
Microsoft to cut up to 9,000 jobs as it invests in AI
The cuts would equate to 4% of Microsoft's 228,000 global workforce.It has initiated three other rounds of redundancies so far in 2025, including in May when it said it would axe 6,000 roles.A database maintained by the Washington state shows more than 800 of the positions eliminated will be concentrated in Redmond as well as in Bellevue, another hub that Microsoft maintains in its home state.In recent years, along with its counterparts in Big Tech, Microsoft has pivoted its attention towards the develop of AI, including investing in datacentres and chips.Last year, the firm hired British AI pioneer Mustafa Suleyman to lead its new Microsoft AI division.A top Microsoft executive recently told the BBC that the next half century will "fundamentally be defined by artificial intelligence," changing the way we work and interact with one another. Microsoft is also a major investor and shareholder in OpenAI, the company behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT, although the relationship has reportedly grown tense in recent months.
Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world's top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Meghan Markle's As Ever wine goes on sale for wild price per bottle... but it is already SOLD OUT
Meghan Markle 's As Ever rosé wine is now available for purchase for a steep price - but it is already sold out. On Tuesday, the sales for the wine went live, with customers able to purchase three bottles for $90, six bottles for $159, and 12 bottles for $300. If you bought the six bottle package, Meghan promised that you were receiving 12 per cent off, while a 12-pack gets you a 17 per cent saving. Daily Mail exclusively revealed this week that the alcoholic beverage is made by Fairwinds Estate, a California winery that creates bespoke wines for celebrities, as they've now added Meghan to their list of clients. When FEMAIL in New York went to purchase a bundle of the wine, we weren't asked for proof of ID - only our birthday. In New York State, there are strict rules about the shipping of wine, as 'manufacturers in other states can make direct shipments of wine, distilled spirits, cider, mead, and braggot to New York residents with an Out-of-State Direct Shipper's License,' per the state's website. The state also requires that the manufacturer must require the customer to represent that they are 21 or older at purchase (and on delivery provide proof that they are 21 years of age or older) and that the alcohol is being purchased for personal use only. Wine shipped to New York must also be labeled in a specific way, as the package must read, 'signature of person age 21 or older required for delivery.' So, in New York, you may be able to order the wine online, but you will need to show proof of identity and age in order to accept the package. But while it may be simple for anyone of age to get their hands on Meghan's As Ever wine, a supplier like Total Wine won't even ship wine to New York State. Other websites, like Wine Access, however, follow As Ever's lead and only ask for a birthdate upon ordering. The As Ever wine is the first alcoholic product to be sold under the brand, and will join her current rolodex of raspberry and apricot spreads, cookie mixes, flower sprinkles and herbal teas - all of which received a less-than-perfect review by FEMAIL. However, Caitlin Jardine, a Social Media Manager at Ellis Digital, previously shared with Daily Mail that The Duchess could risk 'alienating' some fans with the boozy introduction. Jardine noted that Meghan will be 'entering a highly competitive and established market' that is 'most likely to appeal to a more expansive audience, particularly those who see wine as more than just something to drink but an accessory to their lifestyle.' 'However, having already associated herself with all things wellness, this could alienate some of her fan base who feel as though she is going against her core wellness-centered brand image, different to her existing line of products, with the potential to contradict her values around mindful living,' Jardine explained. But it is not all bad news for the entrepreneur. 'What it does do is add versatility to her current line of As Ever products, reflecting a more modern, balanced lifestyle,' she shared. 'Rather than one that is more rigid and "clean," it reflects one that is more in tune with her diverse audience and how they live.' Jardine noted that in the past, Meghan has faced criticism from the public about her lack of relatability - and thinks this new line of rosé could help recover her image. Meghan's July 1 wine launch is her second in just a matter of weeks. On June 20, she released a new apricot spread and limited-edition orange blossom honey - but unfortunately, her infamous raspberry spread was nowhere to be found.


