EU to assess whether Amazon and Microsoft cloud businesses need extra scrutiny

Microsoft has issued a warning regarding its AI feature, Copilot Actions, which is currently disabled by default in Windows. Critics have raised concerns about the potential risks of this feature, including the possibility of infecting machines and stealing sensitive data. The company has yet to clarify how long this default setting will remain in place.

Microsoft has introduced new recovery tools for Windows that include a point-in-time restore feature, allowing users to revert their PCs to a previous state, and a cloud rebuild option that reinstalls Windows directly from the cloud. These tools aim to enhance system reliability and user experience during glitches.

Prime Video is testing the use of artificial intelligence to create quick video recaps of popular TV shows through a new beta feature called 'Video Recap'.

Adobe has announced a $1.9 billion acquisition of Semrush, a software provider that assists businesses, including major companies like Amazon and TikTok, with search-engine optimization and marketing strategies. This deal highlights Adobe's commitment to enhancing its digital marketing capabilities.

The European Union has announced a comprehensive plan to streamline digital regulations aimed at enhancing competitiveness in the artificial intelligence sector and supporting local tech companies. This initiative reflects the EU's commitment to fostering innovation and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for technology firms.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has provided a $1 billion loan to a Microsoft partner to facilitate the restart of the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor. This financial support aims to revitalize the reactor, which has been offline, and is part of broader efforts to enhance energy production and sustainability in the region. The initiative underscores the collaboration between government entities and private companies in advancing technological solutions in the energy sector.

Microsoft is addressing significant security and privacy concerns associated with AI agents in Windows 11, which have read/write access to user files. The introduction of these agents raises alarms about potential unauthorized access to sensitive information, prompting Microsoft to implement measures to mitigate these risks. As the company prepares for the rollout of these features, the implications for user data security remain a critical focus.

Microsoft is advancing its AI capabilities with new tools such as Agent 365, Foundry's MCP tool catalog, and IQ services. This shift signifies a move from traditional copilots to a future where software development becomes an automated assembly process. The introduction of these AI agents aims to streamline coding tasks, allowing for more efficient software creation and management.