Microsoft's $69 Billion , Takeover of Activision Blizzard , Clears Major Hurdles .
On July 16, Microsoft announced a new deal with
Sony to keep its popular 'Call of Duty' franchise on the PlayStation console after the acquisition
of Activision Blizzard.
On July 16, Microsoft announced a new deal with
Sony to keep its popular 'Call of Duty' franchise on the PlayStation console after the acquisition
of Activision Blizzard.
On July 16, Microsoft announced a new deal with
Sony to keep its popular 'Call of Duty' franchise on the PlayStation console after the acquisition
of Activision Blizzard.
NBC reports that Phil Spencer,
the head of Microsoft's Xbox division,
made the announcement via Twitter.
.
We look forward to a future where
players globally have more choice
to play their favorite games, Phil Spencer, Head of Microsoft's Xbox division, via NBC.
Microsoft's high-profile $69 billion takeover
of Activision Blizzard has resulted in
a months-long confrontation with Sony.
.
In an attempt to persuade global regulators,
Microsoft has reached deals with Nintendo
and major cloud gaming providers.
In an attempt to persuade global regulators,
Microsoft has reached deals with Nintendo
and major cloud gaming providers.
Those deals revolve around Microsoft offering
a license for Activision titles like the massively
successful 'Call of Duty' series.
NBC reports that Microsoft's freshly announced
deal with Sony inches the company closer
to completing the massive buyout.
NBC reports that Microsoft's freshly announced
deal with Sony inches the company closer
to completing the massive buyout.
On July 14, federal regulators' bid to block the
acquisition was rejected by a U.S. appeals court.
From Day One of this acquisition,
weâve been committed to addressing
the concerns of regulators, platform
and game developers, and consumers, Brad Smith, Microsoft President, via NBC.
From Day One of this acquisition,
weâve been committed to addressing
the concerns of regulators, platform
and game developers, and consumers, Brad Smith, Microsoft President, via NBC.
NBC reports that Microsoft has until July 18
to close the deal in order to avoid being
hit with a $3 billion termination fee.
Indian Cyber Coordination Centre and Microsoft collaborate to block over 1,000 Skype accounts linked to cyber fraud by fraudsters posing as police or government.. IndiaTimes
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The UAE's national security adviser,
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the
current chairman of G42's board of directors. .
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal âwas developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.â.
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal âwas developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.â.
G42, which runs data centers in the Middle East
and elsewhere, has built the world's leading
Arabic-language AI model, Jais. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
The deal will also look to bring digital infrastructure
to regions that G42 has already established
a presence, including the Middle East and Africa.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
Prior to Microsoft's investment, the company
reportedly faced allegations of spying for its
connection to a mobile phone app identified as spyware.
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government. .
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
US Government Emails With Microsoft , Were Stolen by Russian Hackers.
On April 11, American officials confirmed
that emails sent between Microsoft and
U.S. government agencies have been
stolen by Russian hackers, CNN reports. .
According to Eric Goldstein, a senior
official at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), .
those emails may have included login information like usernames and passwords.
At this time, we are not aware of any
agency production environments that
have experienced a compromise as
a result of a credential exposure. , Eric Goldstein, a senior official at the U.S. Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), via CNN.
Even though there is currently no evidence that the stolen credentials have been used to compromise federal computer systems, .
CISA described the occurrence as an "unacceptable risk to agencies.".
As a result, the agency released an "emergency directive" on April 11 ordering those potentially affected by the hack to bolster their defenses. .
The hack was first revealed by
Microsoft in January, but it has gotten more serious as new details continue to emerge.
CNN reports that the U.S. has
previously linked the hackers in question
to Russia's foreign intelligence service. .
A Microsoft spokesperson
issued a statement on April 11.
As we shared in our March 8 blog,
as we discover secrets in our
exfiltrated email, we are working
with our customers to help them
investigate and mitigate, Microsoft spokesperson, via CNN.
