Computerworld.com [Hacking News]

A Silicon Valley company called 1X this week announced a humanoid robot that does all your housework. 

The robot is called NEO. The company says NEO is the world’s first consumer-ready humanoid robot for the home. It is designed to automate routine chores and offer personal help so you can spend time on other things. 

The company’s odd, 70’s style demonstration video shows NEO doing a long list of tasks, such as folding laundry, organizing shelves, taking out the trash, and cleaning up rooms. It also performs basic functions such as opening doors, fetching items, and turning off lights, and is shown  dancing and hanging out — acting as a kind of friend. 

NEO operates by navigating homes autonomously and learning new skills through updates and continued use. It can be set up with just a button press or a simple voice command, according to the company. If the robot can’t do something, the owner can schedule a session with a 1X expert, who will remotely guide the robot through the task, letting NEO learn and get the job done at the same time.

NEO’s AI enables users to interact with it in natural conversation without relying on screens. It can listen and respond only when spoken to directly. Visual intelligence lets NEO recognize objects and context, like reading ingredients laid out on a counter and suggesting recipes. It remembers past conversations and user preferences so it can adapt over time, manage reminders, help with scheduling, keep grocery lists, and track the user’s learning progress.

The robot’s AI is trained on real-world data to allow it to adapt to the variety of home environments it will encounter.

Its hardware is based on a tendon-driven design using high torque motors for smooth, safe movements, allowing it to operate safely among people. NEO features hands with 22 degrees of freedom, a soft body made from 3D lattice polymer, and weighs 66 pounds. It can lift up to 154 pounds and carry up to 55 pounds, while producing just 22 decibels of noise, which is less than a modern refrigerator. NEO comes equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G connectivity, and speakers built into its pelvis and chest, designed so it can even be used as a mobile entertainment system.

NEO’s design is meant to blend in with typical home interiors, with neutral colors and a fabric “suit” and shoes. It comes in tan, gray, or dark brown and is now available for pre-order through 1X’s online store. The first units are slated to ship for US-based customers in 2026, with 1X planning to expand to other markets in 2027. The reserved price:  $20,000 for early access with priority delivery next year. (There’s also a $499-per-month subscription model.)

The company’s CEO and founder, Bernt Børnich, said in a press release that NEO marks the moment when humanoid robots, once only seen in science fiction and research, become real consumer products that any person can own.

Wow! So, the era of home humanoid housekeeper robots is finally here! The Rosey the Robot dream from the Jetsons has finally been realized.

Except it hasn’t. 

The trouble with autonomous humanoid robots

The announcement and slick video showing NEO is smoke and mirrors. The robot can autonomously perform almost none of the feats shown in the video. (In fairness, the company doesn’t claim that it does, but wildly downplays the amount of improvement needed in the future to enable autonomous action.) 

The video was created almost entirely through teleoperation. That means somebody wearing a VR headset and special equipment was actually folding laundry, putting away the dishes and carrying trash, and the robot was acting as a puppet, aping the movements of the person remotely controlling it. 

If that scenario sounds familiar, then you may recall the “We, Robot” event held by Tesla a year ago to showcase cars at Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio lot. At the event, Tesla Optimus robots mingled, poured drinks, danced, and even sang “Happy Birthday” to attendees. The robots seemed to take orders, answer questions, and hand out beverages capably.

In reality, the robots were teleoperated by Tesla employees who were stationed out of sight. When people were impressed by a robot’s ability to converse, they didn’t know they were chatting with some employee.

Some technology CEOs, including Elon Musk and Bernt Børnich, practice what you might call “faith-based innovation.” They hype AI and robot capabilities that do not exist. 

In the case of the NEO, 1X is already accepting money based on the promise that researchers will invent capabilities very quickly. 

And in the case of Tesla, they’re not yet accepting money for Optimus robots. But they are definitely accepting money for cars that the CEO promises will get self-driving capabilities very soon. 

At the Nvidia GPU conference in San Jose on March 17, 2015, Musk  said full autonomy was a “solved problem” and would arrive by 2018. In late 2016, he said Teslas could drive coast-to-coast without human input by the end of 2017 and that every Tesla made from then on would be capable of “level 5 autonomy” within two years. During 2018 and 2019 earnings calls and events, he promised “full self-driving features” would be enabled via software in “three to six months” — and said a million Tesla robotaxis would be operating autonomously by mid-2020. 

At Tesla’s Autonomy Day on April 22, 2019, Musk claimed that by the end of 2020, Teslas would be able to drive themselves safely enough that users “could fall asleep” and that regulatory approval would follow within a few years. And in interviews throughout 2020 and 2023, including tweets and earnings calls, Musk continued to say that full autonomy was “very close” and he expected completion within the year. 

All these promises were wrong. 

In fact, the technology for full self-driving using only cameras and AI has not been invented yet, and it’s completely unknown how many months, years or decades that invention could take. (Waymo cars, as well as most other self-driving cars, use cameras, lidar, and radar together to build a more detailed and redundant 3D map of the environment.)

As self-driving abilities, the humanoid robot game is rife with smoke-and-mirror demonstrations that create the illusion of autonomy, but in fact are mainly remote controlled: 

• Figure AI’s Figure 03: Videos of Figure 03 performing at-home tasks went viral for their realism and fluidity, but the company has been scrutinized for whether these were fully autonomous or tele-operated, as similar robots (like NEO from 1X Technologies) often use significant tele-op components, especially in publicity demos.
• Unitree G1: Unitree’s humanoid robot has been demonstrated running and performing dynamic movements. At events like CES, Unitree staff allowed attendees to remote-control the G1, suggesting that some public demos are human-operated.
• Reachy by Pollen Robotics: Reachy can operate in a very limited way autonomously or be tele-operated with VR headsets for precise remote control, a feature highlighted in several high-profile demos and videos where observers may have believed the robot was acting independently.
• Reflex Robotics, Watney Robotics, and others: These companies employ teleoperation for tasks like cleaning, organizing, or even novelty “robot gaming,” where the humanoid form factors are presented as capable, but rely on remote human input for the most sophisticated actions.

Why robot companies blur the line

Full autonomy in perceiving, planning, and manipulating like a human is a massive technology challenge. Robots have to be meticulously and painstakingly trained on every single movement, learn to recognize every object, and “understand” — for lack of a better word — how things move, how easily they break, what goes where, and what constitute appropriate actions. 

One major way humanoid robots are trained is with teleoperation. A person wearing special equipment remotely controls prototype robots, training them for many hours on how to, say, fold a shirt. Many hours more are required to train the robot how to fold a smaller child’s shirt. Every variable, from the height of the folding table to the flexibility of the fabrics has to be trained separately. 

While these robots are being trained, it’s all very impressive if you can’t see the person controlling the robot. 

The temptation to use impressive videos of remotely controlled robots where you can’t see the person controlling them to raise investment money, inspire stock purchases and outright sell robot products, appears to be too strong to resist. Realistically, the technology for a home robot that operates autonomously the way the NEO appears to do in the videos in arbitrary homes under real-world conditions is many years in the future, possibly decades. 

But that doesn’t stop some companies from selling you products now on capabilities that haven’t yet been invented. 

OpenAI’s decision to train its models on the everyday outputs of consultants and bankers is more than just a technical experiment, it’s a signal that AI is being repositioned from a generic tool to a domain-capable resource, Sanchit Vir Gogia, the chief analyst, founder and CEO of Greyhound Research said Thursday.

He was responding to reports of a project from OpenAI that is being developed for the management consulting sector. According to Bloomberg, upwards of 150 former consultants from McKinsey & Co., Bain & Co., and Boston Consulting have been contracted by a third-party to train the models on “how to do the industry’s entry-level tasks,” in a project code-named Argentum.

Last week, it also reported that OpenAI has more than 100 ex-investment bankers from organizations such as JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs “helping train its artificial intelligence on how to build financial models as it looks to replace the hours of grunt work performed by junior bankers across the industry,” in a project code-named Mercury.

PoC purgatory common

Enterprises, said Gogia, “are no longer content with wide but shallow capability. They want depth. Real outputs. Structured thinking. Work that they can plug into core processes. Our CIO Pulse 2025 shows this shift in action, with 68% of global decision-makers seeing AI as a co-worker rather than a cost-cutter.”

“What OpenAI is doing is meeting that expectation head-on by learning from those who’ve done the work at scale,” he pointed out. “The aim isn’t to mimic language, but to internalize practice. And for enterprise buyers, that matters. What’s being offered now is not an AI that chats, but one that contributes.”

Forrester VP Principal Analyst Craig Le Clair, whose coverage areas include AI, automation, and the future of work, said, “too many AI agent implementations today are struggling to return investment. The problem stems from poor integration of agent models with business workflows. Forrester estimates that 60% of enterprises fall into a PoC [proof of concept] purgatory, with only 15% of firms generating positive and material impact.”

For example, he said, “a company could launch 30 pilots and fail to generate any ROI because all the agents just produce dense reports or insights that few act on. Forrester calls this the ‘Action Gap’ [and it] is the measurable distance between an AI-driven insight (a prediction, recommendation, or analysis) and the resulting value-driving business action.”

A large gap, he said, “means your agents are generating insights but not a return on investment. OpenAI’s announcement is a clear attempt to reduce this.”

According to Le Clair, author of the book Random Acts of Automation, the workplace is set to be disrupted by model-driven AI agents. “They are intellectual peers that are (at least in their defined domains) just as smart as us, with intelligence evolving at a faster clip. This transition to a hybrid workforce is not well understood and expensive,” he said.

He added, “if you think the biggest hurdle in deploying an AI agent is development, the API calls, or cloud consumption costs, you’d be wrong. Service companies tell us that for every dollar spent on AI agent licensing, organizations are spending nearly five dollars on services to get it running at scale, and those dollars are going to organizational changes [to enable a] shift in skills.”

Forrester, said Le Clair, “has defined an Agent Experience (AX) program that focuses on five skill categories reflecting these changes: knowledge curation; change management; critical thinking; interaction skills; and agent oversight.”

Structure is everything

Greyhound’s Gogia pointed out that even apparently smoothly running AI projects could be problematic. He said that one of his firm’s banking clients recently ran a generative AI trial to streamline its credit memo process. “The results were promising: draft documents that once took days now appeared in hours,” he noted. “But when compliance teams reviewed the outputs, they found gaps, statements made without clear source validation.”

Consequently, the project “didn’t fail, but it didn’t launch either. Instead, the institution added a review framework and put legal, risk, and tech leaders in the same room to manage AI output holistically,” he said.

He cited another case in which a consulting firm integrated AI into its analyst workflow for market sizing. “The early gains in productivity were tangible, but so were the cultural growing pains,” he noted. “[Junior staff] weren’t sure where their role ended and the machine’s began.” The firm’s response was to adapt its training model to focus not on how to use AI, but on how to supervise it.

“Across these cases, the lesson was clear: the success of AI has less to do with capability and everything to do with structure,”Gogia said.

He added that Greyhound views OpenAI’s latest moves “as the clearest signal yet that the company is anchoring itself inside the workflows that underpin real business delivery. By sourcing training inputs directly from former consultants and investment bankers, it’s doing more than chasing accuracy. It’s absorbing judgment.”

Canva has built its own foundational AI model that generates layered designs users can edit more easily. It’s one of several generative AI-related features Canva announced Thursday, alongside expanded access to its AI assistant and content generation capabilities across its app. 

To date, Canva has partnered with a variety of AI model providers for content generation — Black Forest Labs, Google, and OpenAI among them — and it acquired Leonardo AI last year. 

While these models are adept at image, text or video generation, they lack the ability to produce layered design files that users can then edit themselves, said Jen Thompson, head of product marketing at Canva. “Design is a space that actually hasn’t had a fit-for-purpose model yet,” Thompson said in an interview with Computerworld ahead of Canva’s World Tour event this week. 

Instead, they generate flat, JPEG-style outputs in which text, backgrounds, and other elements cannot be separated. With Canva’s design model, it’s possible to generate “layered design files that look amazing, but then then allow for AI and human editing to happen in parallel,” said Thompson. 

Once a design is generated, it can be tweaked as with any template in the Canva editor.

The model enables an “array of functionality, both today and especially in the future,”  said Gabe Knuth, principal analyst at Omdia, part of Informa TechTarget. “Using their own model will allow [Canva] to have more control over the functionality and output than they’d have leaning on different foundational models for different tasks.” 

The resulting outputs “should be better, more consistent, and more integrated into the Canva experience than what a mixture of general-purpose models can provide,” Knuth said.

Canva didn’t respond to Computerworld’s questions about the use of customer data to train the new design foundational model, including whether the company requires customers to actively consent for their data to be so used.

Canva is also making its various AI tools available more widely across its application. Now, users can now generate content within the editor page, putting AI tools into the flow of work, said Thompson.The assistant can produce templates, photos or shapes, and even 3D objects, for instance, and “style-match” existing content. 

“People are often already in the editor when they realize that they need something specific, whether it’s a design file or a specific element. So, now we’ve brought this ability to generate with AI designs right into the actual design tab in the editor,” she said.

It’s also possible to interact with Canva’s AI assistant in comments by tagging @Canva. 

The AI assistant, announced earlier this year, was previously accessible only via a search bar on the Canva home screen. That meant a lot of switching back and forth to use the assistant. 

The Ask @Canva feature provides another way to get feedback, suggestions, and edits.

“It means that you lead the way, but AI is there to support — not just at the beginning, but all the way through, to make sure you’ve got an amazing design at the end of the day,” said Thompson.

Canva’s announcements come as rival Adobe also outlined its plans this week to add AI assistant tools to apps such as Express and Photoshop. 

Canva’s AI strategy stands it in good stead as it seeks to attract users, said Wayne Kurtzman, research vice president for Social, Communities and Collaboration at IDC.

“These announcements are designed to grow and expand paid seats for professional, organizational and individual creators alike, while retaining the ease of use across devices,” he said. “Having refined the UI without creating user shock reinforces that they are definitely on the right track.”

He said \ Canva has “leaned into the multimodal, multimedia content that organizations need to communicate internally and externally. User-facing AI features from a single interface is a huge part of that strategy.” 

The word that Jamf will go private in a $2.2 billion acquisition by Francisco Partners has surprised many in the Apple admin community. Jamf sasy the plan will accelerate growth, bolster its expansion and strengthen its market leadership.

The move might also reflect a new chapter in the Apple enterprise-growth story, because as Macs, iPads, and iPhones become more embedded across the sector, many in IT management are searching for unified device management platforms capable of handling Apple, Microsoft, and Android products.

