Tag: Microsoft

  • Edge collaborates with Suno for AI-supported music production via Microsoft’s Copilot integration

    Edge collaborates with Suno for AI-supported music production via Microsoft’s Copilot integration

    Microsoft Copilot and Suno Collaborate to Simplify Music Creation

    Microsoft Copilot has teamed up with Suno, an AI-powered music creation platform, to introduce an innovative functionality that empowers users with no formal music expertise to craft personalized songs using just a text input. Suno, known for its advanced AI music composition algorithms, has united with Microsoft Copilot to develop a user-friendly tool that streamlines the process of song creation. Although the audio demonstrations on the official Suno website exhibit remarkable potential, there are significant considerations to employing this tool in Copilot.

    Streamlined Music Generation Tool

    This revolutionary music generation tool is currently integrated exclusively within Copilot on the Microsoft Edge browser. The workflow is simple: users input a text prompt, and the algorithm takes charge, producing fully developed songs complete with lyrics and vocal renditions. Furthermore, users have the option to craft instrumental tracks using the tool’s versatile capabilities.

    Tailored Songs Infused with Personalization

    Microsoft Copilot provides a range of prompt samples, such as "compose a pop song about family adventures" or "craft a melody encapsulating the essence of adolescence." The tool harnesses any personal information gathered by Copilot during usage, potentially resulting in songs that carry a deeply personalized essence.

    The deployment of this feature is being staggered, implying that certain users may need to exercise patience before it becomes accessible through updates.

    Limited Availability within Microsoft Edge

    It is worth noting that the new music generation feature is presently confined to the Microsoft Edge browser. Users must open Edge, navigate to the Copilot site, log in, and verify that the Suno plugin is active in the "Plugins" section located at the top right corner. Once a text description is input into Copilot, users await the AI system to finalize the song creation process.

    Preliminary feedback on the new feature has shown promise, with Copilot generating song lyrics for a popular track in approximately 10 minutes. However, challenges have been reported regarding the generation of accompanying music. In some instances, the link to the created song vanishes immediately, leaving users with lyrics but no musical accompaniment. Copilot has recommended imagining the tune or humming the lyrics as a temporary fix, although it remains uncertain whether this issue is isolated to specific tests or if it recurs.

    The gradual rollout of the Suno add-on is underway, and it will be accessible to all users in the upcoming weeks. The potential extension of this feature to other browsers is still uncertain, and any developments regarding this will be closely observed.

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  • Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.2915 with Exciting Features Now Available in the Beta Channel by Microsoft

    Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.2915 with Exciting Features Now Available in the Beta Channel by Microsoft

    Microsoft has recently released the latest build of Windows 11 for 2023 in the Beta Channel. This build, known as Windows 11 Build 22635.2915, is considered a minor upgrade with several adjustments and modifications to voice access. As a Beta Build, Insiders have had access to numerous changes over the past few weeks, including the addition of a character counter to Notepad in Windows 11.

    Discontinuation of Windows Speech Recognition

    Microsoft has made the decision to discontinue Windows Speech Recognition, a feature that was initially introduced with Windows Vista. This move highlights the increasing importance of voice access as a crucial capability. Voice access is more powerful and is regularly updated with new capabilities.

    New Features in Windows 11 Beta Build

    Extended Language Support, Multi-Screen, and Voice Shortcuts

    Windows 11 Beta Build introduces several new features. It includes extended language support, allowing Windows to expand speech capabilities for additional languages such as German, French (France), Spanish (Spain), and Spanish (Mexico). Additionally, multi-display support has been improved, enabling users to utilize voice access capabilities across multiple displays. This includes number and grid overlays that were previously only accessible on the primary display. Microsoft is also introducing voice shortcuts and custom commands for users to make their instructions, specifically for English voice access users.

    Improved Discoverability of Screencasting

    Windows 11 now offers improved discoverability of screencasting. Users can now wirelessly expand their display to nearby PCs, TVs, or other external displays using Casting on their Windows PC. Microsoft has made updates to emphasize the discoverability of Cast in Windows 11, including providing the option to Cast via a notification toast while multitasking on the PC. They have also enhanced the Cast flyout in Quick Settings to address connecting issues and finding adjacent displays.

