Observed Signal · Aug 29, 2023 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Microsoft Launches Bing Chat Enterprise and Search Progress for Education
Microsoft announced two new Bing AI features for education: Bing Chat Enterprise and Search Progress. Bing Chat Enterprise is entering preview for Microsoft 365 A3/A5 teachers and staff at no extra cost, with IT admins able to enable it and default activation for eligible users on September 21; student access is not available. The service uses web data to deliver source-linked answers and visual outputs, accessible via bing.com/chat or the Edge sidebar. Search Progress is described as a learning accelerator that lets teachers create, customize, and assign research projects, while students use a built-in Search Coach to collect sources in a structured environment to strengthen information literacy. Both tools aim to reduce administrative workload, improve research quality, and save time in classrooms, spanning curriculum planning to project work and classroom administration.
Major platform technical release from Microsoft introducing enterprise-grade Bing AI features for education.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Microsoft announced two new Bing AI features: Bing Chat Enterprise and Search Progress.
- Bing Chat Enterprise will be available in preview for Microsoft 365 A3/A5 teachers and staff at no additional cost.
- Activation for eligible users will be default on September 21.
- Student access to Bing Chat Enterprise is not available at this time.
- Search Progress acts as a learning accelerator with a Search Coach for students to collect sources.
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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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