That’s a big change from where we used to be, when Apple wasn’t as prevalent in business. It was perhaps better practice to have Apple-focused device management and security solutions in place, with something else to handle Windows fleets. InTune’s move to support Jamf helped this along, at least, conceptually.

Enterprise tech is cross-platform

These days, you’ll just as easily find Macs in use beside Windows, Android devices, and iPhones in the office, so both IT and purchasing recognize it sometimes makes sense to source management tools that provide support across all of those platforms. There’s two reasons for that: it reduces overhead (more systems = more cost) and it boosts productivity (one console to rule them all).

That’s not going to suit everyone, of course. Some businesses are already all-in on Apple, and want best-in-class services ready to support all that’s new in that ecosystem. Others prefer specific tools for specific platforms, pretty much for the same reason — platform-focused tools tend to be updated faster, handle new features more swiftly, and deliver tighter integration with their chosen platform. All these reasons matter to different extents in different businesses, and each argument has its own weight. There’s no single answer; every business is different, with its own unique needs. Apple recently showed it understands that with the introduction of support to make it easier to migrate between device management vendors.

All the same, as Apple’s enterprise marketshare increases, the number of vendors in the enterprise space is also increasing. And while Jamf very much enjoys first-mover advantage as the uber-MDM for Apple in the workplace, it is arguably being flanked by competitors who already offer multi-platform support or speak more traditional languages familiar to IT. In my view, a company like Fleet has some advantage there — and it’s clear that Kandji/Iru hopes to play in that pool, too.

It’s possible the rapid expansion of Apple in business hasn’t been fast enough for Jamf’s shareholders. The current deal sees Francisco Partners pay $13.05 per share in the all-cash transaction, which has been approved by the Jamf board — including by former CEO Dean Hager. That’s just over half the value those shares went out for on the initial public offer in July 2020. 

Growing business one cut at a time

Since Jamf went public, it has engaged in two punishing rounds of staff cuts, including the recent layoff of 6.4% of its workforce. I believe these have deeply unsettled staffers across the company, as such cuts always do. Such events make people anxious, dent productivity, damage trust, and change corporate culture. 

While it is possible Francisco Partners will choose to invest in the award-winning, business supporting, deeply positive culture that has emerged at Jamf, it does have some track record for tearing some of the companies it acquires apart. The company “has relied on carve-out M&A to maximize the value of its investments,” InfoRisk said today.

It also seems to have a keen interest in building its security services offering. It purchased Forcepoint in 2021, Sumo Logic in 2023, and more recently seized slices of NewRelic and Integrity Group. 

Francisco Partners also owns SonicWall and BeyondTrust, which with Jamf and Jamf’s own security products gives the company a strong position in the security market. Now that’s augmented by Apple-focused security services, including some which other platforms really don’t possess. 

There’s still a big opportunity

“We continue to see tremendous opportunity for Jamf given its enviable position in the market, and we look forward to working with the leadership team to support Jamf’s next phase of growth and deliver an even broader suite of secure and effective products to its customers,” said Cherry Zou, vice president at Francisco Partners.

“We believe transitioning to a private company will provide greater financial flexibility and strategic alignment to accelerate growth, expand through innovation and M&A, and strengthen our market leadership,” said Jamf CEO John Strosahl, who once called Jamf’s internal culture its “secret sauce.”

“Of all the companies I’ve worked for, the Jamf culture is really unique and reflects our two values — selflessness, to think of others, to be helpful, and relentless self-improvement,” he said in 2024. “Those values have really gotten us here, and if I have one task during my tenure it will be to maintain that.” 

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Questions may linger about whether generative AI (genAI) is taking away jobs, but tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot are apparently making employees more productive.

That was the conclusion of a recent study by the London School of Economics and consulting firm Protiviti; The researchers concluded that genAI tools save workers close to 7.5 hours every week.

That amounts to savings of $18,000 per employee per year, the study said.

Of about 3,000 employees and executives surveyed, 70% were using AI — with younger workers quick to turn to the technology for work.

About 71% of Gen Z users (those born between 1997-2012) had the largest ratio of AI users, followed by 73% for millennials (born between 1981 and 1996), 60% for Gen X workers (1965-1980) and 52% for Baby Boomers (1946-1964).

“The top use, (43% of employees) is writing and content creation tasks, 34% [for] communication and collaboration, 27% [for] data analysis and visualization,” Daniel Jolles, research officer at LSE’s The Inclusion Initiative, said via email.

The report doesn’t distinguish between ChatGPT, Copilot or external or internal AI tools and systems. But for people not using AI, productivity improvements or cost savings could be as simple as firing up ChatGPT or other genAI tools.

“This will vary from role to role, but yes…, this report shows that using training and guardrails can give employees the autonomy and confidence to use freely available tools to significantly increase their productivity,” Jolles said.

About 60% of those surveyed did not receive any AI-specific training. But employees will be more productive with the technology if given the right boost in skills.

“Interactive hands-on workshops tailored to their roles are the most effective for AI adoption,” Jolles said.

GenAI is a priority in enterprises to help employees be more productive, said Melanie Freeze, research director at Gartner. “I believe that’s…time savings, and to some degree being able to focus on those higher value tasks,” Freeze said.

GenAI also helps fill labor gaps and take over jobs so employees can focus on more productive tasks, Kari Briski, vice president for generative AI software for enterprise at Nvidia, said earlier this week.

For example, robots with AI will take on mundane office-work and dangerous work in factories, which helps employees focus on other tasks, Briski said.

The value of Nvidia’s stock has increased significantly in recent years, largely due to the high demand for its AI chips.

According to Reuters, another milestone was passed during Wednesday’s trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange, as Nvidia became the first company to be valued at $5 trillion.

The previous milestone, $4 trillion, was passed as recently as July.

Nvidia’s surge means that the company now has a substantial lead over Microsoft ($4,025 billion), Apple ($4,002 billion), Alphabet ($3,324 billion), Amazon ($2,456 billion) and Meta ($1,888 billion).

More Nvidia news:

• Cisco, Nvidia strengthen AI ties with new data center switch, reference architectures
• Nvidia looks to power AI factory networks
• Nvidia, Infineon partner for AI data center power overhaul
  
  

Adobe is developing new generative AI (genAI) assistants that let users edit images in Adobe Express and Photoshop with written prompts. 

Having embedded AI-based content-generation tools across its apps in recent years, Adobe is rolling out AI assistants and agents. That effort began last year with Acrobat Reader, with Adobe this week outlining further plans to bring AI assistance to its creative. The announcements were pegged to the Adobe MAX conference. 

For Adobe Express, Adobe introduced a conversational assistant that lets casual users create and edit designs by describing what they want via natural language. The assistant can make edits to individual layers of a design, such as fonts, images, and backgrounds on user’s behalf, and provide recommendations for changes.

 “Enterprise capabilities” are also in development for the Express AI assistant, Adobe said in a statement; they will allow a non-design staff to “self-serve on-brand content creation and collaboration,” with “template locking, batch creation and more.”

The Express AI Assistant beta is available on desktop to Adobe Express Premium customers. At full launch, the AI Assistant will be available to all Express customers through the Firefly generative credit system, the company said.

An AI assistant is also in the works for the Photoshop web application (currently in a private beta). Again, it users advice on how to enhance images — detecting and highlighting potential problems with text contrast, for instance — as well make changes such as decreasing brightness and increasing saturation. 

Adobe Photoshop AI Assistant can offer users advice on how to enhance images.

Adobe

“You can tell it to do things for you, and it will understand what tools to use: select subject, create masks, do all of the layer masks for you and keep it completely editable,” Alexandru Costin, vice president for Generative AI and Sensei at Adobe, said in a press briefing. 

It’s also possible to ask the AI assistant, which appears in the right-hand sidebar, to generate names for layers in the Photoshop “layers panel” based on content. Users will be able to make manual edits as usual in the main screen.

The assistants should help users “free up time, add to their creative output and get the design in their mind’s eye onto a blank page,” said Liz Miller, vice president and principal analyst at Constellation Research. 

At the moment, the AI assistants are “aligned with the casual user,” said Sheryl Kingstone, research director at 451 Research, part of S&P Global Market Intelligence, and can reduce complexity of using certain Adobe tools. But she also sees potential to support more advanced creative users “with scale of production capabilities.”

“For the professional, these AI assistants don’t just ramp up their creativity, [but] give spaces and places to collaborate and ideate and create at will.… These are quality-of-life updates,” said Miller. 

While there’s little direct evidence of demand for AI assistance in creative tools such as Photoshop currently, said Andrew Frank, distinguished vice president analyst in the Gartner Marketing Practice, the new tools could help users as Adobe adds new features at a fast clip across its software suite. 

“…The pace of product innovation at Adobe can often outpace users’ capacity to absorb advanced features, which is where I think AI assistance could really help — accelerating the realization of benefits from the power of AI in content creation,” Frank said.

The announcements at Adobe MAX this week are likely just the start of Adobe’s plans here. The company wants to embed AI assistants more broadly going forward across its creative product suite, said Kingstone, “with a connective tissue on services.” 

One feature under development is Project Moonlight. Adobe describes this as a “personal orchestartion assistant” that can coordinate across multiple apps. By connecting to Creative Cloud libraries and social media accounts, the AI assistant generates personalized ideas and content for users.  This includes images, videos, and social posts, Adobe said.  

“Project Moonlight is very interesting, as it removes the friction across tools with a more workflow-oriented canvas that uses services at scale,” said Kingstone. 

While agent architectures promise easier integration across different vendors’ applications, said Frank, users are “likely to find single-source integrations faster and more reliable than multisource compositions. That’s what makes Project Moonlight strategic — it helps turn Creative Cloud into a control center for social marketing.

“It’s clear that an AI agent strategy is now table stakes for anyone in the software business,” he said. “But for end-to-end marketing platform providers like Adobe, it represents a new way to unify and enhance the foundational value of their offering rather than compete on the application level.”

Project Moonlight is currently in private beta and will be available in the “coming months,” according to Adobe.

Microsoft Forms is a web app that allows users to create various types of forms that gather information from people online and store that data in the cloud for review.

Why is this useful? Surveys, questionnaires, and other interactive forms are a vital part of doing business. They provide a great way to interact with employees, teammates, customers, and potential business partners. You can use online forms to collect customer feedback or business requirements, conduct market research, gauge employee satisfaction, register attendees for an upcoming event, test learners’ knowledge after a training course, and more.

Forms is included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions for individuals and businesses, and a limited version is available for free to anyone with a Microsoft account. In this cheat sheet, we will cover how to use this program to create questionnaires, add specific types of questions, and view and analyze the responses.

Microsoft offers a variety of form templates you can adapt for your own purposes, and we will discuss how to use them — but first we’ll take you through the steps of building a form from scratch so you’ll know how all the parts and pieces work. We’ll also cover how to use Copilot, Microsoft’s generative AI assistant, to draft forms for you.

In this article:

• How to create a form from scratch
• How to create a form from a template
• How to create (and edit) a form with Copilot
• How to create a quiz
• How to change your form’s theme
• How to share your form
• How to view responses

How to create a form from scratch

To start using the Microsoft Forms app, navigate to your Microsoft 365 home page, sign in if you haven’t already, and click on the Apps icon in the left panel. (If you don’t see a navigation panel on the left, click the Expand Navigation icon in the upper left corner.)

On the Microsoft 365 home page, click Apps.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

The Forms app should appear on the main part of your screen near the bottom. If it isn’t there, use the search option at the top of the left panel to search for forms and launch the app.

If you don’t see Forms on the main M365 Apps screen, use the Search function to find it.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

If this is your first time using Microsoft Forms, you will be presented with the welcome screen shown below, which offers templates for various types of forms. From here, select Survey to start your form.

The Forms welcome page shows templates for various types of forms to help you get started.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

If you’ve used Forms before, you’ll instead see a home page with a few templates plus any forms you’ve created or that have been shared with you. Click the New Form button at the top of the page.

The Forms home page shows templates on top and your forms below.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

Either way, you’ll start a new, blank form. If you see a panel listing suggested templates on the left side of the screen, click on the X at the top of the panel to remove it; you’ll learn how to use templates later on.

Close the templates panel on the left so your new form can take up the whole screen.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

Changing the form’s title

First, change the title of your form and add a description. This is the first thing anyone will see when they open your questionnaire, so make sure the title is easy to understand and explains what you’re trying to do.

To add a title, click on the title field (which might say something like “Let’s get started! What’s your form about?” or simply “Untitled form”), and you will be able to edit the title and add a description.

Change the title and add a description for your form.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

Adding questions

Below the description is a “Quick start with” link. If you have access to Microsoft 365 Copilot, you’ll also see a “Draft with Copilot” option. You can ignore that for now; we’ll cover using Copilot to create forms later in the article. 

To add a new question, click the Quick start with text. A menu appears showing multiple types of questions you can add to your form.

Choose which kind of question you want to add.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

Choice: Multiple-choice questions allow you to designate a set of answers from which the user can choose. You can also add an Other option, where users can type in a unique response.

By default, a multiple-choice question allows the user to select just one answer. To change this, click the Multiple answers slider at the lower right to toggle it on. The radio buttons next to the answers change to checkboxes, and users can choose more than one.

This multiple-choice question lets respondents choose more than one answer and includes an “Other” option.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

To rearrange the answers in a multiple-choice question, hover your cursor over the answer you want to move until you see six dots appear to the left of the item. Click and hold the six dots, then drag and drop the answer to its new location.

Text: This is an open-ended question where you allow the user to type in an answer — good when you want to collect individual information such as an email address or hear detailed thoughts from respondents. Text responses can be up to 4,000 characters. By default, text response boxes are designed for short answers, but if you turn on the Long answer toggle, the response box will expand as the user types.

To restrict responses to a particular format, such as a number, an email address, or a web URL, click the three-dot icon in the lower-right corner of the question box and select Restrictions. The Number format is selected by default. To specify that the number be within a certain range, such as between 10 and 500, click the Is number dropdown, select Between, and type the appropriate numbers in the boxes to the right.

Restricting the responses for a text question to numbers between 10 and 500.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

To change to a different format restriction, click the Number dropdown on the left, choose the format you want to restrict, and specify additional parameters.

Rating: Allows respondents to rate performance, typically on a scale of 1 to 5 (bad to excellent). This can give you an idea of how employees feel about their manager, for instance, or how customers view your product or service. You can adjust the number of levels provided (up to 10) or change the rating symbols from stars to numbers, hearts, smiley faces, checkmarks, or others.