    New Features and Improvements in Windows 365 Boot

    Windows 365 Boot introduces a dedicated mode, allowing users to boot up to their Windows 365 Cloud PC using their assigned company-owned device. This mode offers password-less authentication techniques like Windows Hello for Business for easy login. The dedicated mode also includes features such as remembering usernames, displaying photos on the lock and login screens, and a quick account switcher experience. Windows 365 Boot users will have access to a private preview of this functionality in early 2024.

    Windows 365 Boot also allows organizations to personalize the login page in shared mode with their Intune business logo. Additionally, a fail-fast mechanism has been implemented to alert users in advance if there are network problems or unfinished setups during the Cloud PC sign-in process. Users can now also manage local PC settings through Windows 365 Boot, making it easier to view and control device-specific settings.

    New Features and Enhancements in Windows 365 Switch

    Windows 365 Switch now offers an improved disconnect experience, allowing users to disconnect directly from their local PC to their Cloud PC. The desktop indicators have been updated to differentiate between Cloud PC and local PC, displaying “Cloud PC” and “Local PC” on the desktop indication. Users will also receive updates on the Cloud PC connection status and the connection timeout indicator while on the connection page. In case of errors, a copy button has been included to quickly fix mistakes by copying the correlation ID from the error screen.

    Other General Updates

    Windows Speech Recognition has been replaced with voice access in Windows 11. Voice access is a new assistive technology that utilizes on-device speech recognition to create text and manage the computer without requiring an internet connection. Nearby Sharing has been added, allowing users to give their device a more friendly name for easier sharing. Narrator users can now dictate text, use voice interaction with screen components, and utilize voice access to launch programs. Task Manager now allows users to choose the dump file location when generating one for a process. A bug related to the backdrop bouncing when switching between desktops has been fixed.

    Notepad Update

    Windows is distributing a Notepad update (version 11.2311.33.0) via the Beta Channel to Windows Insiders. This update brings enhancements such as the ability to quickly open and edit files in Notepad directly from File Explorer. A character count display has also been added to the status bar, allowing users to keep track of the length of their documents.

    Enabling Windows 11 Beta Build

    All Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel will now be running the same build, 22635.xxxx, through an enablement package. To receive the latest updates as soon as they become available, Windows Insiders can enable the option in Settings > Windows Update.

    These updates and features demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to improving the user experience and accessibility of Windows 11. Users can expect more enhancements and improvements as Windows 11 continues to evolve.

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  • Microsoft changes direction, intends to launch Office 2024 as a standalone version

    Microsoft changes direction, intends to launch Office 2024 as a standalone version

    Microsoft to Release Standalone Version of Office in 2024

    Microsoft is changing its strategy by planning to launch a standalone version of its Office suite in 2024. This move comes as a surprise, considering the company's recent focus on subscription-based software. The new version, called Office 2024, is currently in development and is expected to be available in the third or fourth quarter of that year.

    Shifting Focus from Microsoft 365

    Microsoft has been placing a greater emphasis on its cloud-based service, Microsoft 365. This subscription-based service provides users with access to the latest versions of popular Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for a monthly or annual fee. However, the demand for standalone Office versions has not waned, especially among users who prefer a one-time purchase instead of ongoing subscription fees.

    Office 2024: A Surprising Announcement

    There was speculation that Office 2021 would be the last perpetual license version of the product. However, Microsoft's plans for Office 2024 clearly indicate otherwise. The existence of this upcoming standalone version was discovered within an internal preview build of Microsoft Office through the Click-to-Run (C2R) release API.

    Features and Enhancements Awaited

    While specific details about the features and enhancements in Office 2024 remain undisclosed, it is likely that this new version will incorporate some of the features currently available to Microsoft 365 subscribers. Microsoft is known for continually improving and updating its Office suite, so users can expect new and enhanced functionalities in the standalone version as well.

    Stay tuned for more updates on Office 2024 as Microsoft continues to develop and refine its latest offering.

