Apple and Microsoft hike prices on iPads, Macs, and Xbox consoles as AI chip crisis bites

The EU's regulatory focus on cloud giants may spur innovation in decentralized alternatives, impacting digital business infrastructure globally. The post EU targets Microsoft and Amazon cloud units for Big Tech gatekeeper rules appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Microsoft's AI data center innovations may ease geographic constraints, but rising community demands could impact profitability and project timelines. The post Microsoft advances AI data center efficiency amid growing US bans on construction appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Paul Meade, the Apple vice president in charge of the Vision Pro headset, is reportedly leaving the company to join OpenAI’s hardware team.

Tim Cook recently said price increases were "unavoidable" and described the company's pricing as "unsustainable." The 16-inch MacBook Pro saw its price go up by $300. The 11-inch iPad Air went from $599 to $749. Even the HomePod Mini got a $30 bump to $129. Cook squarely placed the blame at the feet of the AI industry, which is not surprising. RAMageddon has already come for your desktop PCs and gaming consoles. The Xbox has seen its price climb nearly 25 percent depending on the model, and Nothing even canceled an entire phone launch. Apple is just the most recent to jack up prices and point the finger at AI. The price hikes are "basic eco … Read the full story at The Verge.

Microsoft is continuing its push to bring generative AI (genAI) into Excel, with new Microsoft 365 Copilot skills designed to automate common processes and a “plan” mode to provide more control over Copilot’s outputs when handling financial data. Microsoft made Microsoft 365 Copilot generally available in Excel in late 2024 and since then has added several capabilities, including agentic tools, a Copilot function within Excel, and Python support for advanced data analysis.   On Thursday, Microsoft unveiled a skills feature that lets users define processes Copilot can perform in Excel — such as building a discounted cash flow, Microsoft suggested, preparing a variance analysis, or refreshing a monthly reporting model.   “Instead of starting from scratch each time, a skill guides Copilot through the steps, applying the right structure and formatting, and helping produce an output that is easier to review, reuse, and trust,” Brian Jones, vice president for Excel at Microsoft, said in a bl

Microsoft's strategic AI leadership shift highlights the growing importance of integrating consumer-focused innovation to maintain competitive edge. The post Microsoft promotes Jacob Andreou to lead Copilot AI strategy amid competitive challenges appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Moderna's 13% surge and a 2.5% S&P 500 Healthcare pop test whether biotech can offset an AI chip rout after SOX’s $1T wipeout. Here’s what changed.

Apple's lobbying highlights the tension between addressing chip shortages and navigating geopolitical risks, impacting tech pricing and supply chains. The post Apple lobbies Trump administration for approval to purchase CXMT memory chips appeared first on Crypto Briefing.