Date: Displays a calendar and asks respondents to select a specific date, such as the date an item is requested.

Ranking: Lets respondents rank items in order of preference or importance to them.

Likert: Displays a list of items, each with its own rating scale. A common scenario for this type of question would be to find out how satisfied employees are with various company benefits.

Net Promoter Score: Asks respondents how likely they are to recommend your product or service, on a scale from 0 (not at all likely) to 10 (extremely likely).

A typical Net Promoter Score question.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

Section: This is not a question type but instead lets you create a new section within your survey, as covered below under “Building out your form.”

Once you’ve selected the question type, enter the question and responses you want respondents to see, then make any adjustments or restrictions, such as the “multiple answers” option for multiple-choice questions.

Here are a few additional tasks you’ll likely use when adding questions to your form:

• To make a question required (respondents must answer it in order to complete the survey): turn the Required toggle on at the lower right of the question box.
• To explore additional options for a question, such as the ability to shuffle responses or add a subtitle: click the three-dot icon to the right of the Required toggle.
• To add an image or video to a question: click the image icon on the right. On the “Insert media” pane that opens, choose Insert Image or Insert Video. For an image, you can do a Bing web search, browse your OneDrive folders, or upload an image from your computer. For a video, you can paste in a YouTube URL. In a multiple-choice question, you can also add an image to each of the options.

You can add an image or video to a question.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

Building out your form

To add more questions to your form, just keep clicking the Add new question button that appears below the previous question and repeating the steps above. Here are a few more things that are useful to know how to do:

To edit a question: simply select the question and make your changes.

To duplicate a question: select the question and click the Copy question button at the upper right of the question box. A copy of the question appears immediately below it. This is handy if you have more than one question with similar formatting: you can save time by duplicating the question and editing it rather than starting from scratch each time.

Using the Copy question button can save you time.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

To delete a question: select the question and click the trash can icon at the upper right of the question box.

To move a question up or down: select the question and use the up or down arrow icons at the upper right of the question box.

To insert a question in between existing questions: select the question above the place where you want to insert the new question. Click the Insert new question button (which appears in place of “Add new question”) and proceed as usual.

To add a new section to the survey: select the question above the place where you want the new section to appear. Select Add new question or Insert new question and then click on Section. Enter a title for the new section. You can optionally add a subtitle and image or video as well.

It can be helpful to break a form into sections.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

Adding branching to your form

This feature is optional, but it’s powerful: You may have one or more questions in your form that you want to branch — that is, if the respondent answers the question one way, you can send them to a different follow-up question than if they answer the question another way. Thus, branching makes the most sense for multiple-choice questions.

It’s best to wait until you’ve added all your questions to the survey before you add branching. Once you’ve done so, select the question you want to branch, click the three-dot icon at its lower right, and select Add branching.

In a multiple-choice question, a “Go to” menu will appear to the right of each option. You can click Next in any of these boxes and choose a specific question to send the survey taker to.

Adding branching to a question lets you set different follow-up actions for different responses.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

How to create a form from a template

Rather than starting a new form from scratch every time, you can get a head start by using one of the templates Microsoft provides. Go directly to Microsoft’s Forms template gallery or navigate there from the Forms home page by clicking Template gallery at the right side of the “Explore templates” area near the top.

Here you can choose from a variety of templates including a market research survey, manager feedback survey, office facility request form, and more. Click on the Employee satisfaction survey to open it in your browser.

The Forms template gallery has more than a dozen templates to choose from.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

You’ll see a form that’s prepopulated with questions and answers. You can edit any of the existing questions, delete those you don’t want, and add your own questions into the mix.

Using templates gives you a head start on many standard business forms.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

Starting from a template not only saves you from having to enter all your questions manually, it may also provide valuable questions you wouldn’t think of on your own.

How to create (and edit) a form with Copilot

Microsoft 365 Copilot is the AI assistant that’s integrated with Forms and other Microsoft 365 apps. Access to Copilot in Forms is included with Microsoft 365 Individual and Family subscriptions, while M365 Business and Enterprise users need a separate M365 Copilot subscription. (Copilot isn’t available in Forms with a free Microsoft account.)

If you’ve worked with tools like ChatGPT or Claude, you understand that AI assistants can help you quickly perform actions that could be time consuming to do manually. In this section, you’ll see how to quickly create a survey using M365 Copilot.

First, go to the Forms home page and click on New Form. After you’ve given the new form a title and description, click the Draft with Copilot link to the right of “Quick start with.” Type in a prompt outlining the survey you want Copilot to create, such as the following:

Please create a survey that asks readers how they enjoyed the “Microsoft Forms cheat sheet 2025” article. It should be five questions long and all questions should be required. Also, give it a modern green style layout.

Then click Generate, and Copilot will create a survey draft.

A feedback survey generated by Copilot.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

If you like the survey draft, you can select Keep it. If you don’t, you can click the circular arrows icon to have Copilot try again or the trash can icon to delete it. A final option is to add more details to the prompt to refine Copilot’s output.

If you decide to keep the survey Copilot drafted, you should review it carefully and edit it. All generative AI tools make mistakes, Copilot included. In the example survey it created in response to the prompt above, for example, it included the text “This survey uses a modern green style layout for a fresh experience” in the description — not something you’d want in the final survey.

Also note that Copilot may not be able to do everything you request. For instance, it wasn’t able to style the form with a theme/layout in my testing (even though it said it did) — a limitation that may change with time. But it’s still a great starting point and a major timesaver.

In addition to drafting entire new forms with Copilot, you can ask it to create individual questions as you’re building out a form. Just click Add with Copilot or Insert with Copilot and enter your prompt.

You can also ask Copilot for ideas to enhance any form. When you’re working on a form, you’ll see a banner across the top that says, “Copilot has suggestions to improve your form.” Clicking this will generate some suggestions, such as choosing a fresh design.

Copilot can suggest ways to improve an existing form.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

Finally, you can use Copilot to improve individual questions. If you select a question in a form, you’ll see a Copilot button alongside the copy, delete, and move down / up buttons in the upper right of the question box. Click it to open up a prompt where you can describe the changes you’d like Copilot to make to the question.

Asking Copilot to rewrite a question.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

How to create a quiz

Quizzes are similar to surveys and other questionnaires, but with correct and incorrect responses. You can assign points to each question, report respondents’ scores, and explain why certain responses are right or wrong. A quiz is a good way to assess how well attendees of a training course have learned the subject matter and coach them in areas they don’t fully understand.

To create a new quiz, go to the Forms home page and click the New Quiz button at the top of the page.

Starting a new quiz.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

If you have access to Copilot in Forms, you will be presented with a Copilot prompt window. You could enter a prompt (including source material to base the quiz on) to have Copilot generate a quiz instantly. But for the purposes of this tutorial, click the X at the upper right to close out the prompt window.

The new quiz page looks just like the new form page. Indeed, creating a quiz is just like creating a form — you add questions the same way, except that you designate the correct answer and assign a point score to each question.

When you enter the answers for a question, you’ll see a circled checkmark to the left of each answer. Click one of the checkmarks to mark it as the correct answer. Then go to the Points box at the bottom of the question box and type the number of points the question is worth.

Quizzes let you test respondents’ knowledge.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

How to change your form’s theme

Now that we’ve covered the functional aspects of Microsoft Forms, let’s look at how you can change the look and feel of your questionnaire. Above your form to the right, click the Style button to open a panel with various layouts and themes. Look around and select a theme that you like to represent your company.

Choose a theme that suits your company and the form itself.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

To preview how your form will look to respondents as they’re filling it out, click the Preview button at the top right of the page. You can toggle between Computer view and Mobile view by clicking the buttons at the top right of the preview page.

You can see how your form will look to both desktop and mobile users.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

How to share your form

Once your form is finalized and you’re ready to start sending it to clients, employees, or other respondents, select the Collect responses button at the top right. On the pane that appears, you can create and customize the link that you will use to share your questionnaire with others.

Business users can send out a survey link publicly or privately.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

If you have a business account and this survey is meant for people outside your company, click the first option, which allows anyone to respond. If it’s meant for employees in your company, choose the second option. And if you’re looking for feedback only from specific people in your organization, choose the third option and enter the names or email addresses of those people.

If you have a personal account, you will only have the option to allow anyone to respond.

Next, select the option to shorten your URL so that it’s less spammy and easier to share with other people in a text, email, or instant message. You can send the link out by clicking the Copy link button and pasting it into an email or other message. Alternatively, you can fill out the form on the right to send an email or Teams message with an embedded link.

How to view responses

Microsoft automatically keeps track of all responses to your form and provides you with a summary of that information in a visual dashboard. Click the View responses button at the top right to see your summary.

Forms collects and summarizes your survey’s responses.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

To view responses individually, click the more details button on the right-hand side of your initial summary of responses. On this page, you can scroll through all of the responses that you’ve received to your form.

Viewing the answers from an individual respondent.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

You can also export your results to Excel for offline viewing. Click Open results in Excel to the right of the initial summary.

Click this button to export your results to Excel.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

Lastly, you can share this results page with anyone you want via a link provided by Microsoft. Click on the three-dot icon to the right of the “Insights and actions” title on the right and choose Share a summary link from the pop-up menu. Forms will generate a link that you can copy and share.

Sharing a summary link.

Shimon Brathwaite / Foundry

This article was originally published in November 2023 and updated in October 2025.

Related reading:

• Microsoft Visio cheat sheet: How to get started
• Microsoft Planner cheat sheet: How to get started
• Microsoft Power Automate: How to get started
• More Microsoft 365 cheat sheets

A Windows launch isn’t the end a process — it’s really just the beginning. Microsoft continually works on improving Windows 11 by fixing bugs, releasing security patches, and occasionally adding new features.

In this story we summarize what you need to know about each update released to the public for the most recent version of Windows 11 — currently version 25H2. For each build, we’ve included the date of its release and a link to Microsoft’s announcement about it. The most recent updates appear first.

The easiest way to install updates is via Windows Update. Not sure how? See “How to handle Windows 10 and 11 updates” for full instructions. Note that Windows 11 version 25H2 is being released as a phased rollout and may not be available to you in Windows Update yet.

If you’re still using Windows 10, see “Windows 10: A guide to the updates.” And if you’re looking for information about Insider Program previews for upcoming feature releases of Windows 11, see “Windows 11 Insider Previews: What’s in the latest build?”

Updates for Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 KB5067036 (OS Builds 26200.7019 and 26100.7019) Preview

Release date: October 28, 2025

A variety of new features are being gradually rolled out in this build, including several for Click to Do on Copilot+ PCs — notably a streamlined interaction between Click to Do and Copilot. You can now type a custom prompt directly into the text box, which sends your prompt and selected on-screen content to Copilot. Suggested prompts appear below the text box and are available for text selections in English, Spanish, and French. 

New features are being gradually rolled out for all Windows 11 PCs as well, including a redesigned Start menu, which includes scrollable “All” section and category and grid views. The menu now adapts to your screen size.

A variety of bugs have been fixed, including one in which text sometimes didn’t render correctly when editing content within a multiline text box in certain apps.

Get more info about KB5067036 Preview.)

KB5070773 (OS Builds 26200.6901 and 26100.6901) Out-of-band

Release date: October 20, 2025

This build fixes one bug, in which USB devices, such as keyboards and mice, did not function in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This issue prevented navigation of any of the recovery options within WinRE.

This build has one known issue: some digital TV and Blu-ray/DVD apps might not play protected content as expected after installing the August 29, 2025, Windows non-security preview update (KB5064081) or later updates. Apps that use Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or Digital Rights Management (DRM) for digital audio might show copyright protection errors, frequent playback interruptions, unexpected stops, or black screens. Streaming services are not affected. 

(Get more info about KB5070773 Out-of-band.)

KB5066791 (OS Builds 19044.6456 and 19045.6456)

Release date: October 14, 2025

This build fixes several bugs, including one that caused the print preview screen to stop responding in Chromium-based browsers.

It also has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and October 2025 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5066791.)

KB5065789 (OS Builds 26200.6725 and 26100.6725) Preview

Release date: September 29, 2025

This build gradually rolls out a wide variety of new features, including one in which you can use AI actions in File Explorer to edit images or summarize documents. To do it, right-click (or press Shift + F10 on the keyboard) on the file and select AI actions. 

Several bugs have also been fixed, including one in which you might not have been able to connect to shared files and folders if you were using the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol on NetBIOS over TCP/IP NetBIOS (NetBT).

(Get more info about KB5065789 Preview.)

Windows 11 25H2

At the end of September, Microsoft upgraded Windows 11 from version 24H2 to 25H2, in a slow rollout that could take months to complete. Typically in the past, Microsoft would introduce new features in a once-a-year update like this. That’s not the case with 25H2, though.

Microsoft has been introducing new features in smaller updates all year round, so 25H2 doesn’t include any major new features. Rather, it includes all the new features that have accumulated in all those smaller updates.

As the company explains, “While this update doesn’t introduce major new features, it activates enhancements that have been gradually rolled out over the past year ensuring your device is up to date with the latest refinements.”

Here are some of the most important features in 25H2 that have been introduced for end users and IT pros since 24H2 was released last fall:

New features for users:

• File Explorer has several useful new features, notably AI actions, which can edit images or summarize documents. AI options such as Blur background, Erase objects, and Remove background are all now displayed in the context menu.
• Task Manager gets a number of minor tweaks, including performance improvements when changing the sort order of processes.
• You can now display the apps that have recently used on-device generative AI models provided by Windows. You can also choose which apps are permitted to use the generative AI technologies. To do that and more, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Text and Image Generation.

New features for IT:

• IT admins can use policy-based tools to easily remove preinstalled Microsoft Store apps from Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11, version 25H2 and later. This can streamline device provisioning and prevent removed apps such as Microsoft Clipchamp, Media Player, and Microsoft Teams from being reinstalled. For more information, see Policy-based removal of preinstalled Microsoft Store apps and RemoveDefaultMicrosoftStorePackages in the ApplicationManagement Policy CSP.
• Enterprise access points now support Wi-Fi 7, which enables increased speeds, greater throughput, improved reliability, and enhanced security. For details, see https://aka.ms/WiFi7forEnterprise.
• Windows Backup for Organizations is now generally available.
• A new feature called Quick Machine Recovery can recover Windows devices when they encounter critical errors that prevent them from booting. Quick machine recovery searches for remediations in the cloud and recovers from widespread boot failures, reducing the burden on IT admins on cases when multiple devices are affected. For more information, see Computerworld’s Quick Machine Recovery explainer.

