Microsoft to Hike Office Prices in 2026, Citing Major AI and Security Overhauls

The recent recap from Daily Tech Insider highlights an intense global competition in artificial intelligence (AI), showcasing advancements in cloud computing, coding, and consumer technology, particularly through datacenter deals and AI-powered devices. This week, significant developments included the launch of new AI models by DeepSeek and Amazon's introduction of advanced AI capabilities at AWS re:Invent.

Microsoft has launched the VS Code Insiders Podcast, providing an in-depth look at experimental features and the developers behind them, as well as insights into future updates for Visual Studio Code.

Google has released its 2025 Year in Search report, highlighting the most searched topics, including AI Barbie and Squid Game 3, reflecting global interests and trends. The report showcases how AI-driven content continues to shape popular culture and consumer behavior.

Lancium's CEO has announced that the $500 billion Stargate project is rapidly advancing towards the construction of AI megacenters in Texas, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. This initiative is part of a broader trend in the tech industry, where significant investments are being made to enhance AI capabilities.

Microsoft's ambitious Copilot+ AI PC initiative has not met expectations, leading to a reevaluation of its role within the company's broader AI strategy. Despite the setback, the project has contributed to advancements in AI integration within Windows, aiming to enhance user experience and productivity.

Microsoft has issued a support document indicating that Windows updates released after July 2025 may disrupt critical components of the operating system, including File Explorer and the Start menu, leading to erratic behavior on some enterprise devices.

Microsoft Foundry has unveiled a preview of its cloud-hosted Foundry MCP Server, enabling AI agents to securely utilize Foundry tools for various workflows, including model development and deployment, directly from platforms like VS Code and Visual Studio.

TikTok has announced plans to invest over $37 billion to build a data center in Brazil's port of Pecém, marking its first major project in Latin America. This investment reflects China's growing ambitions in South America amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with the US.