Mizuho Is Bullish on Microsoft's (MSFT) Cloud Businesses
Microsoft's (MSFT) cloud-infrastructure unit, Azure, is well-positioned to deliver "impressive..growth" over the long term, Gregg Moskowitz, an analyst at Japanese bank Mizuho, wrote recently.
Moskowitz has a $475 price target and an Outperform rating on MSFT.
A development team working together to create the next version of Windows.
Azure and Microsoft 365 Are Seen as Positive Catalysts for MSFT
Azure should benefit from "public/hybrid cloud migration, (the) digital transformation of complex workflows, and...GenAI," Moskowitz believes.
Meanwhile, Microsoft 365, the cloud-powered version of Office, is very widely used by companies and government agencies, the analyst reported. Moreover, the cloud-powered product's average revenue per user is likely to rise going forward, according to Moskowitz.
Other Positive Drivers for MSFT
Moskowitz is impressed by MSFT's progress on the GenAI front, and he sees the company as better able to exploit the technology than any other software vendor.
Finally, the Street is underestimating the tech giant's long-term, revenue-growth outlook, and the firm is likely to keep its costs under control, according to the analyst.
The Recent Price Action of MSFT Stock
In the last month, the shares have dropped 7%, while they are down 15% in the last three months.
In the last month, the shares have dropped 12%, while they have given back 17% in the last three months.
While we acknowledge the potential of MSFT, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MSFT but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this .
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
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Tom's Guide
an hour ago
- Tom's Guide
ROG Xbox Ally: Everything we know about the two new gaming handhelds from Microsoft and Asus
Hot on the heels of the Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox is joining the handheld party with the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X. You may also know this as the Asus ROG Ally 2 or Project Kennan, and Microsoft took the chance at the Xbox Games Showcase to show it off ahead of its fall 2025 launch (price yet unknown). With these two new handhelds come new chips, a completely reimagined full-screen Xbox UI (hopefully, this means no more Windows 11 desktop on a handheld screen), and drastically boosted performance that could make these the best gaming handhelds you can buy today. Let's get into what you're getting here, the games you'll be playing on them, and why Microsoft is finally on the right track to taking on SteamOS. You're getting the new Xbox Ally in two flavors. Category Xbox Ally Xbox Ally X Operating System Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Home Processor AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor Memory 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 Storage 512GB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable) 1TB M.2 2280 SSD (upgradeable) Display 7" 16:9 FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection 7" 16:9 FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 120Hz refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, Gorilla Glass Victus + DXC Anti-Reflection Graphics AMD Radeon™ RDNA 3 Graphics AMD Radeon™ RDNA 3 Graphics with AI Boost Battery 60Wh 80Wh I/O Ports 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, microSD reader, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack 1x USB4 Type-C with Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, microSD reader (DDR200), 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack Network Wi-Fi 6E (2x2) + Bluetooth 5.4 Wi-Fi 6E (2x2) + Bluetooth 5.4 Audio Dual Smart Amp speakers, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling microphone Dual Smart Amp speakers, Dolby Atmos, AI noise-canceling microphone Dimensions & Weight 11.4 × 4.8 × 1.99 inches, 1.48 pounds 11.4 × 4.8 × 1.99 inches, 1.48 pounds Launch Date Holiday 2025 Holiday 2025 Price Unknown Unknown If you saw the Project Kennan leaks earlier this year, you won't be too surprised by the looks of this new handheld. And while others have been saying this looks like a toy, I actually dig this form factor, along with the small nods to Xbox in this mostly-Asus aesthetic. The proper controller grips look like this will give it a great hand-feel — something proper to hold onto. So far, the only thing that's come close to establishing a good grip has been the new AMD-fuelled MSI Claw A8, but this looks set to take it to the next level. Oh, and you're also getting everything you'd expect from an Xbox controller like HD haptics and Hall Effect L and R triggers. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Up front, you've got the same 7-inch 1080p panels across the pair, which are IPS screens with 120Hz refresh rate and protection courtesy of Gorilla Glass Victus. There are slight port differences here, as you're getting USB4 in the premium model, and in that pricier model, you're also seeing the battery capacity upgraded from 60Wh to 80Wh. And trust me when I say that additional capacity is needed for what the new AMD chip is able to do. But while the hardware design only hints at the Xbox partnership here and there, the software has had a dramatic overhaul to tackle some of the key problems we've been talking about for well over a year now. Just to address what they are: Well, looks like Microsoft took this on board and has finally done something about it with the re-engineered Xbox app. Not only can you set it to full screen mode to just start up into it, but when you do so, all Windows 11 processes (including the desktop itself) will be disabled. That gives you up to 2GB of RAM back for gaming! So not only do you get a re-engineered UI that gives you an aggregated gaming library across all your libraries like Steam and Game Pass, a controller-centric design for navigating zippily, but all that Windows overhead is being eliminated too, so you can make the most of your system's RAM. As Jez Corden has added over at Windows Central, Xbox has confirmed that this new Xbox app and the re-tooled Windows 11 are exclusive to the Xbox Ally and Ally X until 'early 2026' when 'other devices like the Lenovo Legion Go' will start to get it too. In terms of what is powering the games under the hood, you've got two fresh new chips from AMD: the Ryzen Z2 A and the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme. We've already caught a glimpse of these at Computex, but without the NPUs to deliver on the AI features. The Ryzen Z2 A is a drastically cut back APU that seems to be aimed at lower-power gaming for indie titles and the such — packing 4 cores/8 threads and being built on the efficient 'Zen 2' architecture for performance configurable up to 20 watts. However, this does mean you're only getting AMD's 5-year-old RDNA 2 graphics. But the real party starts with the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme — basically the laptop-centric Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 chipset with a new name. 8 cores/16 threads running on AMD's latest Zen 5 architecture for the fastest multitasking, highest power output at 35 watts, and double the GPU core count. The end result? As Microsoft confirmed, Gears of War: Reloaded is capable of running at a 'completely stable 1080p 60 FPS' according to Corden's Windows rep. That's AAA console gaming on a handheld with Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme! As Xbox CEO Sarah Bond said herself, every game announced at the Showcase is Xbox Play Anywhere. So here's what got announced at the Showcase. And of course, you have the rest of the Xbox Game Pass library, as well as anything you bought on Steam, Epic Games Store and more to play. This is the big question mark that's getting me nervous. No company told me the price at Computex, and everybody is quiet here too, and that's because of the tariffs. Nobody wants to jump until they're 100% sure what is happening to all their components, and the uncertainty is driving the cost up. Given these are full purchases with a docking station included too, I'd venture a guess and say the Ryzen Z2 A model is going to come in at around $500, and the top of the line could be anywhere between $800-$1,000. Microsoft has confirmed that there are more accessories being announced soon, so stay tuned for a new case and maybe some device mods! I've been clear about my problems with Windows gaming handhelds, and it looks like Microsoft's taken that personally. On paper, these seem incredible with huge touted performance uplifts, fresh designs that look real comfortable to hold, and a real attention paid to stripping that Windows experience away to give you just the games. We'll know more when we get some proper hands-on time with it closer to its launch this fall.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, Raising the Standard for Gaming Handhelds
Designed in partnership with Xbox, these incredible new handhelds offer a new software suite, a redesigned chassis, and more KEY POINTS All-day comfort: Redesigned chassis is purpose-built to fit the hands like a real gamepad Seamless software experience: New Xbox® software offers the best of Xbox and Windows PC gaming in one handheld Efficiency and performance: Two new processors offer incredible AAA and indie gaming experiences LOS ANGELES, June 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) is proud to announce an all-new series of Ally handhelds built from the ground up with improved ergonomics and a seamless player-first user experience. Developed in partnership with the incredible team at Xbox, the new ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X offer best-in-class ergonomics and