The blog post explains that large language models (LLMs) like Bard are primarily prediction engines. When given a prompt, they generate responses by anticipating the next words in a sentence. While this makes them excellent at writing emails and essays, their performance in software development tasks has been somewhat error-prone.

Although code-generating models like GitHub’s Copilot and Amazon’s CodeWhisperer exist, they are not designed for general-purpose use. Unlike Bard and similar models such as ChatGPT, which were trained on a wide range of text samples, including web content, e-books, and other resources, code-generating models were mostly trained on code samples.

To address the limitations of general LLMs in coding and mathematics, Google developed implicit code execution, enabling Bard to write and execute its own code. The latest version of Bard identifies prompts that would benefit from logical code, generates the code internally, tests it, and incorporates the result into its response, aiming for greater accuracy.

According to internal benchmarking, Google claims that the new Bard has shown a 30% improvement in responding to “computation-based” word and math problems compared to the previous release. However, these claims will need to be verified through independent testing.

When Bard was initially launched earlier this year, it faced criticism and unfavorable comparisons to competitors such as Bing Chat and ChatGPT. The rollout experienced a setback when a Google ad featuring a wrong answer from Bard briefly caused an 8% drop in the company’s stock.

To address these issues and regain ground, Google has introduced implicit code generation and other enhancements, including support for new languages, multimodal queries, and image generation.

However, it remains to be seen whether these improvements will be sufficient to compete with leading generative AI chatbots in the field.

Via: TechCrunch

The introduction of Microsoft Store Ads in 2022 was a major step in assisting developers in enhancing the visibility of their apps and games. Building on that momentum, Microsoft revealed during Build that the reach of Microsoft Store Ads would extend beyond the United States, encompassing more than 150 regions worldwide starting from June.

This expansion will provide advertisers with an opportunity to reach a wider customer base through Premium Search Ads within the Microsoft Store and Bing search results. Leveraging the vast global monthly searches generated by Bing, which amounts to 14.5 billion, Microsoft Store Ads will now extend beyond the Microsoft Store on Windows, enabling advertisers to trigger their ads on Bing’s Search Engine Results Page (SERP), effectively expanding their reach.

To further streamline the advertising process and save time for advertisers, Microsoft introduced enhanced onboarding experiences for Microsoft Store Ads. These experiences enable advertisers to conveniently set up eye-catching ad placements, with one tool called Premium Search Ads specifically designed to assist advertisers in connecting with customers by providing visual and prominent ad placement. Advertisers can now highlight their apps for download within the Microsoft Store using this feature.

Microsoft also announced several features aimed at enhancing the user experience and simplifying processes. The integration of Partner Center allows for seamless registration for Microsoft Store Ads, enabling advertisers to link their apps with just one click. Searching for app information is now easier, as advertisers can use various parameters such as app name, store I.D., publisher name, or seller I.D.

Moreover, advertisers can now track and analyze app installations, in-app purchases, and customer engagement within the app, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns. Additionally, the Microsoft Advertising Software Development Kit (SDK) empowers advertisers to re-target audiences on the Microsoft Network, providing further control and targeting options.

In summary, the updates announced at Microsoft Build 2023 demonstrate a dynamic shift in digital advertising strategies, with Microsoft Store Ads emerging as a pivotal platform. As the platform expands its reach beyond the United States to over 150 regions and introduces new features, advertisers gain more opportunities to connect with their target audiences. These updates offer a glimpse into the future of advertising, where technology and innovation will continue to reshape how businesses connect, engage, and thrive in the digital landscape.

Via: Search Engine Journal

The news about the updated Windows 11 22H2 ISOs was initially shared by PhantomOcean3 on Twitter almost a month ago. Although Microsoft has not made an official announcement regarding the release, it was recently confirmed by leading tech website Thurrott that the ISO is finally available for download.

To obtain the Windows 11 22H2 ISO, interested users can visit the Microsoft website’s Windows 11 download page and follow these steps:

1. On your browser, navigate to the Download Windows 11 page.
2. Scroll down to the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices” section and expand the drop-down menu below it.
3. Select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO for x64 devices) and click Download Now button.
4. Now expand the drop-down menu and select the product language. Click Confirm.
5. Finally, click 64-bit Download to begin downloading the latest Windows 11 22H2 ISO file.

It is crucial to ensure that the downloaded file has the correct filename, such as “Win11_22H2_EnglishInternational_x64v2.iso” or “Win11_22H2_English_x64v2.iso,” depending on the chosen language. The “v2” at the end of the filename is essential to ensure that the latest build is being downloaded and not an older version.

