Observed Signal · Jun 12, 2024 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
LinkedIn Tests AI Assistant for Premium Members
LinkedIn is testing an AI-assisted feature for Premium members that lets users retrieve information about a company or topic directly within the LinkedIn feed. The assistant operates on Microsoft Bing technology and uses a chatbox interface, with responses labeled 'Powered by Bing' and tailored to the user based on inputs. Information sources include publicly posted LinkedIn content from over a billion users and Bing results. The feature is in beta, with early prompts to users about potential errors and privacy terms governed by Microsoft. A LinkedIn spokesperson described the prompts as 'Knowledge Insights' and noted positive test outcomes. The rollout marks LinkedIn’s first consumer-facing AI product, signaling AI expansion beyond recruitment tools into broader user inquiries, with initial observations shared by LinkedIn influencer Lia Habermann.
Moderate impact: beta consumer-facing AI feature on a major professional platform.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- LinkedIn is testing an AI-assisted chat feature for Premium members.
- The AI assistant is powered by Microsoft Bing technology.
- It draws on publicly posted LinkedIn content from over one billion users and Bing results.
- Responses are shown in a chatbox and labeled 'Powered by Bing'.
- A LinkedIn spokesperson calls the prompts 'Knowledge Insights' and reports positive early test results.
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Microsoft Xbox creates new division for films, series, parks
Microsoft's Xbox gaming division announced the creation of a new business unit dedicated to films, television series, and theme park attractions. The move signals an expansion into entertainment and immersive experiences beyond video games, leveraging Xbox's intellectual property. This strategic diversification is part of Microsoft's broader ambition to grow its media and entertainment footprint, following trends seen across the industry. The new division will focus on developing and producing content based on Xbox franchises, potentially opening new revenue streams for the company. Financial details or a timeline for the division's operations have not been disclosed.
US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
Outlook to Block MSIX Files as Email Attachments
Microsoft has announced that Outlook will begin blocking MSIX file attachments, a move aimed at preventing malicious distribution through email. The change affects both the classic Outlook for Windows and the new Outlook for Windows, as well as other clients like Outlook on the web. Microsoft's decision comes in response to the increasing use of MSIX files in phishing and malware attacks. The block will be implemented in phases, starting with a controlled rollout and then expanding to all users. The company advises users to use alternative secured methods for sharing such files. This technical update is part of Microsoft's broader security enhancements for its email clients.
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