This includes working with CISA on
an emergency directive to provide
guidance to government agencies, Microsoft spokesperson, via CNN
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
NYCâs AI Chatbot Has Been , Telling Businesses to Break the Law.
New York City's AI chatbot was created to help small business owners, but it's been dispensing concerning advice, AP reports. .
For example, many small business owners have
been given inaccurate information about local policies or been encouraged to break the law.
However, the city is not removing
the chatbot from its official website.
Instead, it has provided a disclaimer stating that the chatbot may "occasionally produce incorrect, harmful or biased" information.
Critics say that the situation highlights
the dangers of AI being used by
governments without proper guardrails.
Theyâre rolling out software that
is unproven without oversight, Julia Stoyanovich, computer science professor
and director of the Center for Responsible AI
at New York University, via statement.
Itâs clear they have no intention
of doing whatâs responsible, Julia Stoyanovich, computer science professor
and director of the Center for Responsible AI
at New York University, via statement.
Thereâs a different level of trust thatâs
given to government. Public officials need
to consider what kind of damage they can
do if someone was to follow this advice
and get themselves in trouble, Jevin West, a professor at the University of Washington and
co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public, via statement.
Microsoft, which powers the chatbot, said it
is working with the city "to improve the service
and ensure the outputs are accurate and
grounded on the cityâs official documentation.".
On April 2, Mayor Eric Adams said that
letting users find issues with the chatbot is just part of sorting out the new technology.
Anyone that knows technology knows this
is how itâs done. Only those who are fearful
sit down and say, âOh, it is not working the
way we want, now we have to run away from
it all together.â I donât live that way, Mayor Eric Adams, via statement.
Julia Stoyanovich, a computer science professor and director of the Center for Responsible AI at New York University, referred to Adams' approach as "reckless and irresponsible," AP reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
OpenAI and Microsoft Make Plans , for $100 Billion Data Center.
According to The Information, the two companies are planning to build a data center that would house an AI supercomputer
called "Stargate," Reuters reports.
According to The Information, the two companies are planning to build a data center that would house an AI supercomputer
called "Stargate," Reuters reports.
The project, which could cost $100 billion or more, is reportedly set to launch in 2028.
The tentative cost is roughly 100 times
more expensive than some of the
biggest data centers that exist today. .
Demand for AI data centers has increased due to
the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence technology, Reuters reports. .
This is because traditional data
centers aren't as capable of handling
the advanced tasks that AI requires. .
Several supercomputers
would be built across five phases.
"Stargate" would be launched in the fifth phase, while a smaller supercomputer would be launched
in the fourth phase, tentatively around 2026.
Microsoft and OpenAI are reportedly
in the third phase currently.
We are always planning for
the next generation of infrastructure
innovations needed to continue
pushing the frontier of AI capability, Microsoft spokesperson, to Reuters .
The cost for the next two phases largely revolves around acquiring expensive AI chips.
In March, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said
that the newest "Blackwell" B200 AI chip
will cost between $30,000 and $40,000
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Sony Names New PlayStation Co-CEOs , Following Jim Ryanâs Departure.
Beginning June 1, Hermen Hulst and Hideaki Nishino will lead PlayStation, The Verge reports.
Beginning June 1, Hermen Hulst and Hideaki Nishino will lead PlayStation, The Verge reports.
Hulst will oversee Sony Interactive Entertainment's (SIE) studio business group.
while Hideaki will helm
SIE's platform business group.
Both men will report to Hiroki Totoki,
Sony's CFO and SIE chairman.
Hulst's current role is PlayStation studios chief.
Nishino has held several positions
at Sony for over 20 years. .
PlayStation has never before had co-CEOs.
The announcement comes as 900 PlayStation employees were laid off earlier this year.
Last quarter, Sony lowered its
predictions for PS5 console sales. .
Earlier this year, Totoki discussed the
possibility of growing PlayStation
games outside of consoles.