The availability of Windows installation media directly from Microsoft eliminates the inconvenience of installing an older version of Windows 11 and then having to download a substantial update separately.

Amazon confirmed the decision, stating, “Customers on PCs and Macs can continue to access and play Luna from supported browsers. We saw customers were spending significantly more time playing games on Luna using their web browsers than on native PC and Mac apps. When we see customers love something, we double down.”

According to Amazon, the web app now offers the same features as the Windows and Mac apps, and the company believes in the future of cloud gaming. In order to dedicate more time and resources to innovation, Amazon has decided to sunset the Luna PC and Mac native desktop apps.

However, Amazon Luna users will still be able to access the service through other means. The Luna app for Fire TV devices will continue to receive support, ensuring seamless gaming experiences for Amazon Prime members. The Luna app is also compatible with Android TV and Google TV. For iOS and Android users, access to Amazon Luna will be available via the web.

Amazon Luna’s availability is currently limited to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Prime members enjoy the added benefit of accessing a rotating selection of Luna games for free. Additionally, Amazon offers Luna games through various channels, and PC gamers can stream games purchased on Ubisoft’s PC Game Store on Amazon Luna at no extra cost.

Despite a slower expansion compared to its competitors, Amazon remains committed to developing its cloud gaming service. Similar to Google’s Stadia, Amazon has created its own Luna controller, specifically designed to connect directly to the company’s cloud servers, reducing latency. Alternatively, gamers can still utilize Xbox or PlayStation controllers to play Luna games.

As the cloud gaming landscape continues to evolve, Amazon’s decision to discontinue its PC and Mac apps marks a significant shift in its approach. The company’s focus on web-based gaming experiences and its dedication to investing in the future of cloud gaming are indicative of Amazon Luna’s commitment to staying competitive in the rapidly growing industry.

In other news, Apple recently unveiled its highly anticipated Vision Pro headset, priced at $3,499. The revolutionary headset will include Microsoft native apps such as Word, Excel, and Teams.

Via: Thurrott

During a brief demonstration, Apple showcased Excel, Word, and Teams operating seamlessly within the Vision Pro headset. Users can navigate the user interface using their eyes, thanks to the implementation of eye-tracking technology. Microsoft has opted for a simplified ribbon interface, similar to what is found in its web versions of Excel and Word.

Although Apple provided only a glimpse of the Teams interface, it did disclose that Microsoft plans to incorporate its 3D personas feature. These digital representations of users’ faces are generated using advanced machine-learning techniques. Notably, Zoom and Webex will also offer support for these 3D personas on the Apple Vision Pro headset.

Microsoft’s swift support for Apple’s AR endeavors comes as no surprise, given its ongoing efforts in the realm of augmented reality. Despite its own foray into AR with HoloLens, the software giant has consistently demonstrated a willingness to adapt Office to Apple’s latest hardware innovations. This commitment was evident when Microsoft participated in Apple’s M1 silicon announcement and expedited the release of Office for M1 Macs. Moreover, the company has partnered closely with Meta to bring its suite of products, including Teams, Office, Windows, and Xbox, to Quest VR headsets.

In addition to the integration of Microsoft’s apps, the Apple Vision Pro will offer compatibility with hundreds of thousands of previously developed iOS and iPad apps, significantly expanding the content library available to users. Furthermore, Apple has made it possible for developers to utilize familiar tools like Swift, Xcode, and others to create entirely new applications specifically tailored for Vision Pro. Along with that, Adobe has confirmed that Lightroom, its renowned photo editing application, will be optimized for the Apple Vision Pro. Users will have the ability to control the app effortlessly with their eyes and hands.

As Apple prepares to revolutionize the AR landscape with its Vision Pro headset, the inclusion of Microsoft’s essential productivity apps, along with Unity and Adobe’s software, signifies a major step forward for the adoption and integration of augmented reality in our daily lives.

Via: TheVerge

The primary goal of this collaboration is to assist companies in the process of modernizing their hybrid workforce. With the advent of remote work and the growing need for efficient collaboration, Lumen aims to provide solutions that cater to the specific demands of the hybrid employee base. The Operator Connect for Microsoft Teams Phone offering is expected to facilitate fast, easy, and simplified connection and collaboration abilities, offering significant value to organizations navigating the challenges of the modern workplace.

