matter. This state, defined by its topological properties—how wavefunctions connect across space—enables more reliable and scalable qubits, the core of quantum information. The Majorana 1 quantum chip, built with indium arsenide (a semiconductor) and aluminium (a superconductor), leverages this new state to produce faster, smaller, and less error-prone qubits than those in current quantum processors. Microsoft aims to scale this quantum chip to one million qubits, fitting into a palm-sized device, outpacing today’s supercomputers.

    The science behind Microsoft’s Quantum Chip discovery

    The topological state doesn’t exist naturally and requires extreme conditions—temperatures near absolute zero, magnetic fields, and precise material engineering. Microsoft’s researchers, led by Dr Chetan Nayak, Microsoft’s technical fellow and corporate vice president of quantum hardware, spent nearly two decades perfecting this material stack, fabricated atom by atom in Washington State and Denmark labs. Detailed in a Nature paper, this marks the first observation and control of Majorana particles, theorised in 1937, stabilising quantum information against disturbances. This approach contrasts with competitors like Google and IBM, focusing on hardware-level error reduction in quantum computing.

    Potential impacts and applications of Microsoft’s Quantum Chip

    Microsoft’s quantum chip has vast implications, promising to solve problems beyond classical computers, such as breaking down microplastics, inventing self-healing materials, or advancing drug discovery and sustainable energy. A million-qubit quantum computer could simulate molecular interactions with unmatched accuracy, optimise global supply chains, enhance climate modelling, or challenge encryption systems. Microsoft projects commercially viable quantum computers within five years, positioning itself as a quantum leader and challenging sceptics like Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, who see functional quantum solutions decades away.

    Skepticism and challenges for Microsoft’s Quantum Chip

    While exciting, the announcement faces scrutiny. Some physicists, including Vincent Mourik, question whether Microsoft’s findings definitively prove a new state of matter, citing a 2018 retraction of a similar Majorana claim. The Nature paper notes uncertainty about the topological nature of detected states. Scaling the quantum chip to a million qubits requires overcoming stability, error rates, and commercial viability hurdles. Microsoft’s Majorana 1, with eight qubits, isn’t yet on Azure, signalling it’s experimental, not operational.

    Read also: Nintendo finally unveils Switch 2 following weeks of speculation

    The Quantum race heats up with Microsoft’s Quantum Chip

    Microsoft’s topological approach positions it ahead in the quantum race against Google’s Willow chip, IBM, and others. Google’s December 2024 Willow claim—a five-minute calculation unachievable for supercomputers—underscores the competition. With its potential for stability and scale, Microsoft’s quantum chip offers a unique edge. It aims for a million qubits to tackle industrial-scale problems. Dr Nayak and CEO Satya Nadella tout it as a “fundamental leap in computing,” redefining matter and quantum computing’s potential.

    As of February 24, 2025, Microsoft’s topological state of matter invention marks a pivotal moment in quantum computing. Its promise to unlock quantum solutions is tantalising, but validation, scaling, and collaboration are needed to address scepticism. Microsoft’s quantum chip, Majorana 1, could redefine computing and solve intractable problems, but its journey from lab to market remains uncertain. This breakthrough signals a new era for Microsoft’s quantum ambitions, challenging the scientific community to keep pace.

  • First Microsoft Datacenter Academy in the Middle East opens in Saudi Arabia

    First Microsoft Datacenter Academy in the Middle East opens in Saudi Arabia

    Microsoft Arabia and the National IT Academy (NITA) announced the launch of the first Microsoft Datacentre Academy (DCA) in the Middle East in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, on the sidelines of LEAP 2025

    The Microsoft DCA is a two-year program designed to empower students by focusing on applied datacenter skills, enhancing their employability and contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification.

    Read also: Microsoft to equip 1 million South Africans with AI, digital skills by 2026

    Empowering Saudi talent

    The initiative aims to develop Saudi Arabia’s national workforce, creating a strong talent pool to lead the region’s datacenter industry and enhance digital infrastructure. 

    By equipping professionals with the expertise to drive the Kingdom’s digital transformation, the Academy supports Saudi Vision 2030 and the government’s objective of establishing the Kingdom as a global hub for datacentres and innovation.

    Nora Al-Shaikh, Executive Director of NITA, stated, “This partnership with Microsoft is a milestone in our journey to establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for datacenters. 

    The Microsoft Datacenter Academy will empower professionals with the expertise needed to drive the Kingdom’s digital transformation and realise the ambitions of Vision 2030″.