Updates for Windows 11 24H2 KB5068221 (OS Build 26100.6588) Out-of-band

Release date: September 22, 2025

This update fixes a bug that affected Microsoft Office applications running in Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) environments. The failure occurred due to a double handle closure in the AppVEntSubsystems32 or AppVEntSubsystems64 system component.

There is one issue in this build: you might fail to connect to shared files and folders using the Server Message Block (SMB) v1 protocol on NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT). This issue can occur if either the SMB client or the SMB server has the September 2025 security update installed.

(Get more info about KB5068221 (OS Build 26100.6588) Out-of-band).

KB5065426 (OS Build 26100.6584)

Release date: September 9, 2025

This build fixes several bugs, including one that caused non-admin users to receive unexpected User Account Control (UAC) prompts when MSI installers performed certain custom actions, such as configuration or repair operations in the foreground or background during the initial installation of an application.

The build also has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and September 2025 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5065426.)

KB5064081 (OS Build 26100.5074) Preview

Release date: August 29, 2025

A wide variety of new features are being gradually rolled out in this build, including a new personalized homepage in Windows Recall that displays your recent activity and top-used apps and websites (available only in Copilot+ PCs). Among the changes rolling out to all users is a new grid view for Search from the Windows taskbar that helps you more quickly and accurately identify the desired image within your search.

Several bugs have also been fixed, including one in which some system recovery features did not work properly due to a temporary file sharing conflict. This affected certain device management tools and disrupted key functions on some devices.

(Get more info about KB5064081 Preview.)

KB5063878 (OS Build 26100.4946)

Release date: August 12, 2025

This build fixes a bug that caused delays during sign-in on new devices. The delay was due to certain preinstalled packages. It also has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and August 2025 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5063878.)

KB5062660 (OS Build 26100.4770) Preview

Release date: July 22, 2025

A wide variety of new features are being gradually rolled out in this build, including a new agent in Copilot+ PCs that is designed to help you find and change settings on your PC. You can describe what you need help with, such as “how to control my PC by voice” or “my mouse pointer is too small,” and the agent will suggest steps to resolve the issue. The agent uses AI on your PC to understand your request and, with your permission, can automate and complete tasks for you. It is rolling out to Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs now, with support for AMD and Intel PCs coming soon. 

Several bugs have also been fixed, including one in which If you have an app pinned to your desktop and it updates, the app icon might not display correctly and instead show a white page.

(Get more info about KB5062660 Preview.)

KB5064489 (OS Build 26100.4656) Out-of-band

Release date: July 13, 2025

This update fixes a bug that prevented some virtual machines (VMs) from starting when Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) was enabled. It affected VMs using version 8.0 (a non-default version) where VBS was offered by the host. In Azure, this applies to standard (non–Trusted Launch) General Enterprise (GE) VMs running on older VM SKUs. The problem was caused by a secure kernel initialization issue.

(Get more info about KB5064489 Out-of-band.)

KB5062553 (OS Build 26100.4652)

Release date: July 8, 2025

The build fixes several bugs, including one in which notification sounds didn’t play. Affected sounds included those for on-screen alerts, volume adjustments, and sign-in. It also has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and July 2025 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5062553.)

KB5060829 (OS Build 26100.4484) Preview

Release date: June 26, 2025

A wide variety of new features are being gradually rolled out in this build, including a new Settings home page that includes enterprise-specific device info cards for commercial customers on PCs managed by an IT administrator. The taskbar also now resizes icons to fit more apps when space runs low.

Users in the European Economic Area will see several small changes related to default browsers, such as mapping additional file and link types to the default browser and pinning it to the taskbar and Start menu.

A variety of bugs have also been fixed, including one that prevented the automatic renewal of expiring certificates in Windows Hello for Business.

There is one known issue in this build, in which blurry or unclear CJK (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) text appears when displayed at 96 DPI (100% scaling) in Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. 

(Get more info about KB5060829 Preview.)

KB5063060 (OS Build 26100.4351) Out-of-band

Release date: June 11, 2025

This out-of-band update replaces the KB5060842 Patch Tuesday release, fixing a bug in which Windows sometimes restarted unexpectedly when users opened games that use the Easy Anti-Cheat service. Easy Anti-Cheat automatically installs with certain games to enhance security and prevent cheating in multiplayer online PC games. 

Note: In this build there are reports of blurry or unclear CJK (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) text when displayed at 96 DPI (100% scaling) in Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. The issue is due to limited pixel density at 96 DPI, which can reduce the clarity and alignment of CJK characters. Increasing the display scaling improves clarity by enhancing text rendering.

(Get more info about KB5063060 Out-of-band.)

KB5060842 (OS Build 26100.4349)

Release date: June 10, 2025

After installing this update, Windows will retain system restore points for 60 days only. Restore points older than 60 days are not available. This 60-day limit will also apply to future versions of Windows 11, version 24H2.

The build fixes a bug that prevented users from signing in with self-signed certificates when using Windows Hello for Business with the Key Trust model.​​​​​​​ It also has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and June 2025 Security Updates.

Note: In this build there are reports of blurry or unclear CJK (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) text when displayed at 96 DPI (100% scaling) in Chromium-based browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. The issue is due to limited pixel density at 96 DPI, which can reduce the clarity and alignment of CJK characters. Increasing the display scaling improves clarity by enhancing text rendering.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5060842.)

KB5058499 (OS Build 26100.4202) Preview

Release date: May 27, 2025

A wide variety of new features are being gradually rolled out in this build, including one in which Click to Do gets the new Ask Copilot action. When you highlight text or an image, Click to Do offers the Ask Copilot option. Selecting it opens Microsoft Copilot with your content in the prompt box. You can send the selected text or image directly to the Copilot app to complete your prompt.

A variety of bugs have also been fixed, including one in which devices with BitLocker on removable drives could encounter a blue screen error after resuming from sleep or hybrid-booting.

(Get more info about KB5058499 Preview.)

KB5061977 (OS Build 26100.4066) 

Release date: May 27, 2025

This out-of-band update fixes a bug in the direct send path for a guest physical address (GPA). This issue caused confidential virtual machines running on Hyper-V with Windows Server 2022 to intermittently stop responding or restart unexpectedly. As a result, service availability was affected, and manual intervention was required. This problem primarily impacted Azure confidential VMs.

(Get more info about KB5061977.)

KB5058411 (OS Build 26100.4061)

Release date: May 13, 2025

This update fixes two bugs, one in which your microphone might have muted unexpectedly, and the other in which the eye controller app didn’t launch. It also has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and May 2025 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5058411.)

KB5055627 (OS Build 26100.3915) Preview

Release date: April 25, 2025

This build gradually rolls out several new features for Copilot+ PCs, including a preview of Windows Recall. When you opt in, Recall takes snapshots of your activity so you can quickly find and go back to what you have seen before on your PC. With it, you can use a timeline to find the content you remember seeing.

Copilot+ PCs also get a new natural-language Windows search in which you can search for anything on your PC without having to remember specific file names, exact words in file content, or settings names. Just describe what you’re looking for. On Copilot+ PCs, you can also more easily find photos stored and saved in the cloud by typing your own words (like “summer picnics”) in the search box at the upper-right corner of File Explorer. 

All PCs get a number of new features, including speech recap, in which you can keep track of what Narrator has spoken and access it for quick reference. With speech recap, you can quickly access spoken content, follow along with live transcription, and copy what Narrator last said using keyboard shortcuts.

A variety of bugs are being fixed, including one in which some devices experienced intermittent internet connections when resuming from sleep mode. Several AI components have also been updated.

There are two known issues in this build, including one in which players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox from the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5055627 Preview.)

KB5055523 (OS Build 26100.3775)

Release date: April 8, 2025

This update includes a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and April 2025 Security Updates. 

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

There are two known issues in this build, including one in which players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows. 

(Get more info about KB5055523.)

KB5053656 (OS Build 26100.3624) Preview

Release date: March 27, 2025

This build gradually rolls out several new features for Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, including one in which you can search for anything on your PC without having to remember specific file names, exact words in file content, or settings names. Just describe what you’re looking for.

On Copilot+ PCs you can also more easily find photos stored and saved in the cloud by typing your own words (like “summer picnics”) in the search box at the upper-right corner of File Explorer. In addition to photos stored locally on your Copilot+ PC, photos from the cloud will now show up in the search results together. 

Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs also will allow you to use natural-language processing in voice access, by using your own words rather than using rigid, predefined commands.

In addition, the build includes a variety of bugs being immediately fixed, including one in which some third-party apps rendered the graphics settings page unresponsive.

There are two known issues in this build, including one in which players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox from the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5053656 Preview.)

KB5053598 (OS Build 26100.3476)

Release date: March 11, 2025

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and March 2025 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

There are two known issues in this build, including one in which players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5053598.)

KB5052093 (OS Build 26100.3323) Preview

Release date: February 25, 2025

In this build, a variety of new features are being rolled out gradually, including one that lets you snooze or turn off the “Start backup” reminder in the File Explorer address bar. This only applies if you are not already backing up your files and folder. To view this new option, right-click Start backup.

A number of bug fixes are being rolled out gradually, including one for a bug in which the address bar overlapped files in File Explorer when you used the F11 full-screen mode. A variety of bug fixes take immediate effect, including for a bug in which there were display rendering issues when you tried to connect to certain PCs.

There are two known issues in this build, including one in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows. In addition, devices that have certain Citrix components installed might be unable to complete installation of the January 2025 Windows security update. This issue was observed on devices with Citrix Session Recording Agent (SRA) version 2411.

(Get more info about KB5052093 Preview.)

KB5051987 (OS Build 26100.3194)

Release date: February 11, 2025

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and February 2025 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

There are three known issues in this build, including one in which players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5051987.)

KB5050094 (OS Build 26100.3037) Preview

Release date: January 28, 2025

In this build, a variety of new features are being rolled out gradually, including one in which an icon will appear in the system tray when you use an app that supports Windows Studio Effects. This only occurs on a device that has a neural processing unit (NPU). Select the icon to open the Studio Effects page in Quick Settings. To view the app that is using the camera, hover over the icon for a tooltip.

A number of bug fixes are being rolled out gradually, including one for a bug in which a search would sometimes repeat when you didn’t want it to. Other bug fixes are immediately available, including one in which the display of some games appears oversaturated when you use Auto HDR.

There are three known issues in this build, including one in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows. In addition, following the installation of the October 2024 security update, some customers report that the OpenSSH (Open Secure Shell) service fails to start, preventing SSH connections. And devices that have certain Citrix components installed might be unable to complete installation of the January 2025 Windows security update

(Get more info about KB5050094 Preview.)

KB5050009 (OS Build 26100.2894)

Release date: January 14, 2025

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and January 2025 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

There are three known issues in this build, including one in which players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5050009.)

KB5048667 (OS Build 26100.2605)

Release date: December 10, 2024

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and December 2024 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

There is one known issue in this build, in which players on Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5048667.)

KB5046740 (OS Build 26100.2454) Preview

Release date: November 21, 2024

This build adds a number of interface features are being rolled out gradually. The system tray shows a shortened date and time, and there’s a new section for touchscreen edge gestures in Settings. When you right-click an app on the Start menu, a jump list will appear (if the app has a jump list). And if you hold Ctrl + Shift down when you click a jump list item, you open the item as an admin.

A variety of bugs have been fixed in this build, including one in which the users page might have caused Task Manager to stop responding when you use the keyboard.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5046740 Preview.)

KB5046617 (OS Build 26100.2314)

Release date: November 12, 2024

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and November 2024 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5046617.)

KB5044384 (OS Build 26100.2161) Preview

Release date: October 24, 2024

In this build, you can now configure the Copilot key on the keyboard. On new devices, the key opens the Copilot app. If you sign in to your account using a Microsoft Entra ID, the key opens the M365 app. You can make the key open a different app or open Search. To do this, go to Settings > Personalization > Text input. 

In addition, a variety of features are being rolled out gradually, including one in which you can stop the suggestions to turn off notifications from certain apps. Select the ellipsis (…) in the notification and turn it off. You can also go to Settings > System > Notifications and turn it off from there. 

A variety of bugs have also been fixed, including one in which you were unable to view some parts of the UI when you run certain apps.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5044384 Preview.)

Windows 11 24H2 KB5044284 (OS Build 26100.2033)

Release date: October 8, 2024

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and October 2024 Security Updates.

This build also fixes one bug in which the Remote Desktop Gateway Service stopped responding when a service used remote procedure calls (RPC) over HTTP.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5044284.)

Windows 11, version 24H2

Release date: October 1, 2024

The Windows 11 24H2 update (also called Windows 11 2024 Update) is now being gradually rolled out. It may take some months before it reaches everyone, so you may not have it yet. As with previous annual Windows updates, it’s not a major upgrade, but does include a variety of minor new features.

Following are the highlights for end users:

• File Explorer gets several new features, including support for TAR and 7z compression and the ability to add metadata to PNG files, so you can add information to your images.
• New privacy settings for Wi-Fi networks give more control over which applications can access the list of nearby Wi-Fi networks. Limiting the applications that can access that list can make it more difficult for others to pinpoint your location.
• You can now join Wi-Fi networks by scanning QR codes, and create a QR code to allow others to share your mobile hotspot with others.
• A new Energy Saver mode reduces electric consumption on desktop PCs as well as laptops, helping you reduce your carbon footprint and improving laptop battery life. It reduces energy consumption from background tasks as well as those running in the foreground.
• Copilot now runs as a separate app, and is movable and resizable like any other app, rather than running in a sidebar panel.
• Copilot+ PCs get several new features, including Cocreator in Paint, which uses AI to generate images; enhancing video calls with AI-powered noise cancellation and improved lighting; and what Microsoft calls Auto Super Resolution, which gives games higher resolution and offers smoother gameplay.

For IT admins, highlights include:

• Policy improvements and automatic account management for Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS)
• Personal Data Encryption (PDE) for users’ Documents, Desktop, and Pictures folders
• App Control for Business
• Windows protected print mode
• Local Security Authority (LSA) protection
• Support for Wi-Fi 7
• SHA-3 support

See this blog post from Microsoft’s Harjit Dhaliwal for more information.

Prerelease updates for Windows 11 24H2 KB5043178 (OS Build 26100.1882) Preview

Release date: September 30, 2024

This build for Windows 11 24H2 offers a variety of new features, some of which will show up immediately and some of which are being rolled out gradually. Among the features that will roll out gradually is a new energy recommendation to turn off high dynamic range (HDR). This helps to conserve energy on devices that have HDR displays. Go to Settings > Power & battery > Energy recommendations.