Kate Johnson, the President and CEO at Lumen, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Partners make more possible. Lumen is revamping our alliance partner ecosystem with companies like Microsoft so we can be even more consultative in our approach – we can really help customers choose the products that will drive the best business outcomes.”

Operator Connect, a feature of the collaboration, allows clients to deploy calling in Microsoft Teams swiftly and seamlessly, without the need for on-premises equipment. Additionally, it offers customers the flexibility to customize their calling experience according to their specific requirements. By leveraging their existing investment in Teams, organizations can benefit from the new capabilities without the need for on-premises solutions.

Lumen also plans to leverage insights from the collaboration to help customers harness the transformative power of AI and metaverse innovations. The company foresees an increase in sales leads and closures, as well as product expansion, resulting from this collaboration. 

Rick Wagner, President of Microsoft Federal, expressed his excitement about partnering with Lumen Technologies, highlighting the unique advantages that Lumen brings to the table. He said, “Their scale of network and metro edge compute infrastructure is uniquely differentiated for low latency experiences. With our combined strengths, Microsoft and Lumen will enable customers to access advanced immersive capabilities for improved collaboration, productivity, and innovation. This effort is a great example of how Microsoft works with industry leaders to deliver results for customers at scale.”

The collaboration between Lumen Technologies and Microsoft holds significant promise for organizations seeking to enhance their collaboration and communication capabilities in the modern workplace. With Lumen’s expertise in network technology and Microsoft’s innovation in AI and metaverse, customers can expect a seamless and immersive collaboration experience that drives improved productivity and innovation.

This vulnerability has enabled unauthorized access to the databases of affected MOVEit servers. Progress Software, the developer of MOVEit software, has already taken steps to address this issue by releasing several patches.

According to a tweet by the Microsoft Threat Intelligence team on Sunday night, the attacks exploiting the CVE-2023-34362 MOVEit Transfer 0-day vulnerability have been attributed to Lace Tempest, a threat actor known for ransomware operations and operating the Clop extortion site.

Microsoft is attributing attacks exploiting the CVE-2023-34362 MOVEit Transfer 0-day vulnerability to Lace Tempest, known for ransomware operations & running the Clop extortion site. The threat actor has used similar vulnerabilities in the past to steal data & extort victims. pic.twitter.com/q73WtGru7j

— Microsoft Threat Intelligence (@MsftSecIntel) June 5, 2023

MOVEit Transfer is a managed file transfer (MFT) solution that enables secure file transfers between enterprises, business partners, and customers through protocols like SFTP, SCP, and HTTP-based uploads.

The attacks, which are believed to have commenced on May 27th during the extended US Memorial Day holiday, have resulted in the theft of valuable data from numerous organizations.

To execute their malicious activities, the threat actors exploited the zero-day vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer to deploy specially crafted webshells on servers. These webshells allowed the hackers to obtain a list of files stored on the server, download files, and steal credentials and secrets associated with configured Azure Blob Storage containers.

The Clop ransomware operation has a history of targeting managed file transfer software, previously exploiting a GoAnywhere MFT zero-day in January 2023 and conducting zero-day attacks on Accellion FTA servers in 2020.

Authorities and affected organizations are actively working to mitigate the impact of these attacks and prevent further exploitation of the vulnerability. It is crucial for enterprises utilizing MOVEit Transfer to promptly apply the released patches and ensure the security of their systems to safeguard their valuable data.

Via: Bleeping Computer

Microsoft has been involved in the quantum field for over two decades, positioning the company to understand the risks associated with this emerging technology. By investing significantly in quantum computing, Microsoft is well-equipped to comprehend the challenges and develop effective strategies to mitigate them.

One of the primary concerns in a quantum computing era is the impact on encryption systems. Current security measures heavily rely on public-key cryptography, which could be vulnerable to quantum computers. Complex mathematical problems that are difficult for classical computers to solve can become considerably easier for quantum machines using algorithms like Shor’s algorithm. This poses a threat to widely used encryption methods such as the RSA algorithm.

To address this potential disruption, Microsoft is investing in research and development to create quantum-safe approaches. The company recognizes the need for algorithm agility, resiliency, and flexibility to ensure the security of cryptographic systems in the face of quantum computing.

While the advent of scaled quantum machines capable of running Shor’s algorithm is still some distance away, Bell emphasizes the importance of immediate action to prepare for future risks. Organizations need to begin the process of becoming quantum-safe, as it will require significant effort and coordination across supply chains and ecosystems.