    Read also: Microsoft expands AI offerings with Copilot Chat launch

    Driving digital transformation

    The launch follows Microsoft’s updates on its datacenter region in Saudi Arabia. Construction has been completed on three Azure Availability Zones, which are expected to be available in 2026. 

    Microsoft’s datacenter region in Saudi Arabia is expected to transform the Kingdom’s cloud market, projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.4 per cent to reach $3.9 billion in 2027. The program focuses on IT support, cloud technologies, and datacenter operations, providing participants with recognised certifications and expertise for high-demand technical roles.

    Zainab Alamin, Vice President of National Digital Transformation at Microsoft Arabia, emphasised the Academy’s role in advancing the Kingdom’s digital sector. “This academy will equip professionals with the highly specialised technical skills needed to thrive in the era of AI. 

    Through this initiative, we are fostering local talent, creating new economic opportunities, and preparing the Kingdom’s workforce to lead in the next generation of digital transformation”. 

    The curriculum covers infrastructure management, IT support, troubleshooting, and mechanical services and includes hands-on training in AI, data analytics, automation, and cybersecurity.

  • Windows 11: Battery indicator gets a colourful upgrade

    Windows 11: Battery indicator gets a colourful upgrade

    Microsoft has recently announced the introduction of a colour-coded battery indicator in Windows 11, aiming to enhance user experience by providing more apparent battery status updates. 

    This feature was announced on January 24, 2025, as part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build (26120.3000 – KB5050103) and is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.

    Read also: Windows 11 to feature AI-driven Search and new ‘Click to Do’ tool

    The new battery icon uses four distinct colours to convey different battery conditions: black for normal status, green for charging, yellow for low battery (typically below 20 percent ), and red for critically low battery. 

    Microsoft stated, “These icons have been designed to communicate the battery status of your PC with just a quick glance”. 

    This update also includes an optional battery percentage display next to the icon, which users can enable by navigating to Settings > Power & battery.

    How colour-coded indicators work

    The colour-coded battery indicators are designed to be intuitive and easy to understand at a glance. A green icon signifies that the device is charging and in a good state, while a yellow icon indicates that the battery level has dropped below 20 per cent, prompting the device to enter energy-saving mode. 

    A red icon alerts users to a critically low battery, signalling the need to plug in the device immediately to avoid a shutdown.

    Read also: Microsoft admits flaw in Windows 11 24H2 blocking future security updates

    Microsoft also highlighted that these colour-coded battery statuses will address significant communication barriers by providing “Clarity at a Glance,” colour diversity for visual impairments or cognitive difficulties, and universal appeal. 

    The new battery icon will be visible in the system tray on the taskbar, within the quick settings flyout, and throughout the general Windows Settings.

    Additionally, there are plans to incorporate these battery indicators onto the lock screen in future updates.

    As noted by Microsoft, “This welcome enhancement is all about clarity, practicality, and keeping you off the dreaded ‘Oh no, my battery’s dead!’ cliff”. 

    Adding a battery percentage option has been one of the most requested features from Windows Insiders and general users. 

  • Microsoft to equip 1 million South Africans with AI, digital skills by 2026

    Microsoft to equip 1 million South Africans with AI, digital skills by 2026

    President of Microsoft Africa, Lillian Barnard, announced an ambitious commitment to skill one million South Africans in digital and AI technologies by 2026. 

    Speaking at the AI Tour in Johannesburg on Thursday, Barnard unveiled Microsoft’s AI Skilling Initiative, a program designed to address critical skills gaps and prepare South Africans for high-demand jobs in the global digital economy.

    Read also: Microsoft expands AI offerings with Copilot Chat launch

    Closing the digital skills gap with AI training in South Africa

    The AI Skilling Initiative aims to bridge the growing skills gap identified by the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, which highlights that over 60 percent of companies face challenges due to a lack of skilled workers in emerging tech roles. Microsoft’s program will provide advanced training in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, equipping participants with industry-recognised certifications and tools needed to thrive in high-tech careers.

    Lillian Barnard emphasised, “Harnessing the transformative power of AI is no longer a futuristic vision but a tangible reality for organisations seeking exponential growth. By democratising access to AI education, we aim to uplift entire communities and create a more equitable digital future for all.”

    The program targets a broad audience, prioritising youth, companies, government bodies, and underserved communities. The initiative ensures training aligns with industry demands, fostering innovation and job creation across sectors through partnerships with educational institutions and organisations like Afrika Tikkun Services and Youth Employment Service (YES).

