
Microsoft Outlook goes down with users unable to access emails
Nearly 200 outages have been reported since 5am, with Outlook email also affected.
Users say they are being told their licence is not valid despite being up-to-date with their subscription payments.
One customer wrote online: 'It seems that a bunch accounts have been caught in a system error in which it shows that there are no payment details available for the accounts in the issue.
'Currently any Exchange Emails are not being Received or Sent from any email platform I have tried (Outlook or Gmail).'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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Reuters
4 hours ago
- Reuters
Amazon tumbles after cloud computing growth disappoints investors
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Reuters
9 hours ago
- Reuters
Amazon slumps after cloud computing growth underwhelms investors
Aug 1 (Reuters) - shares tumbled 8% on Friday, as the tech giant's results fanned investor fears its cloud unit was falling behind Microsoft and Alphabet in the artificial intelligence race. Amazon Web Services, long the cloud-computing market leader, edged past Wall Street estimates for June-quarter revenue on Thursday with a 17.5% increase, but it widely lagged the 39% growth seen at Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud's 32% gain. That disappointing growth came even as Amazon shelled out $31.4 billion in capital expenditure, more than rivals, and suggested it would spend a more-than-estimated $118 billion for the year. Google and Microsoft also pledged higher spending, but were rewarded from investors on signs AI was already becoming a major growth driver across their businesses, justifying the bill. The companies have been spending billions of dollars on data centers and cutting-edge chips that they say are necessary to overcome supply constraints hampering their efforts to capitalize on soaring demand for AI services. "The spotlight was firmly on AWS and it didn't quite shine as brightly as expected," said Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. "While Microsoft and Alphabet have already shown strong momentum in cloud growth, AWS wasn't the knockout many wanted to see." Growing expenses have also started to take a bite out of AWS's margins, the business that has long been Amazon's profit engine, accounting for about 60% of its operating income. AWS margins contracted to 32.9% during the quarter, their lowest level since the final quarter of 2023, and Amazon also issued a current-quarter total operating income forecast that was lower than market estimates. CEO Andy Jassy told analysts on a post-earnings call that it was still "very early days" in the AI race and that Amazon's massive cloud business, much larger than rivals, was primed to perform well once the AI capacity constraints start to ease. The stock, up 6.7% so far this year, was trading at $215.9 before the bell. The drop was set to erase around $190 billion from Amazon's market value, if premarket losses hold. The company still trades at a relatively high premium, with a 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio of 33.87, compared with Microsoft's (MSFT.O), opens new tab 34.19 and Alphabet's (GOOGL.O), opens new tab 18.64, according to data compiled by LSEG. At least 30 analysts raised their price targets on the stock, while three lowered, giving it a median view of $260. Some of that analyst confidence comes from the strong performance of Amazon's retail business, which has remained resilient in the face of Trump administration tariffs that have hobbled many retailers and their supply chains. Amazon has yet to see a drop in demand or a notable rise in prices in the first half of the year, Jassy said, as its online store sales jumped a better-than-expected 11% in the second quarter. Manufacturers and suppliers have shouldered most of the tariff impact so far, analysts said, but noted that much of the inventory Amazon sold in the quarter arrived in the preceding three-month period. "If Amazon's retail business was a standalone entity, it would be trading dramatically higher following the near-perfect results," said Michael Morton, analyst at MoffettNathanson. "Unfortunately, as we all know, the success of the retail business is not what's going to matter in the near term for Amazon's stock price."


Geeky Gadgets
9 hours ago
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What if the most complex problems plaguing industries today—curing diseases, optimizing global supply chains, or even securing digital communication—could be solved in a fraction of the time it takes now? Quantum computing, once the stuff of science fiction, is no longer a distant dream. With breakthroughs like Google's 105-qubit 'Willow' processor and Microsoft's topological qubits, the race toward fault-tolerant quantum systems is heating up. These advancements are not just incremental; they're fantastic, promising to redefine the limits of computation and disrupt industries across the globe. The question is no longer if quantum computing will change the world, but how soon—and how profoundly—it will happen. ExplainingComputers explores the most pivotal developments in quantum computing as of 2025, from innovative hardware innovations to the emergence of post-quantum cryptography. You'll discover how companies like IBM and SciQuantum are tackling challenges like quantum error correction and scalability, and why these breakthroughs matter for everything from drug discovery to financial modeling. But this isn't just about technology—it's about the societal shifts and opportunities that quantum computing will unlock. As we stand on the brink of a quantum revolution, the implications are as exciting as they are daunting. What will this new era of computation mean for you, your industry, and the world at large? Quantum Computing Breakthroughs Understanding Quantum Computing Quantum computing operates on the principles of quantum mechanics, using qubits as its fundamental units of information. Unlike classical bits, which exist in a binary state of 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously through the phenomena of superposition and entanglement. This unique capability allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data in parallel, offering computational power far beyond that of classical systems. However, qubits are inherently fragile and susceptible to environmental interference, leading to errors during computation. To address this challenge, researchers employ quantum error correction codes, which combine multiple physical qubits to create a single logical qubit. Logical qubits are a critical step toward building fault-tolerant quantum systems, allowing reliable and scalable quantum computation. These advancements are paving the way for practical applications, making quantum computing a viable solution for complex problems. Breakthroughs in 