Among the features available immediately is one that lets you manage your Copilot Pro subscription in Settings. Sign in to your Microsoft account and go to Settings > Accounts.

Several bugs have been fixed, including one in which Task Manager stopped responding when you switched from a high-contrast theme to a normal theme.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5043178 Preview.)

KB5043080 (OS Build 26100.1742)

Release date: September 10, 2024

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and September 2024 Security Updates.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5043080.)

KB5041865 (OS Build 26100.1591) Preview

Release date: August 27, 2024

This build for Windows 11 24H2 offers a variety of new features that are being rolled out gradually, including one in which you can share content to your Android device from the Windows Share window.

Several bugs have been fixed, including one in which a deadlock occurred in the domain controller when it started up in the DNS client.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5041865 Preview.)

KB5041571 (OS Build 26100.1457)

Release date: August 13, 2024

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and August 2024 Security Updates. It also fixes several bugs, including one in which the “Use my Windows user account” checkbox was not available on the lock screen to connect to Wi-Fi.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5041571.)

KB5040529 (OS Build 26100.1301) Preview

Release date: July 30, 2024

This build for Windows 11 24H2 offers a variety of new features that are being rolled out gradually, including the new account manager being on the Start menu. When you use a Microsoft account to sign in to Windows, you will get a glance at your account benefits. This feature also makes it easy to manage your account settings.

One feature is being rolled out immediately, in which Widgets icons on the taskbar are no longer pixelated or fuzzy. You also get a larger set of animated icons.

Several bugs have been fixed, including one in which devices that use certain WLAN cards stopped responding.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5040529 Preview.)

KB5040435 (OS Build 26100.1150)

Release date: July 9, 2024

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and July 2024 Security Updates. It also This update adds PCR 4 to PCR 7 and 11 for the default Secure Boot validation profile.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5040435.)

KB50439304 (OS Build 26100.1000) Preview

Release date: June 28, 2024

This build fixes a variety of bugs, including one in which Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) failed to verify the policies of some apps.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5041865 Preview.)

KB5039239 (OS Build 26100.863)

Release date: June 15, 2024

This build pins Copilot to the taskbar and makes it behave like a traditional app that can be resized and moved. The build also fixes several bugs, including one in which the volume of Bluetooth devices were automatically set to maximum when you connected to them.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Arm devices are unable to download and play Roblox via the Microsoft Store on Windows.

(Get more info about KB5039239.)

Updates to Windows 11 version 23H2 KB5043145 (OS Builds 22621.4249 and 22631.4249) Preview

Release date: September 24, 2024

This build, for both Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, offers a variety of new features and bug fixes, some of which will show up immediately, and some of which are being rolled out gradually. Among the features that will roll out gradually is the ability to share local files directly from the search results that appear in the Search box on the taskbar. Among the bug fixes that roll out immediately are one that addresses an issue in which Task Manager stopped responding when you switched from a high contrast theme to a normal theme.

(Get more info about KB5043145 Preview.)

KB5043076 (OS Builds 22621.4169 and 22631.4169)

Release date: September 10, 2024

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and September 2024 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

There is one known issue in this build, in which you might face issues with booting Linux if you have enabled the dual-boot setup for Windows and Linux in your device. Your device might fail to boot Linux and show the error message “Verifying shim SBAT data failed: Security Policy Violation. Something has gone seriously wrong: SBAT self-check failed: Security Policy Violation.”

(Get more info about KB5043076.)

KB5041587 (OS Builds 22621.4112 and 22631.4112) Preview

Release date: August 27, 2024

This build, for both Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, includes the ability to share content to your Android device from the Windows Share window. To do it, must pair your Android device to your Windows PC and use the Link to Windows app on your Android device and Phone Link on your PC.

In Voice Access, you can also now dictate the characters that you spell at a faster speed, and you have more editing options for the commands that select, delete, and move within text. The build also fixes several bugs, including one in which when you pressed Ctrl + F, sometimes the search did not start.

The new features and bug fixes will roll out to users gradually.

(Get more info about KB5041587 Preview.)

KB5041585 (OS Builds 22621.4037 and 22631.4037)

Release date: August 13, 2024

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and August 2024 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5041585.)

KB5040527 (OS Builds 22621.3958 and 22631.3958) Preview

Release date: July 25, 2024

This build, for both Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, offers a variety of new features and bug fixes, some of which will show up immediately and some of which are being rolled out gradually. Among the features that will roll out gradually is pinning apps to the taskbar by dragging them from the Pinned section of the Start menu, and right-clicking a tab in File Explorer to duplicate it. Among the bug fixes that will roll out gradually is a memory leak that occurred when you interacted with archive folders.

Among the bugs fixed immediately is one in which in Group Policy Preferences you could not choose a group from the target domain for ILT or choose an account from Local Users and Groups.

(Get more info about KB5040527 Preview.)

KB5040442 (OS Builds 22621.3880 and 22631.3880)

Release date: July 9, 2024

This update has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and July 2024 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

There is one known issue in this update, in which enterprise users may face issues while upgrading from Windows Pro to a valid Windows Enterprise subscription. OS upgrade operations may fail, and this might be shown in the LicenseAcquisition scheduled task in Task Scheduler > Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Subscription as ‘Access denied error (error code 0x80070005)’ under ‘Last Run Result.’

(Get more info about KB5040442.)

KB5039302 (OS Builds 22621.3810 and 22631.3810) Preview

Release date: June 25, 2024

This build, for both Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, offers a variety of new features and bug fixes, some of which will show up immediately and some of which are being rolled out gradually. Among the bug fixes that will show up immediately is one that addresses an issue in which ejecting USB devices using the Safely Remove Hardware option failed when Task Manager was open.

Among the features that will roll out gradually is a new account manager on the Start menu that makes it easier to manage your account settings and lets you see your account benefits. Also being rolled out gradually is support for Emoji 15.1.

(Get more info about KB5039302 Preview.)

KB5039212 (OS Builds 22621.3737 and 22631.3737)

Release date: June 11, 2024

This update fixes a variety of bugs, including one in which the taskbar might briefly glitch, not respond, or disappear and reappear.

In addition, it has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and June 2024 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5039212.)

KB5037853 (OS Builds 22621.3672 and 22631.3672) Preview

Release date: May 29, 2024

This build introduces a variety of minor feature updates, including one that lets you use your mouse to drag files between breadcrumbs in the File Explorer address bar and another that lets you create QR codes for webpage URLs and cloud files from the Windows share window.

The build also fixes a variety of bugs, including one in which File Explorer stopped responding when you swiped from a screen edge after turning off edge swiping, and another in which handwriting panels and touch keyboards did not appear when you used a pen.

(Get more info about KB5037853 Preview.)

KB5037771 (OS Builds 22621.3593 and 22631.3593)

Release date: May 14, 2024

This update fixes a bug that caused VPN connections to fail, and another in which Server Message Block (SMB) clients failed to make SMB Multichannel connections, making file transfers are slow.

In addition, it has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and May 2024 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5037771.)

KB506980 (OS Builds 22621.3527 and 22631.3527) Preview

Release date: April 23, 2024

In this build, the Recommended section of the Start menu will show some Microsoft Store apps. In addition, widgets icons on the taskbar are no longer pixelated or fuzzy, and Windows widgets on the lockscreen are more reliable.

The build also fixes a variety of bugs, including one in which Windows Local Administrator Password Solution’s Post Authentication Actions (PAAs) did not occur at the end of the grace period. Instead, they occurred at restart.

There is one known issue in this build, in which you might be unable to change your user account profile picture.

(Get more info about KB5036980 Preview.)

KB5036893 (OS Builds 22621.3447 and 22631.3447)

Release date: April 9, 2024

This build offers a wide variety of minor new features, including dedicated mode for Windows 365 Boot. When you sign in on your company-owned device, you also are signed into to your Windows 365 Cloud PC. This uses passwordless authentication, like Windows Hello for Business.

The update also adds suggestions to Snap Layouts. When you hover over the minimize or maximize button of an app to open the layout box, app icons will display various layout options. Use them to help you to choose the best layout option.

In addition, the update changes the apps that appear in the Windows share window. The account you use to sign in affects the apps that are in “Share using.” For example, if you use a Microsoft account (MSA) to sign in, you will see Microsoft Teams (free). When you use a Microsoft Entra ID account (formerly Azure Active Directory) to sign in, your Microsoft Teams (work or school) contacts show instead.

This build also has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and April 2024 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5036893.)

Windows 11 KB5035942 (OS Builds 22621.3374 and 22631.3374) Preview

Release date: March 26, 2024

In addition, in Windows Hello for Business admins can now use mobile device management to turn off the prompt that appears when users sign in to an Entra-joined machine. To do it, turn on the “DisablePostLogonProvisioning” policy setting. After a user signs in, provisioning is off for Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Windows devices using more than one monitor might experience issues with desktop icons moving unexpectedly between monitors or other icon alignment issues when attempting to use Copilot in Windows.

(Get more info about KB5035942 Preview.)

KB5035853 (OS Builds 22621.3296 and 22631.3296)

Release date: March 12, 2024

This build fixes a bug that affected the February 2024 security and preview updates. They might not have installed, and your device might shave stopped responding at 96% with the error code “0x800F0922” and the error message, “Something did not go as planned. No need to worry – undoing changes. Please keep your computer on.”

This build also has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and March 2024 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5035853.)

KB5034848 (OS Builds 22621.3235 and 22631.3235) Preview

Release date: February 29, 2024

In this build, you can now use the Snipping Tool on your PC to edit the most recent photos and screenshots from your Android device. You will get an instant notification on your PC when your Android device captures a new photo or screenshot. To turn this on, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices. Choose Manage devices and allow your PC to access your Android device.

The build also adds support for the USB 80Gbps standard, the next generation of USB4 that has twice the bandwidth of USB 40Gbps. To use USB 80Gbps, you must have a compatible PC and USB4 or Thunderbolt peripheral.

The build also fixes several bugs, including one in which the Windows Settings Home page randomly stopped responding when you went to the page, and another in which devices failed to make the automatic switch from cellular to Wi-Fi when they could use Wi-Fi.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Windows 11 devices attempting to install the February 2024 security update, released February 13, 2024 (KB5034765), might face installation failures and the system might stop responding at 96%.

(Get more info about KB5034848 Preview.)

KB5034765 (OS Builds 22621.3155 and 22631.3155)

Release date: February 13, 2023

In this build, the Copilot in Windows icon now appears on the right side of the system tray on the taskbar. Also, the display of “Show desktop” at the rightmost corner of the taskbar will be off by default. To turn it back on, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. You can also right-click the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings. These changes will be gradually rolled out.

This build also has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and February 2024 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5034765.)

KB5034204 (OS Builds 22621.3085 and 22631.3085) Preview

Release date: January 23, 2024

This build fixes a variety of bugs, including one that stopped search from working on the Start menu for some users because of a deadlock, and another that that caused devices to intermittently stop responding after you installed a print support app.

There is one known issue in this build, in which Windows devices using more than one monitor might experience issues with desktop icons moving unexpectedly between monitors or other icon alignment issues when attempting to use Copilot in Windows (in preview).

(Get more info about KB5034204 Preview.)

KB5034123 (OS Builds 22621.3007 and 22631.3007)

Release date: January 9, 2024

This build fixes several bugs, including one in which devices shut down after 60 seconds when you used a smart card to authenticate on a remote system, and another in which some Wi-Fi adapters could not connect to some networks, particularly those that use 802.1x to authenticate.

It also has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and January 2024 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

There are three known issues in this build, including one affecting ID admins, in which using the FixedDrivesEncryptionType or SystemDrivesEncryptionType policy settings in the BitLocker configuration service provider (CSP) node in mobile device management apps might incorrectly show a 65000 error in the “Require Device Encryption” setting for some devices in your environment. To mitigate the issue in Microsoft Intune, you can set the “Enforce drive encryption type on operating system drives” or “Enforce drive encryption on fixed drives” policies to not configured.

(Get more info about KB5034123.)

KB5033375 (OS Builds 22621.2861 and 22631.2861)

Release date: December 12, 2023

This build has a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and December 2023 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

There are four known issues in this build, including one which affects ID admins, in which using the FixedDrivesEncryptionType or SystemDrivesEncryptionType policy settings in the BitLocker configuration service provider (CSP) node in mobile device management (MDM) apps might incorrectly show a 65000 error in the “Require Device Encryption” setting for some devices in your environment. To mitigate the issue in Microsoft Intune, you can set the “Enforce drive encryption type on operating system drives” or “Enforce drive encryption on fixed drives” policies to not configured.

(Get more info about KB5033375.)

KB5032288 (OS Builds 22621.2792 and 22631.2792) Preview

Release date: December 4, 2023

In this update, Copilot in Windows (in preview) can be used across multiple displays, and it can be used with Alt+Tab. When you press Alt+Tab, the thumbnail preview for Copilot in Windows appears among other thumbnail previews of open windows. You can switch between them using the Tab keystroke. This is available to a small audience initially and will deploy more broadly in the months that follow.

The update also fixes a wide range of bugs, including one in which the Copilot icon did not show as being as active when it’s open on the taskbar.

There are four known issues in this update, one applicable to IT admins, in which using the FixedDrivesEncryptionType or SystemDrivesEncryptionType policy settings in the BitLocker configuration service provider (CSP) node in mobile device management (MDM) apps might incorrectly show a 65000 error in the “Require Device Encryption” setting for some devices in your environment.

(Get more info about KB5032288 Preview.)

KB5032190 (OS Builds 22621.2715 and 22631.2715)

Release date: November 14, 2023

This build introduces a preview of the Copilot for Windows AI assistant and a File Explorer with a new interface that includes new files displayed as a carousel, and that recognizes local and cloud folders. It also introduces the Windows Backup app that can be used to quickly get your current PC backed up and ready to move to a new PC. In addition, there are many other new features and interface changes throughout Windows, including for Settings, Windows Spotlight, security graphics, voice access, Narrator, and others.

It also includes a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and November 2023 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

There are three known issues in this build, including one that affects ID admins in which using the FixedDrivesEncryptionType or SystemDrivesEncryptionType policy settings in the BitLocker configuration service provider (CSP) node in MDM apps might incorrectly show a 65000 error in the “Require Device Encryption” setting for some devices in your environment. To mitigate the issue in Microsoft Intune, you can set the “Enforce drive encryption type on operating system drives” or “Enforce drive encryption on fixed drives” policies to not configured.

(Get more info about KB5032190.)

