Microsoft Corp - MSFT STOCK NEWS

Microsoft Corp. announced the introduction of Microsoft 365 Copilot, a next-generation AI tool designed to enhance workplace productivity.

Currently being tested with select commercial customers, Copilot integrates large language models with Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. It aims to improve creativity, productivity, and skills by offering features like Business Chat, which generates status updates from emails and meetings.

Microsoft emphasizes the tool's security and privacy, ensuring enterprise readiness. Specific pricing and licensing details will be provided later as testing continues.

Microsoft Corp. has appointed Sandra E. Peterson as its new Lead Independent Director, succeeding John W. Thompson. Thompson has held leadership roles since 2012. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.68 per share, payable on June 8, 2023, to shareholders recorded by May 18, 2023. This marks a continued commitment to return value to shareholders. Additionally, the Board reelected Satya Nadella as Chairman and made new committee appointments for directors. Microsoft aims to empower people and organizations through digital transformation.

Microsoft has entered a 10-year agreement with Boosteroid, the largest independent cloud gaming provider, to make Xbox PC games and Activision Blizzard titles like 'Call of Duty' available on Boosteroid's platform. This deal comes as Boosteroid has surpassed 4 million users globally. Once Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is finalized, this partnership is expected to increase the player base for these titles by over 150 million. This initiative aligns with Microsoft’s broader goal of enhancing game accessibility across devices and regions, showcasing its commitment to the Ukrainian software development community.

Novata, a technology platform for private markets, has announced the successful completion of its Series B funding, raising $30 million. This funding was led by Hamilton Lane (NASDAQ: HLNE) and included investors such as S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT). The capital will enhance Novata's ESG data management platform, which now serves over 3,500 private companies. Launched in April 2022, Novata provides robust benchmarking capabilities and aims to increase ESG transparency in private markets. The company continues to position itself as a critical infrastructure for sustainable capitalism.

iMocha, the largest skills intelligence and assessment platform, has partnered with Microsoft to launch the AI-EnglishPro tool, which revolutionizes the assessment of business English proficiency. Using Microsoft Azure, the product aims to reduce hiring time by providing quantitative and qualitative analysis of communication skills. The English proficiency assessment market is currently valued at USD 1,922.5 million and projected to reach USD 6,166 million in ten years. AI-EnglishPro offers accurate evaluations, benchmarks for training, and integrated assessments to eliminate bias in the process.

Microsoft and NVIDIA have announced a significant 10-year partnership to bring Xbox PC games, including popular titles like Call of Duty, to the NVIDIA GeForce NOW cloud gaming service. This collaboration will allow gamers to stream Xbox titles on various devices such as PCs, macOS, and smartphones. The deal also alleviates NVIDIA's concerns regarding Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, with NVIDIA backing the regulatory approval. The integration process for Xbox games into GeForce NOW will begin immediately, enhancing the gaming experience for over 25 million members globally.

On February 16, 2023, Microsoft announced the expansion of its TechSpark program across all 50 states, aimed at boosting economic growth in local communities. Initially launched five years ago, TechSpark partners with local organizations to promote digital skills, provide computer science education, and create job opportunities. The initiative will offer grants and mentorship through the new TechSpark Fellows model. Microsoft’s efforts have already resulted in $125 million raised, 471 computer science classes supported, and 50,000 individuals trained in digital skills. An information session is scheduled for March 1, 2023.

Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) are enhancing the PDF capabilities in Microsoft Edge by integrating Adobe Acrobat technology, set to roll out in March 2023. This collaboration aims to provide over 1.4 billion Windows users with an improved PDF experience, featuring enhanced performance, security, and accessibility. Users can access basic features for free, while advanced functionalities, including document editing and conversion, require an Acrobat subscription. The legacy PDF engine will be phased out by March 2024, marking a significant step in Adobe and Microsoft's initiative to modernize digital workflows.

Qcells and Microsoft have announced a strategic partnership aimed at supplying over 2.5 gigawatts of solar panels and EPC services to solar developers. This collaboration emphasizes their joint commitment to diversifying the global energy supply chain and reducing carbon emissions. Microsoft seeks to power over 400,000 homes with renewable energy, aiming for 100% renewable electricity consumption by 2025. This partnership marks a significant move in the U.S. solar supply chain, as Qcells positions itself as a key player in delivering clean energy solutions, including domestic production of solar products.