    Read also: Microsoft plans $80 billion AI investment, half to be allocated to U.S.

    Empowering Africa to lead in AI innovation

    Microsoft’s initiative is part of its mission to deliver future-ready skills to four million African youth by 2026. The AI Skills Navigator portal is aligned with this goal, a free-to-access platform offering tailored learning paths and assessments to guide individuals on their AI knowledge journey.

    “Digital skills are the foundation of modern innovation. Through this initiative, we want to ensure South Africans are at the forefront of technological advancement,” Barnard said, adding that the program fosters innovation and positions Africa as a significant player in the global AI-driven economy.

    By 2030, Microsoft envisions a more equitable and prosperous Africa, leveraging AI to transform industries and drive sustainable growth.

  • How NVIDIA surpassed Apple, Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company at $3.34 trillion 

    How NVIDIA surpassed Apple, Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company at $3.34 trillion 

    In 2024, NVIDIA surpassed tech giants like Apple and Microsoft, achieving a market valuation of $3.34 trillion. This historic feat highlights NVIDIA’s dominance in the tech space, driven by its revolutionary GPUs and strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

    NVIDIA’s journey began in 1993 when Jensen Huang and his co-founders conceptualised the company at a Denny’s diner. The company’s name, inspired by the Latin Invidia, meaning envy, reflects its ambition to create groundbreaking technology that sets the standard for innovation.

    Read also: Nvidia stock: buy, hold, or sell?

    How NVIDIA’s GPUs revolutionised gaming and computing

    The launch of the GeForce 256 in 1999 introduced the world to the first GPU, transforming gaming and enabling parallel processing for complex tasks. This innovation revolutionised gaming and paved the way for video editing, financial modelling, and more advancements.

    In 2006, NVIDIA released CUDA, a software platform that unlocks GPUs’ full potential for non-graphics tasks. CUDA became the backbone of AI development, making NVIDIA the go-to choice for companies building and training AI models.

    NVIDIA’s GPUs are at the heart of AI advancements, powering Tesla’s autonomous vehicles, Amazon Web Services, and OpenAI’s AI tools. NVIDIA’s technology drives innovation in diverse sectors, from healthcare to cloud computing.

    Read also: Harnessing next-generation AI with Nvidia Blackwell

    The strategic stock split that made NVIDIA shares more accessible

    In 2024, NVIDIA executed a 10:1 stock split, making its shares affordable for investors during the AI boom. This move attracted new investors and solidified NVIDIA’s position as a market leader in the AI-driven tech revolution.

    As AI adoption continues to grow, NVIDIA remains central to the digital transformation of industries. From AI-powered simulations to digital twins in healthcare, NVIDIA’s GPUs drive the next wave of technological innovation.

  • Microsoft expands AI offerings with Copilot Chat launch

    Microsoft expands AI offerings with Copilot Chat launch

    Microsoft has unveiled Copilot Chat, an advanced conversational AI tool aimed at revolutionising productivity and workflows across its platforms. 

    Announced on Wednesday in a blog post, the tool integrates AI into everyday tasks, empowering businesses and individuals to achieve more efficiently.

    Read also: AI to replace 41% of jobs by 2030: World Economic Forum

    Copilot Chat in Microsoft 365

    Copilot Chat operates seamlessly across Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook. It utilises GPT-4o technology to assist users in creating, summarising, analysing, and managing data. This tool also enables real-time collaboration, streamlines communication, and automates complex tasks, reducing the time spent on repetitive work.

    According to Microsoft’s blog post, “Copilot Chat is the chat experience you’ll use every day—powered by broad knowledge from the web, built on GPT-4o, and designed to be safe and secure for business use.” This robust integration ensures that businesses benefit from personalised assistance and enhanced productivity.

    New capabilities and Pay-As-You-Go agent options

    With the introduction of agents in Copilot Chat, users can now automate business processes using natural language. These agents, built in Microsoft Copilot Studio, enable customer service representatives, marketers, and technicians to perform tasks effortlessly. The feature is available as a metered service at $0.01 per message or via pre-paid packs costing $200 for 25,000 messages per month.

    Additional features include Tenant Graph Grounding, which enhances agent responses with relevant organisational data for $0.30 per retrieval, and Autonomous Actions, which automate complex workflows for $0.25 per action. These capabilities offer organisations flexible billing options and the ability to scale AI adoption effectively.