KB5031455 (OS Builds 22621.2506 and 22631.2506) Preview

Release date: Oct. 31, 2023

This update introduces a preview of the Copilot for Windows AI assistant and File Explorer with a new interface that includes new files displayed as a carousel, and that recognizes local and cloud folders. It also includes minor interface changes to many parts of the operating system, including taskbar, system tray, security notifications, and more.

There is one known issue, which applies to IT admins: using the FixedDrivesEncryptionType or SystemDrivesEncryptionType policy settings in the BitLocker configuration service provider (CSP) node in mobile device management (MDM) apps might incorrectly show a 65000 error in the “Require Device Encryption” setting for some devices in your environment.

(Get more info about KB5031455 Preview.)

KB5031455 (OS Build 22621.2506) Preview

Release date: Oct. 26, 2023

This build introduces a preview of the Copilot for Windows AI assistant and a File Explorer with a new interface that includes new files displayed as a carousel, and that recognizes local and cloud folders. It also introduces the Windows Backup app that can be used to quickly get your current PC backed up and ready to move to a new PC.

There is one known issue in this build that applies to IT admins: using the FixedDrivesEncryptionType or SystemDrivesEncryptionType policy settings in the BitLocker configuration service provider (CSP) node in mobile device management (MDM) apps might incorrectly show a 65000 error in the “Require Device Encryption” setting for some devices in your environment.

(Get more info about KB5031455 Preview.)

KB5031354 (OS Build 22621.2428)

Release date: October 10, 2023

This build includes a wide variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and October 2023 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5031354.)

KB5030310 (OS Build 22621.2361) Preview

Release date: September 26, 2023

This update adds websites to the Recommended section of the Start menu. These websites come from your browsing history. You can remove any website URL from the Recommended section using the shortcut menu. To turn off the feature, go to Settings > Personalization > Start.

It also fixes a variety of bugs, including one in which the search box tooltip did not appear in the correct position, and another in which the search button disappeared when you interacted with the search flyout box.

In addition, if you want to use a variety of new features, such as the AI-driven Copilot for Windows and improvements to File Manager, Paint, and other apps, go to Settings > Windows Update, toggle on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available,” and then restart your PC. For more details, see Microsoft’s blog post.

(Get more info about KB5030310 Preview.)

KB5030219 (OS Build 22621.2283)

Release date: September 12, 2023

This build removes a blank menu item from the Sticky Keys menu and includes a variety of security updates. For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and September 2023 Security Updates.

What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

(Get more info about KB5030219.)

Major US tech companies are spending more money than ever lobbying the EU to influence its digital rules, Politico reports. Artificial intelligence and rules such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) will be a particular focus.

A new analysis shows that 733 digital sector players together spend around €151 million a year on lobbying, compared to €113 million in 2023.

The biggest spenders are US companies such as Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Qualcomm and Google. The top 10 tech companies now spend more than the top players in the pharmaceutical, financial and automotive industries combined. Meta is now the biggest lobbyist in the EU with an annual budget of over €10 million.

Increased spending is also reflected in more lobbyists and more meetings with EU institutions. Critics argue that lobbying can weaken established rules, while companies themselves claim they want to provide expertise to lawmakers.

Further reading:

• Meta launches bipartisan super PAC to influence state AI laws amid rising regulatory pressure
• Apple may turn off key privacy tool in Europe
• Google backs EU’s AI code despite concerns over innovation risks
  

While there were solid improvements in the last generation of Apple’s popular wearable, the huge 24-hour battery life in Apple Watch Series 11 means this smartwatch has finally become what it always promised to be: a device capable of running all day and all night, which is especially for tasks like sleep tracking.

Based on my time with a Series 11 version provided for review by Apple, if you already wear a Series 10 Apple Watch, much will feel the same. The newest edition is just as thin, weighs about the same, and even looks the same. If you’re already comfortable with your existing watch, the new one will be familiar.

The ever improving user experience

Setting up a new Apple Watch seems to get a little easier each time; all you need to do is power it up and hold it near your iPhone to begin the pairing process. You’ll be given a sequence of easy start-up instructions and the chance to set the watch up as new or restore it from a backup. With the exception of the restore, the process takes no time at all, and you will be wearing your new watch in a few minutes. 

Like so much about what Apple does, many of us may take the ease of setup for granted. We shouldn’t. Apple has spent years refining that part of the experience to make it as seamless and easy as possible. It’s continuously improved that experience since the first Apple Watch, with user interface improvements, added watch faces and dozens of built-in tools to help you with your life. (Being able to walk through many airports using travel tickets and boarding passes tucked away on your watch can feel pretty magical sometimes.)

Once I upgraded, everything pretty much just worked — with the exception of apps that might require authorization, and card payments using Apple Pay/Wallet, which had to be verified with my payment providers. (Some payment providers have a multistep process for this; others just took two steps.)

Apple Work, eat… and sleep

Pretty soon, I was going about my daily business, using the watch to check incoming messages, monitor my step count, check the weather, pay for groceries, deal with public transit, get directions, and take calls — thanks to the built-in cellular connection. I’ve even used the watch to convert ingredient measurements when cooking recipes.

Typically, Apple Watch wearers do a lot with their device, which has been a problem when using the sleep tracking it has provided since 2020. Using that feature meant you had to remember to charge the device before or after you slept if you wanted to continue using it the rest of the day. 

This got better with Apple Watch Series 10 which gave us up to 18 hours of use, but Apple Watch Series 11 is the equivalent of the Holy Grail, offering up to 24 hours of battery life. It means you can track sleep and still use your watch the next day, something Apple Watch users have wanted from the start.

Apple also introduced a second battery boost in the form of faster charging, which means that when your watch is running out of power you’ll get eight more hours of battery life in just 15 minutes on charge (or 5 minutes for a night’s sleep tracking). That’s a meaningful upgrade on its own.

Apple Watching the detectives

Other improvements are harder to spot:

• Ion-X glass used in the screen is much more durable; users may notice how much less prone it is to becoming scratched than any previous model. There’s a reason for that, which is that Apple has tweaked the sophisticated and proprietary process design to put together the toughest glass in the industry, reinforced with a ceramic coating at an atomic level. This basically makes the screen incredibly hard to crack.
• Hypertension notifications should help people better maintain oversight of their own fitness, helping by spotting some of the signs of heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. To achieve this, the watch gathers data from the optical heart sensor over a 30-day period, analyzes this, and notifies you if it spots consistent signs of hypertension.
• The blood oxygen app has once again appeared, alongside all the other fitness features. It’s why Apple Watch remains king of the fitness bands, though the hypertension feature is once again something most of us hopefully will never have to deal with.

Another thing you don’t see is a new chip inside. The S10 is basically the same chip used in the previous model. Also identical are the W3 Apple Wireless chip and the Ultra-Wideband chip used in the devices. 

Intelligent machines

I think this is the first time Apple has not upgraded the processor inside a new watch model, though software tweaks and other on-device improvements mean you will continue to get seamless, responsive performance.

Apple has also put more artificial intelligence inside, principally a new neural network that helps optimize some tasks, including voice isolation when using the watch to make a call. Apple has also improved one of the more popular apps. The Workout Buddy delivers more personalized ways to stay active and supports additional workout types. Meanwhile, the addition of flick gestures, watch faces and more means everything that already works on Apple Watch works at least as well as it ever did. The overall result is a big improvement in the overall user experience.

Apple Buying advice

What was always good about the Apple Watch remains just as good as ever. In many cases, artificial intelligence has made those features better, while the improved display and battery resilience means you can usually trust Apple Watch to take you where you want to go, and back again. 

If you have an Apple Watch Series 10, you might be tempted to upgrade — six hours of extra battery life is nice to have. If you have an older model, the battery life improvement makes this a super upgrade. It means you now have a wearable that can take you through your night and through your day, while also letting you know how much energy you need yourself, thanks to the sleep monitoring tools you can more easily use. Apple Watch Series 11 prices begin at $399 and is available now.

You can follow me on social media! Join me on BlueSky,  LinkedIn, and Mastodon.

Last week, the privacy-focused messaging service Signal was temporarily shut down when Amazon Web Services (AWS) suffered a major outage. This led to criticism of Signal’s use of such a dominant provider as AWS.

Signal CEO Meredith Whittaker has now commented that Signal basically has no other choice.

“The problem is the concentration of power in the infrastructure space, which means there is effectively no real alternative: the entire stack is effectively owned by 3-4 players,” writes Meredith Whittaker on Bluesky.

She continues:

“The question isn’t ‘why is Signal using AWS?’ It’s about looking at the infrastructural requirements of any global, real-time mass communication platform and asking how it is that we have ended up in a situation where there is no realistic alternative to AWS and the other hyperscalers.”

[ Related reading: Post outage, AWS adds automated incident reporting to its CloudWatch service ]

Android updates have gotten tricky to keep track of these days — between the polar-opposite problems of unpredictably poky progress from most non-Google device-makers and perplexingly overlapping updates from Google with its self-controlled Pixel phones. 

(What’s this update I’m seeing now? Is it Android 16, the Android 16 “QPR1” or “QPR2” quarterly update, some manner of “Android feature drop” or “Pixel drop,” or some sort of beta update I opted into somewhere along the way? Trick question: All of those things are actually part of Android 16! Good luck sorting that out in your soggy cerebellum.)

The good news, though, is that at the end of the day, labels only mean so much. No matter which flavor of Android 16 you’re running, once the software is on your device, you’ll have tons of new tricks to try out — and, all engaging exploration aside, your trusty Googley gizmo will be doing some splendidly smart things for you that require no active effort on your part and might not even be obvious that they’re present.

We already looked at a staggering stream of active-discovery additions Android 16 affords you, so today, we’ll turn our focus to that other part of the equation — the elements of Android 16 that are just there and working quietly on your behalf, whether or not you notice, specifically in the areas of security and notifications.

By the time you’ve finished reading this, you’ll be well aware of exactly what advantages Android 16 is adding into your life — even if you aren’t necessarily aware of which exact version of Android 16 you’re actually using at the moment.

[Want even more advanced Android knowledge? Check out my free Android Shortcut Supercourse to learn tons of time-saving tricks for any Android phone in front of you.]

Part I: Android 16 security strengtheners 1. Smarter scam spotting

Our first Android 16 addition is one you’ll hopefully never see — but if the right sort of scenario arises, you’ll be very glad it’s available. With Android 16, Google’s added in extra protections around the ever-problematic universe of voice call scams.

Specifically, your phone will now prevent you from manually installing an app from an unknown source while any voice call is active — with the idea that a scammer might be trying to trick you into installing something that you shouldn’t (and also, y’know, that it’s probably pretty rare to actually need to install an app from a random non-Play-Store place while you’re actively in the midst of an ongoing voice call).

Similarly, Android 16 will block especially high-level system permissions from being enabled while calls are actively in progress — with a similar scam-stopping sentiment in mind.

Yes, please — and thank you.

2. An on-demand fingerprint check

Next, Android 16 introduces the option to check on your saved fingerprints after the fact and confirm which precise phalange of yours is registered and authorized to unlock your phone.

If you head into the Security section on any supported device and then make your way into the “Device unlock” area (or “Screen lock,” in Samsung vernacular) and tap “Fingerprints” from there, you should see a quietly added line labeled “Check enrolled fingerprints” (or “Check added fingerprints,” on a Samsung phone — since Samsung feels compelled to constantly change things for no apparent reason and with no meaningful effect other than lack of consistency and the consequential creation of confusion).

Android 16’s fingerprint options gain a potentially useful new on-demand check-up.

JR Raphael, Foundry

Tap that, and you can then press any fingie you like onto your screen’s sensor to (a) confirm that it’s registered and (b) see precisely which saved slot it’s assigned to.

Just note that this capability seems to be present only on devices with in-screen fingerprint sensors, which means foldables like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold — where the sensor shifts over to the power button — don’t presently present it.

3. A more secure Secure Folder

Speaking of Samsung, the company’s Secure Folder Android addition — which lets you move “sensitive” apps into a special extra-protected and optionally out-of-sight area — gets a nice little upgrade as of Android 16.

On any Galaxy gizmo, you can now set the Secure Folder to automatically lock itself and require authentication for access anytime your screen turns off while you’re actively in the midst of using it — and you can ask it to hide any notifications from apps stored within it so no one sees any such alert inadvertently.

Samsung’s Secure Folder is even more protective as of the Android 16 update.

JR Raphael, Foundry

Search your Samsung system settings for secure folder to find the new options (or activate your Secure Folder for the first time, if you haven’t already) — and if you’re using a Pixel or any other type of Android device, search your system settings instead for private space to reveal a similar set of options.

4. Automatically invisible alerts

While we’re on the subject of avoiding unwanted alerts, Android 16 now automatically hides the contents of notifications it sees as being especially sensitive from showing up on your lock screen — like, for instance, those that contain one-time use security codes within ’em. Thoughtful, no?

This should just happen on its own, without any specific sort of setting or opt-in required on your end. And that, if you ask me, makes an awful lot of sense.

5. Easier lock screen control

Also related, Samsung’s take on Android 16 adds in a simpler setup for stopping any and all sensitive stuff from showing up on your screen while your device is locked — regardless of how your phone interprets it.

It’s an option within the Notifications section of your system settings called, appropriately enough, “Hide content while locked.” Tapping it will show you a quick ‘n’ easy one-toggle switch for hiding all notifications from your lock screen without having to go through each individual app to set a specific preference.

Taking total control over your lock screen’s notification behavior is especially easy as of Android 16.

JR Raphael, Foundry

In the standard (non-Samsung) Google version of Android, a similar sliver of sorcery exists in that same Notifications area under the “Notifications on lock screen” option. And, no matter what flavor of Android phone you’re using, you can always dig deeper and create app-by-app exceptions for whatever rule you establish as well.

Part II: Android 16 notification nuance 6. Automatic organization

Notification overload is all too common of a challenge, particularly for those of us who receive alerts from approximately 7,977 different calendars and messaging apps (hiya!). Android 16 aims to make any avalanche of alerts at least a little more manageable by automatically grouping multiple notifications from the same app into a single streamlined space in your notification panel — so you’ll see ’em all together and they take up far less room.

Notably, Android has actually offered the ability to do this for years now — but up until Android 16, it’s been up to each individual app developer to opt in and implement it. With Android 16, every single app will automatically have its notifications grouped for you, whether its developer took the time to support the system or not.

And let me just say, on behalf of all my fellow full-time notification jugglers: Hallelujah.

7. Simpler status updates

Last but not least, another long-standing Android option that’s getting a subtle but significant spruce-up in Android 16 is the persistent notification — when a specific activity within an app needs to keep notifying you over time so you can see the status of some manner of ongoing event.

