Microsoft’s Copilot Tasks AI uses its own computer to get things done by Emma Roth
Microsoft is previewing a new AI-powered “Copilot Tasks” designed to take care of busywork for you in the background, the company announced on Thursday. The feature takes the load off your device using its own cloud-based computer, allowing it to work across a browser and apps to handle a variety of jobs ranging from scheduling appointments to generating study plans.
Microsoft seems to build a worse version of the product leaders have built and launched. That should not be a surprise though. It’s their playbook. Given the size of the company and slow moving enterprises, they will have a comfy second place everywhere. I guess that’s a good place to be.
"Right now, I need to learn, candidly. About the 'why' of these decisions, what we were optimizing for, and what the data says about the Xbox strategy today. That's the honest answer. I'm looking at lifetime value, not just what happened in a previous moment, or in short term efficiencies and things like that. The plan's the plan until it's not the plan."
Microsoft is working to rebuild trust in Windows by Tom Warren
Windows is at breaking point, and Microsoft knows it. Sources familiar with the company’s plans tell me Windows engineers are now focusing on fixing the core issues of Windows 11 over the coming months, in a process known as “swarming.” Microsoft is redirecting engineers to urgently fix Windows 11’s performance and reliability issues, aiming to halt the operating system’s death by a thousand cuts.
About time.
Microsoft is closing its employee library and cutting back on subscriptions by Tom Warren
In an internal FAQ about the changes, Microsoft notes that subscriptions aren’t being renewed as “part of Microsoft’s shift to a more modern, AI-powered learning experience through the Skilling Hub.” This means the physical library space is changing, too. “The Library closed as part of Microsoft’s move toward a more modern, connected learning experience through the Skilling Hub,” notes the FAQ. “We know this change affects a space many people valued.”
Disgusting to read this. Libraries are awesome.