Microsoft plans to deliver its quantum machine as a cloud service through Azure, implementing technical and operational controls to prevent misuse. However, it is crucial to consider the broader quantum landscape, as not all quantum machines will be protected in the same way. Immediate risks, such as the vulnerability of un-updatable IoT devices and potential “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” scenarios, demand attention and preparation.

Bell draws a parallel to the Y2K challenge, highlighting the need for a massive industry-wide effort to overcome the potential vulnerabilities posed by quantum computers. Cryptographic systems are widespread and interconnected, making it essential to update and prepare them for a quantum-safe future.

Microsoft is committed to being a trusted partner in this process, leveraging its expertise in both hardware and software development. The company aims to provide practical cryptographic solutions, deepen knowledge of quantum-safe algorithms, and develop a roadmap to address gaps and prioritize critical areas.

The time to act is now. Organizations are encouraged to create inventories of critical data and cryptography technologies, assess their vulnerabilities, and develop transition strategies. Microsoft is already assisting customers and partners in risk-sensitive industries, providing resources and support on their journey to becoming quantum-safe.

As quantum technology continues to advance, Microsoft remains dedicated to the security of its products and customers. Through collaboration and proactive measures, we can embrace the quantum future while ensuring a safe and secure digital ecosystem.

The community is open to anyone with a Microsoft 365 account who wishes to engage in conversations on Microsoft Viva Engage. As a member, you can ask questions, offer solutions, provide feedback, and participate in discussions covering a wide range of topics related to your Microsoft 365 experience on Macs. Additionally, you can explore existing posts and comments to discover helpful solutions and advice that may assist you in overcoming your own challenges. The community is carefully moderated by members of the Microsoft Intune product team.

The decision to create this community was inspired by feedback from numerous organizations that have adopted Microsoft 365 products, including Microsoft Intune, to efficiently manage Macs in their respective enterprises. Microsoft has placed considerable emphasis on Mac management within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, evident through the macOS capabilities offered. Consequently, the company has witnessed remarkable growth and increasing customer interest in macOS management. In response, Microsoft aims to offer a platform where organizations and IT communities can showcase their achievements, share tips and tricks, and collaborate with fellow Microsoft 365 or Intune administrators from around the world.

It’s important to note that while the Microsoft Mac Admins community provides a peer-to-peer platform for informal discussions and knowledge sharing, it should not be considered a substitute for official product support from Microsoft. If you require technical assistance with a Microsoft product, please reach out to Microsoft Support. The community’s purpose is to complement existing support resources by fostering collaboration and informal conversations among like-minded professionals.

Microsoft hopes the Microsoft Mac Admins community will prove invaluable throughout your Microsoft 365 journey. To join this vibrant community, simply send an email to MacAdmins@microsoft.com, providing your Microsoft 365 email address. Embrace the opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside fellow Mac admins as you navigate the dynamic world of Microsoft products on Apple Mac devices.

The name “Jugalbandi” pays homage to Indian classical music, referring to a friendly competition between two musicians exchanging compositions. In this context, Jugalbandi signifies the dynamic exchange between the user and the AI system, fostering productive conversations.

Jugalbandi’s mission is clear and ambitious: to provide a free and open platform that combines the power of ChatGPT and Indian language translation models. By doing so, it aspires to break down barriers of literacy and language, enabling citizens to access vital information across various sectors, such as justice, education, and health.

The developers of Jugalbandi have tailored the platform to cater specifically to the Indian population. Notably, they have integrated the chatbot directly with WhatsApp, the most popular mobile communication platform in India. With over 480 million users nationwide, WhatsApp serves as a primary mode of social interaction, news consumption, and even financial transactions.

In addition, Jugalbandi benefits from the expertise of AI4Bharat, a government-backed initiative focused on developing open-source language AI systems for Indian languages. Powered by language and learning models from AI4Bharat, Jugalbandi leverages datasets, models, and applications created by an interdisciplinary team of researchers, language experts, and software developers. The initiative is primarily based at the renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Madras.

Overall, this initiative has the potential to greatly benefit India by positively impacting the lives of its over 1.4 billion citizens, many of whom live in rural areas. Fortunately, India has invested heavily in developing the necessary technology and infrastructure to bring high-speed internet access to these areas, making it possible for Jugalbandi to serve and assist these communities.

Additionally, the platform has endless potential applications beyond its current use for government programs, such as connecting Indians in various sectors, including law, healthcare, banking, public health, and other important social initiatives.

Via: Forbes