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  • Microsoft Enables Xbox Game Developers for Unprecedented Creations

    Microsoft Enables Xbox Game Developers for Unprecedented Creations

    Microsoft Collaborates with Inworld AI to Create AI Tools for Xbox Games

    The prevalence and popularity of artificial intelligence technologies continue to increase across various sectors. Initially employed to streamline daily tasks, AI integration now showcases potential far beyond mere convenience. Microsoft recognizes this horizon and has embarked on proactive measures. Recent reports suggest the company’s initiative to extend AI tools to Xbox game developers, enabling them to enrich narrative design and non-playable character (NPC) creation. The collaboration with Inworld AI marks a significant stride in this direction.

    In a strategic alliance with generative AI startup Inworld AI, Microsoft endeavors to introduce novel AI resources dedicated to enhancing story composition and NPC creation within Xbox game development. The objective, as expressed by the company, revolves around "supporting and empowering creators in crafting dialogues, plots, and quests." Through a mutual commitment, the two entities aspire to shape an AI framework capable of transforming prompts into intricate scripts, dialogue pathways, quests, and assorted gaming components.

    The proposed innovation offers game developers a streamlined approach to crafting fresh content for their creations, reducing the traditional time investment in writing and design processes. Consequently, game missions and characters stand to attain heightened levels of immersion. Particularly within role-playing games, players might engage in direct dialogues with characters, delving deeper into the immersive realms they inhabit.

    Apart from this collaboration, Microsoft and Inworld AI are actively engaged in developing an "AI character runtime engine" that seamlessly integrates with existing games. This engine presents a unique opportunity for players to organically generate narratives, quests, and dialogues in real-time, fostering a dynamic and interactive gaming milieu. While Microsoft confirms that these cutting-edge AI tools are undergoing refinement, they anticipate a swift rollout to Xbox game developers. The company envisages a transformative impact on game development and gameplay experiences, heralding a new era in the gaming landscape.

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  • Microsoft Unveils Azure AI Content Safety: A Robust Shield Against Digital Threats

    Microsoft Unveils Azure AI Content Safety: A Robust Shield Against Digital Threats

    In a bid to address the rising concern of digital safety, Microsoft has recently launched the Azure AI Content Safety service, offering a significant layer of protection against harmful and inappropriate content online. This new service is designed to aid in the real-time detection and management of unsafe material, ensuring a secure digital environment for users across various platforms.

    Comprehensive Safety Measures

    The Azure AI Content Safety service is a part of Microsoft’s broader endeavor to leverage artificial intelligence in enhancing online safety. This service provides real-time detection capabilities which are crucial in identifying and managing harmful content. From classrooms to chat rooms, it ensures that digital interactions remain wholesome and secure.

    By employing advanced AI and machine learning algorithms, Azure AI Content Safety can meticulously scan and analyze text, images, and videos for any inappropriate or harmful material. The service is built to adapt and evolve with the changing nature of online threats, thus providing a long-term solution for digital safety.

    Tailored for Various Use Cases

    Whether it’s educational institutions looking to create a safe learning environment or social platforms aiming to curb the dissemination of harmful content, Azure AI Content Safety is tailored to meet various use cases. It offers a robust solution to ensure that the digital spaces remain conducive for positive interactions and learning.

    Moreover, the service seamlessly integrates with existing systems and applications, allowing for easy deployment and management. The user-friendly interface ensures that monitoring and managing digital safety is straightforward, even for individuals with no technical expertise.

    A Step Towards a Safer Digital World

    With the unveiling of Azure AI Content Safety, Microsoft reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safer digital landscape. By offering a powerful tool to combat online threats, it is setting a significant milestone in the collective effort to ensure digital safety for all.

    This initiative is a part of Microsoft’s broader vision of harnessing the power of AI to create a positive impact on society. As digital interactions continue to grow, services like Azure AI Content Safety are becoming indispensable in ensuring a secure and positive online experience for users across the globe.

    In summary, the Azure AI Content Safety service is a promising step forward in the fight against digital threats. By leveraging advanced AI technologies, it provides a robust and adaptable solution to ensure digital safety in various online settings.

    Sources: Computer World, Giz China, Microsoft News

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