    Read also: ChatGPT and Sora suffer another service interruption on Boxing Day

    Driving ROI through AI innovation

    Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, emphasised the broader vision: “Our ambition is to empower every employee with a Copilot and to transform every business process with agents.” He added that this transformation unlocks enterprise-wide ROI by integrating AI into critical workflows.

    Users can explore the free or paid versions of Copilot Chat via the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, now available on Windows, Android, and iPhone app stores. The rollout aims to accelerate AI transformation and ensure every organisation benefits from innovative, secure, and scalable AI solutions.

  • Windows 11 to feature AI-driven Search and new ‘Click to Do’ tool

    Windows 11 to feature AI-driven Search and new ‘Click to Do’ tool

    Microsoft has officially announced an AI-powered enhancement to Windows Search, set to roll out in early 2025. This update aims to significantly improve how users locate files, documents, and images on their Copilot+ PCs. 

    The announcement was made on Thursday as part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to encourage users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

    Read also: Microsoft admits flaw in Windows 11 24H2 blocking future security updates

    Enhanced search capabilities

    The new search functionality will utilise advanced AI models and the dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) found in Copilot+ PCs. Users can now describe what they are looking for using natural language, eliminating the need to remember specific file names or locations.

    Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer for consumers, stated, “You no longer need to remember file names and document locations… Windows will better understand your intent and match the right document, image, file, or email”.

    This feature will be available in File Explorer before expanding to the main Windows search interface and Settings. 

    The ability to search using descriptive terms means that users can type phrases like “BBQ party” to find relevant photos or documents, even if those terms aren’t in the file names.

    Read also: Microsoft expands Phone Link: iPhone-to-PC file sharing

    Introducing Click to Do

    Alongside the search improvements, Microsoft is launching a new feature called Click to Do. This tool allows users to interact with content on their screens more intuitively. Users can select images or text for various actions like visual searches or summarising documents by pressing the Windows key and clicking with their mouse. 

    Mehdi explained that Click to Do is designed to “help you quickly search, learn, shop, or act on those items”.

    These enhancements are part of Microsoft’s broader initiative to integrate AI into its operating system, making everyday tasks more efficient and user-friendly. 

    These features will be rolled out to Windows Insiders later this month and become widely available in November.

    With these updates, Microsoft aims to modernise the Windows experience and provide practical solutions that address users’ common frustrations when searching for files. 

    The integration of AI is expected to transform how people interact with their devices by simplifying complex tasks and enhancing productivity.

  • Microsoft plans $80 billion AI investment, half to be allocated to U.S.

    Microsoft plans $80 billion AI investment, half to be allocated to U.S.

    IT giant, Microsoft Incorporated, plans to invest over $80 billion in AI-enabled data centres worldwide by the end of fiscal 2025, with over half of that amount going to the U.S. This was announced in a blog post on Friday by Brad Smith, the president and vice chair of Microsoft.

    Smith noted that the planned investment demonstrates Microsoft’s confidence in the U.S. economy and its commitment to enhancing the country’s technological capabilities.

    “In FY 2025, Microsoft is on track to invest approximately $80bn to build out AI-enabled data centres to train AI models and deploy AI and cloud-based applications around the world. More than half of this total investment will be in the United States, reflecting our commitment to this country and our confidence in the American economy” he wrote on Friday.

    Read also: From $4.6 million, LAfricaMobile raises extra $2.2 million funding for AI chat breakthrough

    Criticality of infrastructure to AI development 

    Smith emphasised how important infrastructure is to the development of artificial intelligence and to guarantee its broad use.

    “None of this progress would be possible without new partnerships founded on large-scale infrastructure investments that serve as the essential foundation of AI innovation and use,” he wrote.

    The Vice-Chair presented a three-pronged plan for American AI success, starting with investments in cutting-edge AI infrastructure and technology.

    “At Microsoft, we see a three-part vision for America’s technology success,” Smith said. “This starts with advances and investments in world-leading American AI technology and infrastructure.”

    Skill-building initiatives to increase job prospects 

    The second pillar of this strategy consists of skill-building initiatives to increase job prospects and encourage the deployment of AI across industries.

    To boost the local economy and disperse the advantages of innovation throughout the world, Smith said the ultimate goal is to sell American AI to allies. The Microsoft CEO called AI a “world-changing” technology and voiced excitement about its revolutionary potential.