2024-2025 The past two years have been pivotal for quantum computing, with leading technology companies achieving significant milestones. These developments are shaping the future of the field and bringing us closer to realizing the full potential of quantum systems: Google: Google introduced its 'Willow' quantum processor, featuring 105 superconducting transmon qubits. The company achieved a major breakthrough in quantum error correction , demonstrating performance below the surface code threshold. This milestone is a critical step toward scalable quantum systems. Additionally, Google showcased its computational superiority through random circuit sampling (RCS) , further solidifying its leadership in the field. Google introduced its 'Willow' quantum processor, featuring 105 superconducting transmon qubits. The company achieved a major breakthrough in , demonstrating performance below the surface code threshold. This milestone is a critical step toward scalable quantum systems. Additionally, Google showcased its computational superiority through , further solidifying its leadership in the field. Microsoft: Microsoft launched its 'Majorana 1' processor, using topological qubits for enhanced stability and scalability. The company also partnered with Atom Computing to explore neutral atom-based quantum hardware and joined DARPA's US2QC program to advance utility-scale quantum computing. These initiatives highlight Microsoft's commitment to pushing the boundaries of quantum technology. Microsoft launched its 'Majorana 1' processor, using for enhanced stability and scalability. The company also partnered with Atom Computing to explore and joined DARPA's US2QC program to advance utility-scale quantum computing. These initiatives highlight Microsoft's commitment to pushing the boundaries of quantum technology. SciQuantum: SciQuantum unveiled its 'Omega' photonic quantum chipset, designed for scalability and efficiency. The company also developed an innovative cooling system for photonic qubits , resembling data center server racks, to address thermal challenges. This approach demonstrates the potential of photonic systems in achieving practical quantum computing. SciQuantum unveiled its 'Omega' photonic quantum chipset, designed for scalability and efficiency. The company also developed an innovative cooling system for , resembling data center server racks, to address thermal challenges. This approach demonstrates the potential of photonic systems in achieving practical quantum computing. IBM: IBM released a comprehensive roadmap for its fault-tolerant quantum computer, 'Quantum Staling,' which aims to feature 200 logical qubits by 2029. The company introduced advanced error correction techniques, such as barista bicycle codes and noise decoders, to enhance system reliability and scalability. Quantum Error Correction and Scalability: The Next Big Leap Watch this video on YouTube. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in Quantum computing. Securing the Future with Post-Quantum Cryptography The rise of quantum computing presents a significant challenge to traditional cryptographic systems. Quantum computers have the potential to break widely used encryption algorithms, posing a threat to data security across industries. In response, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a 2024 report outlining the transition to post-quantum cryptographic standards by 2035. These standards aim to safeguard sensitive information and ensure cybersecurity in a quantum-enabled future. Post-quantum cryptography focuses on developing encryption methods that are resistant to quantum attacks. This proactive approach is essential for protecting critical infrastructure, financial systems, and personal data as quantum computing becomes more prevalent. Organizations are encouraged to begin adopting these standards to future-proof their security systems. Applications Transforming Industries Quantum computing is set to transform a wide range of industries, offering solutions to complex problems that were previously unsolvable. Some of the most promising applications include: Molecular Modeling: Quantum computers can simulate molecular interactions with unprecedented precision, accelerating advancements in drug discovery and materials science . Quantum computers can simulate molecular interactions with unprecedented precision, accelerating advancements in and . Logistics Optimization: Quantum algorithms can optimize supply chains and transportation networks, reducing costs and improving efficiency for businesses worldwide. Quantum algorithms can optimize supply chains and transportation networks, reducing costs and improving efficiency for businesses worldwide. Financial Modeling: Quantum systems enable the analysis of complex financial data, providing more accurate risk assessments and portfolio optimizations . Quantum systems enable the analysis of complex financial data, providing more accurate and . AI Integration: Quantum computing enhances machine learning algorithms, leading to faster and more accurate artificial intelligence solutions. Quantum computing enhances machine learning algorithms, leading to faster and more accurate solutions. Materials Science: Quantum simulations can uncover new materials with unique properties, driving innovation in energy and manufacturing sectors. Additionally, the emergence of Quantum Computing as a Service (QCAS) is providing widespread access to access to this innovative technology. By offering quantum capabilities through cloud-based platforms, QCAS allows businesses to use quantum computing without the need for costly hardware investments. This model is accelerating the adoption of quantum technologies across industries. The Road Ahead for Quantum Computing The quantum computing market is experiencing rapid growth, with annual revenues projected to reach $5 billion by 2030. While fault-tolerant quantum systems are still under development, they are expected to become commercially viable by the early 2030s. These systems will unlock new possibilities for industries, allowing breakthroughs in areas such as healthcare, finance, and energy. As the field progresses, collaboration between academia, industry, and government will play a crucial role in overcoming technical challenges and driving innovation. The next decade will be instrumental in shaping the future of quantum computing, as researchers and engineers work toward building scalable, reliable, and accessible quantum systems. By staying informed about these advancements, you can better understand the fantastic potential of quantum computing and its impact on technology and society. The developments of 2024-2025 mark a significant step forward, setting the stage for a quantum revolution that will redefine the boundaries of computation and innovation. Media Credit: Explaining Computers Filed Under: Hardware, Technology 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.