In the past, we wanted to
popularize console... but
there is a synergy to it. , Hiroki Totoki, Sony's CFO and SIE chairman, via earnings call.
So if you have strong first-party content,
not only with our console but also other
platforms like computers, first-party can
be grown with multi platforms and that
can help operating profit to improve, Hiroki Totoki, Sony's CFO and SIE chairman, via earnings call
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes are teaming up for the long-awaited next sequel to '28 Years Later.' The trio have been cast in the follow up to the original 2002 film which centered on a man played by Cillian Murphy who wakes up in the hospital to find the UK overtaken by a zombie plague. 'Civil War' filmmaker Alex Garland, who penned the script, is back to write what is intended to be a trilogy of films for Sony. Danny Boyle is also back in the director's chair for the feature.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:04Published
Austin Butler is teaming up with Darren Aronofsky for his next feature. Hot off his creepy villain turn in 'Dune: Part Two,' Butler is set to next star in the Aronofsky crime thriller 'Caught Stealing.' Acquired by Sony and based on the book by Charlie Huston, the film "follows Hank Thompson, a burned-out former baseball player, as he's unwittingly plunged into a wild fight for survival in the downtown criminal underworld of '90s NYC."
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:11Published
Sean Combs Apologizes , for 'Inexcusable' 2016 , Hotel Security Video.
On May 19, Sean "Diddy" Combs issued
an apology after a 2016 video surfaced
of him abusing his ex-girlfriend Cassie. .
NBC reports that the video appears to match
the description of an incident that was detailed
in a lawsuit that has since been settled.
In a video statement released on Instagram, Combs said his , "behavior on that video is inexcusable.".
Itâs so difficult to reflect
on the darkest times in
your life, but sometimes
you got to do that. I was
f---ed up â I mean, I hit rock
bottom â but I make no excuses, Sean Combs, via Instagram.
Itâs so difficult to reflect
on the darkest times in
your life, but sometimes
you got to do that. I was
f---ed up â I mean, I hit rock
bottom â but I make no excuses, Sean Combs, via Instagram.
My behavior on that video
is inexcusable. I take full
responsibility for my actions
in that video. I'm disgusted.
I was disgusted then when
I did it. Iâm disgusted now, Sean Combs, via Instagram.
My behavior on that video
is inexcusable. I take full
responsibility for my actions
in that video. I'm disgusted.
I was disgusted then when
I did it. Iâm disgusted now, Sean Combs, via Instagram.
In November, Combs' ex-girlfriend
Casandra Ventura alleged in a federal lawsuit
that Combs raped and physically abused her. .
In November, Combs' ex-girlfriend
Casandra Ventura alleged in a federal lawsuit
that Combs raped and physically abused her. .
At the time, Combs denied the accusations
and stressed that the settlement was
in "no way" an admission of guilt.
The lawsuit included allegations that Combs
attacked her in a hotel, which would appear to
be supported by the 2016 video released by CNN. .
The video was reportedly captured
in a hotel hallway in March 2016 and
includes multiple angles of the incident. .
Combs is currently the subject of a federal investigation
and a number of civil lawsuits, which include accusations
of sexual assault, trafficking and other criminal activities
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Red Lobster Says , Locations Will Stay Open , After Filing For Bankruptcy.
On May 19, Red Lobster confirmed in
a statement that the company has filed for
voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Florida. .
NBC reports that the largest seafood chain in
the United States said that filing for Chapter 11 will , "drive operational improvements, simplify the business
through a reduction in locations, and pursue a sale
of substantially all of its assets as a going concern.".
In a so-called stalking horse arrangement, Red Lobster
will sell the entire business to a new entity that is
completely owned and controlled by lenders. .
According to the company, lenders have
provided $100 million in financial commitments
to fund the chain's ongoing operations.
According to the company, lenders have
provided $100 million in financial commitments
to fund the chain's ongoing operations.