    He said, “AI promises to drive innovation and boost productivity in every sector of the economy. The United States is poised to stand at the forefront of this new technology wave, especially if it doubles down on its strengths and effectively partners internationally.”

    Read also: Google Drive folders can now be summarised by Gemini AI

    The private sector’s ingenuity in AI development

    Smith attributed the United States’ present leadership in AI to the creativity and investment of the private sector.

    He cited Microsoft’s alliances with businesses like xAI, Anthropic, and OpenAI as instances of innovative partnerships that are dynamic.

    To support developments in AI models, chips, and apps, the business has invested $80 billion in AI data centres.

    Smith stated that these investments will make it possible to train advanced AI models and implement AI-powered applications globally.

    “Across the nation, a new generation of AI firms is emerging, each capitalizing on rapid advances in AI models and chips,” Smith wrote.

    “And across the economy, software programs are being redesigned to operate as AI-enabled applications,” he emphasised.

  • Microsoft weans off OpenAI, expands Microsoft 365 Copilot with other AI models

    Microsoft weans off OpenAI, expands Microsoft 365 Copilot with other AI models

    Microsoft is significantly shifting its artificial intelligence strategy by incorporating non-OpenAI models into its Microsoft 365 Copilot products. 

    The decision, announced on Monday, shows the company’s intent to reduce dependence on OpenAI due to concerns over cost and performance.

    Read also: ChatGPT and Sora suffer another service interruption on Boxing Day

    Evolving Al strategy

    Microsoft has invested heavily in OpenAI, with a total of $11 billion since 2019. This partnership enabled early access to advanced models like GPT-4, which powered features in Microsoft 365 Copilot released in March 2023. 

    However, as the demand for more flexible and cost-effective solutions grows, Microsoft is exploring third-party AI options and developing in-house models like Phi-4 to enhance its offerings.

    Enhancing user experience

    By diversifying its AI capabilities, Microsoft aims to provide solutions that address specific business needs across various sectors, such as healthcare and finance. 

    This multi-model approach allows for more specialised functionalities, improving user experience and operational efficiency. 

    One spokesperson noted, “We incorporate various models from OpenAI and Microsoft depending on the product and experience.”

    Incorporating third-party models

    Integrating non-OpenAI models is not just about cost reduction; it also emphasises innovation. Microsoft can improve response times and potentially pass savings on to customers using open-source models like Meta’s Llama series.

    This strategy aligns with broader industry trends where companies increasingly adopt multi-model AI approaches to mitigate risks associated with relying on a single provider.

    Read also: Microsoft expands Phone Link: iPhone-to-PC file sharing

    Real-world applications

    The Copilot feature in Word can summarise long documents or create new content based on user prompts.

    Excel suggests data visualisation techniques, demonstrating how diverse AI models can enhance productivity tools. This flexibility opens up new possibilities for users, enabling them to utilise AI in ways that cater to their needs.

    As Microsoft continues to evolve its AI strategy, the focus remains on creating a robust ecosystem that fosters innovation and meets the diverse demands of its user base.

  • Microsoft admits flaw in Windows 11 24H2 blocking future security updates

    Microsoft admits flaw in Windows 11 24H2 blocking future security updates

    Microsoft acknowledged a significant issue with installing Windows 11 version 24H2 on Thursday. 

    Users installing the update via media, such as USB drives or CDs that included security updates from October and November 2024, may find their devices unable to receive further security updates. 

    As Microsoft noted, this problem does not affect installations conducted through Windows Update.

    Read also: Microsoft expands Phone Link: iPhone-to-PC file sharing

    The issue explained

    The problem arises when installation media, such as USB drives or CDs, incorporates security updates released between October 8 and November 12, 2024.

    According to Microsoft, “When using media to install Windows 11, version 24H2, the device might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates”. 

    Users are at risk because their systems might not receive important security fixes.

    Microsoft’s founder, Bill Gates, established the company in 1975 to empower individuals and organisations through technology. 

    Today, that vision is challenged by such installation issues that can hinder user experience and security.

    Read also: New iPhone16 suggests high battery capacity

    Recommended solutions

    To prevent this issue, Microsoft advises users to avoid using installation media created with the problematic updates. Instead, they should opt for media that includes the December 2024 security update or later. 

    This workaround ensures that users can successfully upgrade without encountering the update-blocking bug.

    Microsoft is actively working on a permanent fix for this issue and has encouraged users to stay informed through their official channels. The company emphasises that upgrades executed through Windows Update are unaffected and remain the safest option for users looking to upgrade their systems.