Daily Mail
41 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Pink-haired, bikini-clad influencer rakes in £8,000 a month by posting sexy snaps - but all is not as it seems
When Aitana Lopez came onto the modelling scene two years ago, her bubblegum pink hair and envious lifestyle immediately made her noteworthy. The 26-year-old is an avid gym-goer, a city hopper and, above all, an AI advocate. When there was criticism of AI models feeding increasingly unrealistic beauty standards, the Barcelona native clapped back: 'Haven't we been creating false realities for years now? 'Filters, edits, alter-egos, carefully crafted realities. Tell me - is your face real? Your photos? Your skin, your hair, your life?' While they may ring true, such words are to be expected from a girl who herself is an AI creation, although this doesn't stop her from bringing in thousands every month from brand deals. Ruben Cruz, founder of AI avatar agency The Clueless, created Aitana out of a frustration with fickle and ego-driven models. When projects were cancelled or put on hold, he discovered the common denominator was the influencer or model hired for the job. So he created Aitana (note the first two letters of her name) and she became Ruben's biggest earner. In her best months she rakes in £8,500 from Instagram posts shared with her 361,000 followers, as well as uploads on Fanvue - an OnlyFans alternative that permits AI content. 'We did it so that we could make a better living and not be dependent on other people who have egos, who have manias or who just want to make a lot of money by posing,' Ruben told Euronews. Indeed, Aitana's upkeep is comparatively easy. A weekly team meeting dictates the next seven days of her life, because 'people follow lives, not images', according to Ruben. So, when she's not travelling or taking selfies, she lies in a database with a swathe of other influencers and models, ready to be bought and used by companies. The agency has received countless requests from brands who not only want to hire an existing AI model, but want their very own made for them. 'They want to have an image that is not a real person and that represents their brand values, so that there are no continuity problems if they have to fire someone or can no longer count on them,' Ruben added. The agency has created a host of models of varying ethnicities, ages and body types - including one that bears a striking resemblance to English actor Ian McKellen. But despite this attempt at inclusivity, the stark majority are made to fit Eurocentric standards of attractiveness. The agency has created a host of models of varying ethnicities, ages and body types - including one that bears a striking resemblance to English actor Ian McKellen (left) Although we are growing more discerning when it comes to recognising AI content, repeated exposure is altering our perception of real women. 'AI models, especially hyper-realistic, always-flattering ones, risk becoming the new fantasy foil in heterosexual relationships,' says clinical sexologist Marie Morice. She told Femail: 'Just like the overconsumption of porn can warp expectations of sex, getting emotionally or visually attached to an idealised digital presence can distort what we value in real-life partners. 'These "perfect" AIs don't get moody, don't have needs, and always validate the user - and that can desensitise people, especially men, to the beautifully messy reality of human connection.' For women, this often means feeling unseen or inadequate, Marie explained, which directly impacts intimacy, desire and confidence in a relationship. But it's not all negative. In some cases, if used correctly, AI can actually enhance sex in relationships. 'There can be a playful, expansive side to AI — especially for women, who are so often left out of the sex tech conversation.' Marie suggested that AI companions might offer a safe space to explore fantasy, rehearse desires, or even spice things up with a virtual threesome. 'Like any tool, it's all about the how and the why we use it. Is it deepening the connection, or replacing it?' Another influencer created by the agency is Lia Byte - a Sinead O'Connor lookalike and a singer who has shared AI baby photos on herself Instagram. Each of the personalities seems to be based on a real-life celebrity. Even where it's not immediately obvious, there is an eerie familiarity to their faces. Relationship therapist Rhian Kivits says heterosexual relationships are seriously impacted when the man follows models on the internet - and whether or not that model is real makes no material difference. She told Femail: 'AI models tend to depict exaggerated feminine features such as larger breasts and hips, more defined, tighter bodies and smaller waists. 'They may also have perfectly balanced facial features or exaggerate features that are thought of as sexy, like big plump lips and large, alluring eyes. 'When your partner is viewing images of women that look "real" but are actually well outside of the norm, his expectations of the way you look, dress and behave in and out of the bedroom may subtly shift and this can put pressure on your intimate relationship.' As well as placing strain on relationships, such tech is contributing to the dehumanisation and objectification of women - both real and fake. 'It's not just the visuals that are the issue here, but the fact that a woman's face and body can be manipulated and used to appeal to the primal, sexual side of men,' Rhian added. 'When men take this attitude on and it's projected into their relationships, they may find themselves raising their expectations unrealistically and projecting their wishes selfishly onto their partner. 'And women may find themselves struggling to self-improve with diet, exercise and inauthentic sexual behaviours, but they can never realistically make the grade.' The Clueless CEO Diana Núñez told Femail: 'We are deeply aware of the debate surrounding representation, sexualization and beauty standards. 'We're committed to broadening the spectrum of representation and highlighting diverse bodies, styles, ages and personalities. 'We think AI can be a powerful tool to spark conversations about expression and perception, as long as it's used responsibly.' Diana said Aitana is still generating income through brand collaborations but she stressed that the agency's goal is to create storytelling tools, not just avatars. 'It's not just about aesthetics. Everything is tailored to the complexity and specific needs of each project. 'We also offer the ability to clone a real person, which opens up a world of possibilities for campaigns and digital presence.'


Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
MacBook SE with A18 PRO LEAK - ONLY 599 Release Date 2026
Apple is set to make waves in the entry-level laptop market with the highly anticipated MacBook SE, slated for release in early 2026. Priced at an accessible $599, this laptop is designed to cater to students, casual users, and anyone in need of a dependable device for everyday tasks. By combining Apple's renowned design philosophy with innovative technology, the MacBook SE aims to deliver a balance of performance, affordability, and practicality. With its energy-efficient A18 or A18 Pro chip and a familiar MacBook Air-inspired design, this device is poised to become a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details about the rumored MacBook SE. Watch this video on YouTube. Performance Powered by the A18 and A18 Pro Chip At the heart of the MacBook SE lies the A18 or A18 Pro chip, which is built on Apple's advanced 3nm architecture. This chip, debuting in the iPhone 16 series, is engineered to deliver a seamless blend of performance and energy efficiency. Its single-core performance rivals that of the M1 chip, making sure smooth operation for everyday tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media streaming. While its multi-core performance is slightly lower than the M1, it remains more than adequate for the target audience. The 3nm architecture not only enhances processing power but also significantly reduces power consumption. This innovation translates to longer battery life, making the MacBook SE an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability and reliability. By using this advanced chip, Apple ensures that the MacBook SE delivers a consistent and efficient computing experience without compromising on quality. Practical Design with Familiar Features To maintain its competitive pricing, Apple is expected to reuse the chassis design from the pre-M2 MacBook Air. While this approach does not introduce a innovative aesthetic, it ensures a lightweight, portable, and functional design that aligns with the needs of everyday users. The familiar form factor is a deliberate choice, appealing to those who value practicality and reliability over novelty. The MacBook SE's design prioritizes usability, featuring a slim and durable build that makes it easy to carry for students and professionals alike. By repurposing an existing design, Apple can focus on delivering high-quality internal components while keeping production costs in check. This strategy underscores the company's commitment to offering a budget-friendly device without sacrificing the core elements that define the MacBook experience. Built for Everyday Computing The MacBook SE is tailored to meet the needs of users with basic computing requirements. Whether you're browsing the web, editing documents, or streaming videos, this laptop is designed to handle these tasks with ease. Equipped with 8GB of RAM, it provides sufficient memory for multitasking, making sure a smooth and responsive experience for its target audience. While the MacBook SE excels at everyday tasks, it is not intended for resource-intensive activities such as video editing, 3D modeling, or gaming. Instead, it focuses on delivering reliable performance for common applications, making it an ideal choice for students, casual users, and professionals with straightforward computing needs. This emphasis on practicality ensures that the MacBook SE remains accessible and relevant to a wide range of users. Extended Battery Life for Busy Lifestyles One of the standout features of the MacBook SE is its impressive battery life, made possible by the energy-efficient A18 or A18 Pro chip. This capability is particularly beneficial for students and professionals who require a dependable device for long hours of use without frequent recharging. Whether you're attending classes, working remotely, or traveling, the MacBook SE is designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle. The combination of optimized hardware and software ensures that the MacBook SE delivers a consistent and reliable performance throughout the day. By prioritizing energy efficiency, Apple has created a laptop that aligns with the demands of modern users, offering both convenience and sustainability. Affordable Entry into the Apple Ecosystem With a starting price of $599, the MacBook SE represents Apple's most affordable laptop offering to date. This strategic pricing is aimed at attracting budget-conscious consumers who may have previously found Apple products beyond their financial reach. By providing a high-quality device at a competitive price, Apple is positioning the MacBook SE as a gateway for new users to enter its ecosystem. The affordability of the MacBook SE does not come at the expense of quality. Instead, it reflects Apple's commitment to making its products accessible to a broader audience. For students, casual users, and first-time Apple customers, the MacBook SE offers an opportunity to experience the company's signature design, performance, and ecosystem integration at an unprecedented price point. Release Timeline and Market Implications Production of the MacBook SE is expected to commence in late 2025, with a release planned for early 2026. This timeline positions the device as a strong contender in the affordable laptop market, particularly for students and casual users seeking a dependable and cost-effective solution. By combining Apple's signature design and performance with an accessible price point, the MacBook SE has the potential to disrupt the market and redefine expectations for entry-level laptops. The MacBook SE's release is likely to have significant implications for the tech industry. By offering a high-quality, budget-friendly laptop, Apple is challenging competitors to rethink their approach to affordability and performance. This move not only expands Apple's reach but also sets a new standard for what users can expect from an entry-level device. As the release date approaches, the MacBook SE is poised to capture the attention of consumers and industry analysts alike, solidifying its place as a key player in the evolving laptop market. Discover other guides from our vast content that could be of interest on Budget MacBook SE. Source & Image Credit: Matt Talks Tech Filed Under: Apple, Laptops, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.