a full-screen Xbox experience that marries the best of Xbox and PC gaming in one cohesive package. "We wanted to take our handheld to the next level, but we could not do it alone." said Shawn Yen, Head of the Consumer product team at ASUS. "This revolutionary partnership with Microsoft allowed us to forge a brand new device with ROG muscle and the soul of Xbox." The ROG Xbox Ally sports an AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor with incredible power efficiency, while the ROG Xbox Ally X offers the new AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor for next-level gaming performance. Both launch holiday 2025 in select markets, with additional markets to follow. All-day comfort The ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X feature a completely redesigned chassis. Gaming on handheld is a very personal experience, and comfort in the hand is a key pillar of a well-designed device. With years of feedback on the original Ally and Ally X, the ROG Xbox Ally series offers a more comfortable grip than ever, inspired by Xbox. With a redesigned palm rest and texturing patterns to keep gamers locked on target, the ROG Xbox Ally series truly raises the bar for comfort with a handheld gaming device. The ROG Xbox Ally X also features impulse triggers, improving the haptics in supported games. These triggers allow for more nuance and immersion and are a feature that Xbox gamers have come to expect with their controllers. These devices are the most comfortable and immersive handhelds ever built by ROG. Seamless software experience While the ROG Armoury Crate Special Edition software made the original Ally easy to use, ROG and Xbox aimed to make handheld gaming even more seamless on Windows 11. "We wanted to create an authentic Xbox experience in a handheld form factor," explained Roanne Sones, CVP at Xbox. "With ROG, we made it happen on the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X." As soon as players power on the device, they enter the full screen Xbox experience. Powered by Windows 11 underneath, this software has been optimized for the ROG Xbox Ally, reducing system overhead and offering easy joystick and button navigation. Quick access to settings and customizable widgets are available via Game Bar with a single press of the Xbox button. But with the full freedom of Windows 11 running under the hood, games and mods from other sources are still easily accessible. The ROG Xbox Ally series offers the power of Xbox, the craftsmanship of ROG, and the versatility of Windows, all in one cohesive device. Efficiency and performance The ROG Xbox Ally X features the new top-of-stack AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor, giving it plenty of horsepower even in AAA games. Combined with software optimizations from the new Xbox experience, the ROG Xbox Ally X stands ready to provide gamers with next-gen handheld performance. 'Battery life is paramount on handhelds like the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X,' said Jack Huynh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AMD. 'The Ryzen Z2 series improves efficiency over the previous generation while still offering excellent performance in modern games.' The ROG Xbox Ally offers console-caliber performance with its AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor. At the same time, its ultra-efficient design at low wattages and its 60Wh battery produce improved battery life. Meanwhile, the ROG Xbox Ally X takes performance to greater heights, offering more room for graphical fidelity at higher framerates with the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme Processor. Both chips are primed to take full advantage of AMD's latest software suite for graphics and performance improvements, including AMD FidelityFX™ Super Resolution (FSR), Radeon Super Resolution (RSR), and AMD Fluid Motion Frames (AFMF) frame generation, the latter of which can offer better framerates for improved smoothness. In a nod to the future, the AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme-equipped ROG Xbox Ally X features an NPU. With these next-generation chips, the ROG Xbox Ally X will be ready to power the latest AI features as they are introduced. At launch this holiday, the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X will be available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with availability to follow for other markets where ROG Ally series products are sold today. For more information, please visit Users can also sign up on the page to get notified when pre-orders go live. SPECIFICATIONS ROG Xbox Ally X (2025) Operating System Windows 11 Home Comfort & input Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort, complete with impulse triggers for enhanced control ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R impulse triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU Processor AMD Ryzen™ AI Z2 Extreme Processor Display 7' FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9120Hz refresh rateFreeSync PremiumCorning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® + Corning DXC Anti-Reflection Memory 24GB LPDDR5X-8000 Storage 1TB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade Network and Communication Wi-Fi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth® 5.4 I/O Ports 1x USB4® with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.0, Thunderbolt™ 4 compatible1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.01x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC; UHS-I with DDR200 mode)1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack Battery 80Wh Dimensions 290.8 (W) x 121.5 (D) x 50.7 (H) mm Weight 715 grams Included ROG Xbox Ally X65W chargerStand ROG Xbox Ally (2025) Operating System Windows 11 Home Comfort & input Contoured grips inspired by Xbox Wireless Controllers deliver all-day comfort ABXY buttons / D-pad / L & R Hall Effect analog triggers / L & R bumpers / Xbox button / View button / Menu button / Command Center button / Library button / 2x assignable back buttons / 2x full-size analog sticks / HD haptics / 6-Axis IMU Processor AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor Display 7' FHD (1080p) IPS, 500 nits, 16:9120Hz refresh rateFreeSync PremiumCorning® Gorilla® Glass Vitus® + Corning DXC Anti-Reflection Memory 16GB LPDDR5X-6400 Storage 512GB M.2 2280 SSD for easier upgrade Network and Communication WiFi 6E (2 x 2) + Bluetooth® 5.4 I/O Ports 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® with DisplayPort™ 2.1 / Power Delivery 3.01x UHS-II microSD card reader (supports SD, SDXC and SDHC)1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack Battery 60Wh Dimensions 290.8 (W) x 121.5 (D) x 50.7 (H) mm Weight 670 grams Included ROG Xbox Ally65W chargerStandNOTES TO EDITORS ROG Facebook: ROG X (Twitter): ASUS Pressroom: ASUS Canada Facebook: ASUS Canada Instagram: ASUS Canada YouTube: ASUS Global Twitter: About ROG Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world's best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at A photo accompanying this announcement is available at CONTACT: PRESS CONTACTS Media Relations ASUS Canada Redoine Taoussi Public Relations Manager Redoine_Taoussi@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Microsoft Is Finally Releasing A Handheld Gaming Console And It's Coming Soon
ROG Xbox Ally Credit: Microsoft Microsoft has been notably absent from the handheld gaming space over the years, at least when it comes to Xbox. Rival Sony released the PlayStation Portal but this isn't a standalone handheld, but rather a device you pair with your PS5 to stream games on a portable device. When it comes to handheld gaming that isn't on a phone, Nintendo has been the dominant force. This is especially true after Sony abandoned handheld gaming after the PS Vita, which never made as big a splash as the wildly popular PSP. Outside of Nintendo, which just launched the Nintendo Switch 2, handheld gaming has been mostly a PC affair, with systems like the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally vying for the PC gaming handheld market. It is into this space, as much as the console market, that Xbox is heading with its newly announced pair of handheld gaming consoles, the ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X. As you can tell from the name of the system, this is as much a handheld PC as it is a handheld Xbox. Microsoft has partnered with ASUS to release the new hardware. The systems will launch with an updated 'Xbox full screen experience' for Windows 11, which is optimized for handheld gaming. The system will also feature an Xbox button, contoured grips that mimic the Xbox Wireless Controllers and an optimized Game Bar and Xbox App, with accessibility features from the Xbox console experience. The new optimized system will also make finding your games easier, according to Microsoft. You'll see your entire aggregated gaming library across Xbox, Game Pass, and other PC sotre fronts (though it's not clear yet if all storefronts will participate – such as Steam). In other words, this is very much a ROG Ally handheld PC but with some nice Xbox touches that will the overall experience feel more like playing an Xbox. The ROG Xbox Ally include an AMD Ryzen Z2 A Processor, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The ROG Xbox Ally X will feature an AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme CPU, 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The X will also feature 'impulse triggers' and more connectivity options. Both handhelds feature expandable microSD storage, 7" FHD screens at 1080p, 500 nits, 16:9 120Hz refresh rate. The X will feature an 80Wh battery compared to the Ally's 60Wh. Both handhelds launch this holiday season.