Android 16’s new Live Updates system allows apps to tap into a special new setup for such moments that places a prominent indicator in your status bar and lets you easily see updates at a glance. So far, Maps and (soon) Google Wallet are among the early apps that actually take advantage of the opportunity — unlike the automatic organization thing from a moment ago, this one does still require developers to manually decide to participate — but with any luck, we’ll see more moving into the mix soon.

Hey, who knows? Maybe support from other Google apps will even show up alongside a future Android 16 update — even if you never actually notice its arrival.

Get six full days of advanced Android knowledge with my free Android Shortcut Supercourse. You’ll learn tons of time-saving tricks — no patience-testing sleuthing required.

Computerworld and the larger tech journalism community lost an outstanding journalist and beloved colleague earlier this month with the unexpected passing of Senior Reporter Lucas Mearian. He passed away on Oct. 21 while recovering from heart surgery, leaving behind his wife Kim and their family.

After a nearly 10-year stint in the US Marine Corps and an early career in newspaper journalism, first as daily newspaper reporter and briefly as editor-in-chief at a local weekly paper, Lucas came to Computerworld in June 2000. He immediately began digging into enterprise technology topics with a dedication and curiosity that would successfully carry him through the next 25 years. Among the topics he wrote about — and won awards for — were enterprise storage, automotive technology, PCs, 3D printing, data privacy, fintech, cryptocurrency and blockchain. Most recently he focused on generative AI, the reshoring of chip manufacturing to the US, remote/hybrid work, and IT skills and training.

Lucas approached everything he did with enthusiasm, high energy, and a positive outlook. Where other reporters might see mundane topics, Lucas always saw opportunity. He was legendary at Computerworld for finding great stories on his data storage beat — a topic few expected would produce the number of compelling articles he regularly filed. He once found himself deep in a western Pennsylvania mine, 22 stories underground, that had been set up by data storage and management vendor Iron Mountain to study geothermal conditions and engineering designs for electronic document storage. 

Throughout his career, Lucas relished the challenge of learning about new (and often complex) technology. When blockchain burst onto the tech scene in the late 2010s, Lucas jumped at the chance to write about it, using his reporting skills to explain to our readers what the technology does and how it works. He became an expert on 3D printing, routinely printing up objects to better understand the technology and its potential uses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he explored how the sudden rise of remote work was reshaping the workplace in real time. 

Lucas took a break from journalism a few years back to try his hand at being a tech analyst for IDC. He excelled at his analysis work but missed the faster pace of tech journalism, so he returned to Computerworld and picked up where he left off.

Most recently, since the arrival of ChatGPT and generative AI in late 2022, Lucas devoted much of his work time to the fast-evolving technology — and the sudden need for new skills among unprepared tech workers. He spoke with people seeking  jobs at chipmakers looking to set up new facilities in the US, and explained why the lack of skilled workers could hinder the entire reshoring effort. And just last month, he dug into the Trump administration’s plans for major new H-1B visa fees and how they could radically change how tech companies find talent worldwide.

Lucas’s talents went beyond his authoritative writing and reporting skills. He often appeared on camera for Computerworld’s video series (and those of our parent company, Foundry), displaying an ease in the spotlight that allowed him to expound on technology in a new way. He was also involved in many Foundry events, most recently the CIO 100 conference in August. Lucas stepped in for another colleague to host the CIO 100 Media Booth with very little ramp-up time, personally reaching out to secure interviews with more than 20 C-suite executives and crafting tailored questions for each guest. Over the course of three intensive days, he conducted on-camera interviews and actively built connections with every professional he encountered. (You can see some of this work here and here.) 

One of Lucas’s most recent interviews was with TIAA’s Sastry Durvasula, at the CIO 100 event:

Much more important than his professional success was his character. Lucas was kind, generous, caring, and giving — both professionally and personally. He routinely shared his knowledge with colleagues and regularly promoted other writers’ articles in social media channels. In a highly competitive industry, Lucas enjoyed and celebrated his colleagues’ successes as much as his own.

A talented baker, he often shared his homemade pies in the newsroom around the holidays. Those pies — like his writing and work ethic — were legendary. He also loved to travel, especially around New England. He and Kim would wander from their home in Natick, Mass. to Vermont (always bringing back cheddar cheese for colleagues) and Newport, Rhode Island. He loved the coastal life there and visited so often that co-workers joked that’s where he should retire.

Lucas was there for his co-workers outside the office as well. He was a man of deep faith and it showed in how he lived his life. He was the kind of person who would reach out personally in times of crisis, asking what he could do to help, offering prayers and encouragement. Just this past summer and fall, when a colleague’s mother became ill and passed away, Lucas stayed in touch — always reassuring his friend that he was praying for everyone’s comfort and peace. (The prayers helped.) Earlier this month, just three days before major heart surgery, he helped a co-worker’s daughter understand what Marine life was like. (She was in a play, where she had the role of a retired Marine and wanted to Lucas to fill her in on how Marines remember their service.)

One colleague who’d known him for years put it simply: “Everyone who knew Lucas loved him.”

It’s often said that most people don’t remember what a person does in life, or what they say, but they do remember how someone makes them feel. Perhaps because of his time in the service, perhaps because of his faith, certainly because of his character, Lucas left us feeling he always had our back — both professionally and as a friend. His loss is truly profound.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. and will be available for viewing live on YouTube. In Lucas’s honor, his family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Computerworld Senior Reporter Lucas Mearian

Sharon Machlis

Apple unveiled its M5-based iPad Pro earlier this month, hard on the heels of the introduction in September of the much more Mac-like iPadOS 26. It’s a powerful hardware/software combination that makes the popular tablet a primary device for many users. 

For IT admins, it also raises a question: Is it finally time to consider replacing laptops with iPad Pro models?

The newest iPad Pro looks just like last year’s model, but offers useful under-the-hood changes such as more RAM, faster SSD speeds, quicker charging, and Wi-Fi 7 capabilities — all of which deliver distinct advantages over previous models. And, of course, it contains Apple’s new flagship processor, the M5. But its potential as a laptop replacement largely depends on big advances Apple made in its operating system. 

Let’s take the hardware and performance first. 

The M5 and other upgrades

The M5 represents a big upgrade from earlier Apple Silicon ships (though perhaps not as a dramatic change from the M4 model). But pure performance only matters to those who can use it. iPad Pro owners who  only use the iPad for web browsing or who rely mainly on cloud-based apps should see some modest improvements. But M5 really shines in its ability to run on-device generative AI (genAI) models and for graphics/video production.  

Today, most companies deploying large language models (LLMs) are doing so with third-party tools accessed via the internet. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, Google’s Gemini, Llama and most other genAI tools don’t run on device; you submit data and/or queries and they deliver the results with the actual computing done in a remote data center. 

Models that run locally, such as Apple’s foundation models, are gaining ground in the market because they offer a major advantage for businesses: privacy and security. Your data remains on the device; it never interacts with something outside your knowledge or control. And to run those models you need powerful hardware.

That’s one reason the M5 in the iPad Pro stands out — it’s built to run resource-hungry genAI models. It also likely explains why Apple,  notoriously stingy when it comes to RAM, boosted the memory capacity of the lower-end iPad Pros to 12GB and of the higher-end models to 16GB. More RAM can only help run genAI tools on device.

Stepping back to see the larger picture, what Apple is doing — to use a hockey metaphor — is trying to skate to where the puck (genAI tools) will be (on-device) as opposed to where it is now (largely in the cloud). 

Another area where the new iPad Pro excels is as a powerful tool for designers and artists working with or rendering graphics. The higher-end versions (with storage of 1TB or 2TB) are particularly useful for visual arts as buyers can order their iPad Pros with nano-textured glass. The glass can reduce reflections and offers a more “paper-like” feel when drawing or sketching with the Apple Pencil. 

The processor isn’t the only new Apple chip — there’s also an N1 networking chip and a C1X modem (for cellular models), both designed by Apple. Initial reviews note that the inclusion of the N1 and its support for Wi-Fi 7 delivers network performance gains.

Where iPadOS 26 fits in

All these advances on the hardware side of the ledger also mean that iPadOS 26 can really shine, particularly when compared to older M1-based models. (I’m not going to get into the debate about whether the “Liquid Glass” look is a hit or miss. Some users like it; others loathe it.)

Apple has long tried to segregate the Mac and iPad markets and avoided anything that seemed like a hybrid of the two. The result was years of frustrations for tablet owners who felt like the iPad’s hardware was deliberately being held back from its potential. This year, Apple finally gave in; it delivered real multitasking and windowed app support as well as a vastly improved Files app (roughly akin to the Mac’s Finder or Windows Explorer). Those changes alone finally making the iPad a true laptop replacement. 

Being able multitask well requires serious computing power, which the M5 delivers in spades. While iPadOS 26 can run on a surprising swath of devices (including any iPad Pro or Air with an M series processor and even newer entry-level iPads/iPad minis), it’s clear that the added processing power makes for serious performance gains over an M1 iPad Pro. 

It’s worth noting that while some older models technically support iPadOS 26, there are multitasking limits around the number of apps that can run simultaneously. Those limitations underline that iPadOS 26 is a revolutionary release and is clearly designed for newer hardware. For practical purposes, the newest iPad Pro will give the best performance.

Transforming a tablet into a laptop

Any iPad, even these new Pro models, requires additional hardware to become a potential laptop replacement. At the very least, a separate keyboard is an obvious requirement for real-world productivity. This could mean Apple’s Magic Keyboard or one of a variety of third-party keyboard/case combinations. Beyond support for the Apple Pencil, iPadOS also has mouse and trackpad support, further blurring the line between tablet and laptop. 

Although not strictly necessary, a case (with or without built-in keyboard) is something that you’ll want to include for protection. 

Each of these add-ons, of course, adds to the cost of the iPad Pro, which isn’t exactly cheap to begin with ($999 for the 11-in. model). Apple’s Magic Keyboard clocks in at $299 or $349 depending on size, and an Apple Pencil is either $79 or $129 (for the Apple Pencil Pro). Go for the top-end 2TB model, add in cellular and the nano-textured glass and you’re looking at a sticker price north of $2,599. That’s higher than most laptops (including the popular MacBook Air).

As usual, specific use cases and price will be deciding factors for many businesses. The new iPad Pro delivers on performance, is especially suited for designers and its AI credibility is without question — especially if you’re looking to build local (on-device) AI solutions. But all that comes at a cost. 

It will be interesting to watch how Apple rolls out future M5 upgrades and whether we’ll see it in the notably cheaper iPad Air. That would make the cost/benefit equation more workable, since iPad Air starts at $400 less than the cheapest iPad Pro. At that price point, it would be easier for corporate bean counters to consider an iPad as a primary device for employees. 

For now, however, the new iPad Pro is more likely to be a device bought for designers and executives than for the larger workforce. It has the chops now to replace laptops in the vast majority of circumstances, but at a cost that’s still likely to be higher than a Mac or PC.

When Microsoft and OpenAI announced their revised AI deal on Thursday, it reduced Microsoft’s ownership share of OpenAI, but seemed to give it everything that it wanted in exchange, analysts said. Well, everything other than AGI, which Microsoft doesn’t really care about.

The announcement of the revised details indicated a change in the nature of the OpenAI business structure, but was murky on many of the underlying details. It said that Microsoft supports the formation of a public benefit corporation (PBC) and recapitalization by the OpenAI board. That restructuring will dilute Microsoft’s ownership from 32.5% to 27%.

OpenAI, which reportedly lost $7.8 billion in the first half of 2025, said that the new Microsoft shares are worth $135 billion.

Scott Bickley, advisory fellow at the Info-Tech Research Group, scoffed at the OpenAI valuation. “This is continuing on this path of crazy financing that defies the laws of physics. The truth is that 27% of nothing is still nothing,” he said.

The revised agreement also requires OpenAI to purchase “an incremental $250 billion of Azure services.” That prompted Michal Prywata, co-founder of AI infrastructure firm Vertus, to look askance at the underlying metrics.

“As for the $250 billion number, this is venture capital math at its most absurd. OpenAI is burning billions quarterly while promising to spend a quarter trillion over multiple years,” Prywata said. “We know the money won’t come from revenue, let alone profit. It’s coming from the investors betting that someone else will pay even more later. Classic.”

Overall, Bickley said the changes in the agreement almost entirely favor Microsoft. “Microsoft held all the cards in terms of the negotiation,” he said. “This is all wins for Microsoft.”

Microsoft blinked because it wanted to

The only area where Bickley saw Microsoft not win involved the ill-defined artificial general intelligence (AGI), and that was mostly because Microsoft simply does not care that much about AGI.

Although the agreement referred to AGI as a trigger event, the Microsoft statement lacked any specifics that would allow IT buyers to evaluate the timetable.

However, AGI was prominent in the list of changes. It began, “once AGI is declared by OpenAI, that declaration will now be verified by an independent expert panel,” but there were no details about who would appoint those panel members, how the firms would establish that independence, the number of panel members, and from what backgrounds. Computerworld asked both OpenAI and Microsoft to clarify, but neither offered any specifics.

Another part of the agreement said, “if Microsoft uses OpenAI’s IP [intellectual property] to develop AGI, prior to AGI being declared, the models will be subject to compute thresholds. Those thresholds are significantly larger than the size of systems used to train leading models today.” But it did not define those thresholds.

The revised deal also said, “the revenue share agreement [in the original partnership] remains until the expert panel verifies AGI, though payments will be made over a longer period of time” and, “Microsoft’s IP rights for both models and products are extended through 2032 and now include models post-AGI, with appropriate safety guardrails.” 

Another timeline would be triggered two years earlier, the agreement said: “Microsoft’s IP rights to research, defined as the confidential methods used in the development of models and systems, will remain until either the expert panel verifies AGI or through 2030, whichever is first.” However, Microsoft explicitly retains the rights to what it calls “non-research IP,” including model architecture and weights, inference and fine tuning code, and “any IP related to data center hardware and software.”

The AGI definition debate

Mike Gualtieri, a VP/principal analyst for Forrester, was intrigued by how much of the deal revisions focused on AGI.

“It’s fascinating that Microsoft and OpenAI partnership evolution is, in part,  based on when AGI is declared. AGI could be three years away or it could be 10 years away. If OpenAI or Microsoft were to achieve AGI, then every enterprise in the world would be clamoring for it. But neither Microsoft nor OpenAI have telegraphed anything other than hype that AGI is near,” Gualtieri said. “I think it is highly likely that AGI won’t be achieved by just one organization, but near simultaneously by other research and commercial groups like Google, xAI, Meta, and Chinese hyper-scalers. OpenAI certainly doesn’t have a lock on LLMs.”