NBC reports that the company's bankruptcy
petition lists Red Lobster's assets at a value
between $1 billion and $10 billion.
The chain stressed that despite closing around
99 locations across the U.S., remaining locations
will remain open during the bankruptcy process.
The company added that it has been , "working with vendors to ensure
that operations are unaffected.".
This restructuring is the best path
forward for Red Lobster. It allows
us to address several financial and
operational challenges and emerge
stronger and re-focused on our growth, Jonathan Tibus, Red Lobster CEO, via NBC.
The 56-year-old chain was founded back in 1968.
By 2019, Red Lobster had expanded to include
nearly 700 locations across the country.
NBC reports that the company has struggled
under a growing debt load after failing to regain
a foothold following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
New Analysis Suggests , Long-Term Effectiveness , for Wegovy Users .
NBC reports that patients taking
Novo Nordisk's obesity treatment maintain
an average of 10% weight loss over four years.
The news potentially boosts the
drugmaker's push for Wegovy to be
covered by insurers and governments. .
The company submitted long-term
findings at the European Congress
on Obesity in Venice, Italy. .
This is the longest study
weâve conducted so far of
semaglutide for weight loss, Martin Holst Lange, Novoâs head of development, via NBC.
We see that once the majority
of the weight loss is accrued,
you donât go back and start
to increase in weight
if you stay on the drug, Martin Holst Lange, Novoâs head of development, via NBC.
According to another analysis published by
the drugmaker, approximately 17% of trial participants stopped using the treatment
due to side effects like nausea. .
The costly treatment ranges from $200
to nearly $2,000 per month in the ten
countries where the drug is available.
NBC reports that Novo Nordisk was the
first drugmaker to market GLP-1 agonists,
originally developed as a diabetes treatment,
to address record high obesity rates.
NBC reports that Novo Nordisk was the
first drugmaker to market GLP-1 agonists,
originally developed as a diabetes treatment,
to address record high obesity rates.
Rival Eli Lilly launched its drug
Zepbound in the United States
in December of 2023. .
Neither drugmaker has managed
to produce enough of the
treatment to meet surging demand
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Red Lobster Announces, Nearly 100 Locations , Will Be Shut Down.
NBC reports that approximately 99 Red Lobster locations
will be auctioned off as the seafood chain faces
questions regarding the company's long-term future.
Founder and CEO of the liquidation firm TAGeX Brands,
Neal Sherman, said he would lead the closure of over
50 locations in a May 13 LinkedIn post.
Sherman said equipment from the
locations will be auctioned off.
Locations will reportedly be closed across
the United States, including Denver,
Indianapolis, California and New York.
On May 14, Restaurant Business Magazine reported
a total of 99 locations would close, representing
about 15% of the company's 700 locations. .
NBC reports that the largest seafood
restaurant in the U.S. has struggled with debt,
unfavorable leases and executive turnover.
The chain's troubles also stem from ill-advised
strategies like an all-you-can-eat-shrimp promotion
in 2023 that resulted in a significant loss.
Earlier in 2024, the chain's largest investor,
Thai Union, announced that it would
seek to exit its position. .
The combination of Covid-19 pandemic,
sustained industry headwinds, higher
interest rates and rising material and
labor costs have impacted Red Lobster,
resulting in prolonged negative
financial contributions to
Thai Union and its shareholders, Thiraphong Chansiri, Thai Union Groupâs CEO, via NBC.
After detailed analysis, we have
determined that Red Lobsterâs
ongoing financial requirements
no longer align with our capital
allocation priorities and
therefore are pursuing an exit
of our minority investment, Thiraphong Chansiri, Thai Union Groupâs CEO, via NBC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Microsoft and Activision , Extend Deadline , for Contested Acquisition .
The Verge reports that Microsoft
and Activision have agreed to extend the
deadline on their massive merger to October..
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said on Wednesday it was appealing a federal judge's ruling that Microsoft could go forward with its $69 billion purchase of "Call of..
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