Info-Tech’s Bickley agreed the AGI calendar targets are very soft. Both companies want to delay dealing with AGI until it happens, assuming that it ever does happen.

“They want to kick the can down the road” on AGI, Bickley said. “They are miles away from what either party claims is AGI.”

The details about AGI “might be the one concession that Microsoft made” because “they either see it as so unlikely or so far out in the future” that they are ambivalent. “I don’t think it’s core to Microsoft’s mission at all,” Bickley said. 

Vertus’ Prywata was even more blunt. He said the AGI definition is farcical. 

“It’s corporate theater. Who defines AGI? I know my definition likely won’t match theirs. I bet the team who left OpenAI for Anthropic likely have their own definition. Who picks the independent experts? What are their qualifications?” Prywata asked. “Zero details suggests they have no idea, otherwise they’d mention it. It’s like saying ‘we’ll know it when we see it,’ but with a committee. Turing test 2.0, I suppose. And who put them in charge to decide this for all of us?”

Gualtieri added that his overall take is that this deal is unlikely to make much of a purchasing strategy change among enterprise IT executives. “I’m not awed by this and I don’t think tech leaders at the world’s largest enterprises will be either.”

Many of the revisions involved restrictions, or softening of restrictions, on how the two firms will cooperate, he pointed out. For example, OpenAI can now jointly develop some products with third parties, and API products developed with third parties will be exclusive to Azure while non-API products may be served on any cloud provider, and Microsoft will no longer have a right of first refusal to be OpenAI’s compute provider. Furthermore, OpenAI can now provide API access to US government national security customers, regardless of the cloud provider.

Beginning of the end?

Jason Wong, a distinguished VP analyst at Gartner, said that he saw the contract revisions as the beginning of separation of the two firms. “This positions Microsoft and OpenAI more clearly on the path to independence,” Wong said. 

Info-Tech’s Bickley added that constant industry rumors about an imminent AI bubble burst provide an important background to the revised agreement and the likely impact it will have on enterprise IT AI strategies. 

“The music keeps playing until the bubble bursts. That’s when things get real,” he said, and AI companies will be forced to dramatically increase the prices they charge for AI services. Those prices today are highly subsidized by VCs and other investors. 

“How much can they raise prices and continue to do business? If it rolled out today, you would have a catastrophic implosion” because enterprise AI usage “won’t support the price increase that would support profitability.”

Prywata agreed. “OpenAI needs to generate massive revenue just to service these commitments, let alone turn a profit. They’re betting they can achieve monopolistic pricing power before competitors catch up,” Prywata said. “I’m sorry, but that’s just not happening with all of the brilliance going after AI right now.”

Nvidia, a major force behind the rise of generative AI (genAI) in recent years, now sees physical AI as the next step in the technology’s evolution.

“The next wave is physical AI,” Kari Briski, vice president for generative AI software for enterprises at Nvidia, said during a briefing ahead of the company’s GTC trade show in Washington, DC.

Today, agentic AI can help computers take action. But that technology will manifest in the physical world through data from cameras, sensors, lidar, and other data-gathering instruments. “Physical AI perceives the world, reasons about its environment, and outputs actions,” Briski said.

With physical AI, Nvidia envisions the inclusion of AI in robotics, machines, autonomous vehicles, and physical devices. “The modern factory is robotic, with humans and robots working alongside each other. Robots will do the dangerous jobs, and workers will do the skilled jobs,” Briski said.

The US is investing about $1.2 trillion to advance high-tech manufacturing and production, driven by electronics. That effort aims to counter a global labor shortage of 50 million workers worldwide, (including 4 million in the US). Physical AI and robotics can fill that gap, Nvidia believes.

“We just don’t have enough people…,” Briski said. “Robots and physical AI are our answer. We’re not replacing jobs, we’re filling the ones that don’t have enough people to fill.”

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has taken a long-term view of genAI, which is already changing the way people work, much as happened with the industrial revolutions and introduction of the Internet.

Some researchers have taken a doom-and-gloom approach to AI, saying it will take jobs away. A January study by the World Economic Forum noted that 41% of businesses surveyed planned to reduce their workforce as AI automates certain tasks. (Amazon, for instance, on Tuesday laid off 14,000 employees, determining it could be leaner with the advent of genAI; and tech layoffs have surged as AI changes the workplace.)

But other experts have argued the technology will create more new jobs than it eliminates, although those workers will require new skillsets.

Nvidia sees new jobs coming with the rise of high-tech factories. But a big challenge there will be the integration of buildings, production and robots from hundreds of suppliers. That can take close to five years, said Rev Labaredian, vice president of Omniverse and simulation technology at Nvidia.

“We don’t have that kind of time,” Labaredian said.

That, as far as Nvidia is concerned, is where physical AI comes in; the company’s models can connect real-world input into large language models (LLMs) that can reason. The output could help robots navigate the real world and make reasonable decisions on actions. (The company recently announced the Cosmos Reason model; it helps robots make decisions based on information from video and graphics inputs.)

The company announced that some of the top robot makers, including FANUC, Skilled AI and Foxconn, are now using the “Mega” blueprint to connect robots to factories. That involves using Omniverse software and the company’s RTX Pro hardware. The robots are linked to Mega’s controller, which allows robots to follow robot AI models in real time.

“Robot AI models and factory control systems operate together, synchronizing every movement, every process, across the digital and physical world,” Labaredian said.

Nvidia also announced it has partnered with Uber to bring fully autonomous robotic taxis to the streets by 2027. “Together, we’ll deploy more than 100,000 robotaxis worldwide in the next few years,” Briski said, adding the fleet will be 20 times larger than today’s robotaxis and could benefit local industry. The autonomous vehicles will use the company’s Hyperion Level 4 platform.

“New local jobs are already being created for today’s robotaxi fleets, and we’ll scale even more with this new partnership … manufacturing and vehicle integration, fleet operations, depot logistics, cleaning, charging, remote assistance, customer support, compliance, and more,” Briski said.

Finally, Nvidia announced IGX Thor, an AI computer for the industrial and medical applications. It will use the latest Blackwell GPU and include AI models to support those verticals. IGX Thor will come in two versions, the integrated IGX T7000 system for direct purchase, and the IGX T5000, which can be customized by system makers.

“It’s industrial-grade performance, so it has a much higher extended temperature range and vibration tolerance,” Labaredian said, adding, “We have seen many customers in that space demand those features.”

Microsoft 365 Copilot users can now direct the generative AI (genAI) assistant to build apps on their behalf that feature dashboards, charts, and other interactive elements.  

It’s one of three new ways to automate work tasks with M365 Copilot unveiled Tuesday by the company. The other functionalities include a workflow automation builder agent and Copilot Studio “lite” —  a simple version of Microsoft’s low-code and no-code AI agent builder tool now accessible from M365 Copilot. 

“Leveraging these agents and Copilot Studio, Copilot now empowers employees to turn ideas into impact by creating apps, workflows, and agents — just as easily as having a conversation,” Charles Lamanna, Microsoft president of business and industry Copilot, said in a blog post. 

Each feature is aimed at a wide range of office workers, a Microsoft spokesperson said; IT admins will be able to access or disable the use of the App Builder and Workflows should they wish.

With the new App Builder tool, creating an app can be done in just a few minutes, according to Microsoft, with the AI assistant tapping into M365 content such as documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. The company offered as an example an interactive “career tracker” app that shows progress towards set goals and upcoming events. 

To start building an app, a user provides a simple text description of the app’s scope  along with relevant documents. The user can then preview the app and refine the layout, making edits with prompts in M365 Copilot. (The assistant will also make suggestions for further additions or changes.) Once the app is published, users can share it via a link just as they would a document. Data created in a new app is stored in Microsoft Lists as backend. 

The App Builder is similar in some sense to AI “vibe coding” tools that have gained traction of late, said Jack Gold, principal analyst at J. Gold Associates. The feature may appeal to “staff like marketing, sales, HR, etc., that need to build simple apps that users can interact with, and not have to take weeks or months by delegating the app creation to devop staff,” he said.

In addition, a new Workflows agent coming to M365 Copilot lets users set up workflows such as sending emails or managing calendars with natural language prompts. It’s based on the existing Agent Flows feature in Copilot Studio, Microsoft said. 

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M365 Copilot Workflows allows users to create their own agentic-based workflows.

Microsoft

Users first describe a task — perhaps a software bug reporting workflow that automatically replies to the sender, confirming that their request is being handled. The agent will then generate the workflow, connecting to apps such as Outlook and Teams when necessary. A visual outline of the automated tasks is shown, with users able to make changes using natural language. How the automation is used can be trakced once it’s live. 

“The challenge here is will knowledge workers with little coding experience be able to define and build a useful agentic workflow?” said Gold. “Will it take multiple iterations, and if so, will they be patient enough to see it through? You really need to define a process well in order to fully automate with an agent, and not sure everyone can do so, or at least for complex workflows.”

As for the Copilot Studio lite feature, it enables the creation of AI agents tailored to specific tasks from M365 Copilot. Again, a natural language description is required to outline the purpose of the agent, or it can be done via a “configure” screen that provides more detailed control, such as what files the agent can access. 

The App Builder and Workflows agents are available now to M365 Copilot subscribers as part of their existing license via the Microsoft 365 Agent Store. The Copilot Studio lite feature is also included in M365 Copilot subscribers at no extra cost. Those without a license can access the features with Microsoft’s Copilot Credits systems, or a “pay-as-you-go” plan. 

Copilot Studio lite can also be accessed for free to build agents grounded on web knowledge only. 

Apple will announce that its services business achieved over $100 billion in annual revenues in the last year, according to the Financial Times. If true, this would be a major achievement.

Many might recall that eight years ago Apple CEO Tim Cook declared Apple’s intention to double the size of its services business by 2020, when he was aiming to raise $50 billion a year in the segment. “We feel great about this momentum, and our goal is to double the size of the services business in the next four years,” he said at that time. 

Apple’s hugely successful services pivot

It took just two years to get there, achieving near $46.3 billion in services revenue in 2019. That was double the income generated by the segment in 2016, when Apple reached $24.3 billion in services revenue. The services segment was the size of a Fortune 50 company by 2022, when it reached $75.1 billion — bigger than IBM. 

Today, Apple is expected to announce the segment has become bigger than Target or Walt Disney, achieving $108.6 billion in the year. With a wide range of consumer and business services to its name, Apple’s service income is second only to the iPhone in Apple’s overall revenue picture, making much larger margins (75%) than it generates through hardware sales alone (39.1%).

Earlier this year, Apple CFO Kevan Parekh confirmed the company has more than a billion paid subscriptions across services on its platforms.

For most of us, these statistics probably don’t mean much. We’d just like Siri to choose the correct track when we request it play something and enjoy the convenience of Apple Pay and the security and privacy baked inside every interaction at the App Store. Apple thinks different. 

For the company, the services business is a bulwark against bad times, enabling it to craft regular recurring incomes upon which to base its business while protecting it against overexposure to fluctuating hardware sales. Delivering services its customers like helps boost product engagement, cement brand loyalty, and deliver vital revenue.

There are wolves

Thing is, it’s a revenue stream that remains under threat, with regulators — particularly in Europe — attempting to force competition into segments of that market. The move to open up the App Store only really means that some of the millions generated at the store end up going to other corporations, not Apple.

Those efforts and steady attacks on Apple’s Google search income mean parts of the company’s $100 billion annual revenue will decline. Even so, analysts still expect services to make up more than 30% of Appe’s revenue by the end of the decade.

With that in mind, Apple will need to continue to identify and deliver new services. The diversification of services income gives it the ability to accommodate any specific changes that could impact some of those it now provides while protecting core income. One service that hasn’t yet been monetized is the “via Satellite” suite it offers through current satellite partner  GlobalStar.

Apple has hinted at plans to make access to these services a fee-based option since launch, but that hasn’t happened yet. With recent claims it is open to working with Elon Musk’s SpaceX on satellite provision, might an international satellite network become a new iCloud+ option for paid subscribers? Perhaps Apple also hopes to capitalize on the distribution it can provide to AI companies, seeking an AI deal that echoes the one it currently has in search with Google. (The latter allegedly contributes roughly $20 billion a year of its overall services income.)

Services as a service

The cloud surrounding this silver lining is that while services income can buoy Apple during economic storms, it is also highly vulnerable to long-term economic challenges.

With that in mind, it’s likely the performance of Apple’s services arm will be closely watched in the months ahead, particularly as the US government shutdown impacts millions.

There is a historical comparison to be made: Just as Apple’s retail store closures became a barometer for disease outbreaks during Covid, sudden reversals in its subscription revenue couldreveal where economic pressure is being most felt in future.

None of the dark clouds can tarnish the achievement, of course. In less than a decade, Apple’s leadership has created a $100 billion revenue stream effectively from scratch, delivering major benefit to the company and its shareholders while giving the rest of us Slow Horses, Foundation, and Black Bird. Most of us continue to look forward to Siri’s second season, too.

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Amazon will reduce its overall workforce by 14,000, cutting layers of management across the company and hiring in some areas to support its “biggest bets”.

Staff will hear from their managers later today about the cuts, and affected employees will have 90 days to look for a new role internally, the company said.

“Some may ask why we’re reducing roles when the company is performing well,” wrote Beth Galetti, Amazon’s senior VP of people experience and technology, in a blog post on the company’s website.

The reason is AI, she said.

“This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we’ve seen since the Internet, and it’s enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before (in existing market segments and altogether new ones). We’re convicted that we need to be organized more leanly, with fewer layers and more ownership, to move as quickly as possible for our customers and business.”

The job cuts are a continuation of a strategy adopted by CEO Andy Jassy a year ago to “operate like the world’s largest startup,” Galetti wrote.

Amazon has been cutting out middle management roles for several years now, a sure way to realize economies on payroll in the short term, but there are other ways to get better business value out of reorganizations.

Reuters reported Monday night that the cuts could affect the Amazon Web Services cloud computing business, the company’s HR department known internally as People Experience and Technology, and its devices and services business, among other areas. But the report also put the number of job cuts at up to 30,000, far higher than the total job cuts Amazon announced, suggesting that the company may intend to hire or move up to 16,000 staff in the reorganization. Amazon employs around 350,000 in corporate roles, with another 1.2 million in other roles, Reuters said.

AWS already went through a smaller round of layoffs in April 2024.