Latest news with #Microsoft365
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
OpenAI Building ChatGPT-Based Alternatives to Excel and PowerPoint
OpenAI Eyes Productivity Space with New ChatGPT Spreadsheet and Presentation Tools OpenAI is reportedly developing a new suite of productivity tools embedded directly into ChatGPT—tools that could eventually serve as AI-powered alternatives to Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. These upcoming features aim to reshape how users create spreadsheets and slide decks by allowing the entire process to happen inside ChatGPT's interface. According to a report from The Information, the tools will leverage open-source file formats to ensure compatibility with Microsoft Office, all while sidestepping the need for traditional apps or services. Users may soon be able to generate charts, tables, and presentation slides through intuitive prompts and built-in buttons, streamlining workflows without toggling between multiple platforms. The goal is clear: simplify work while reducing reliance on paid services like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Though still in development, these tools reflect a broader strategic push from OpenAI. The company is also working on advanced "agents"—AI-driven systems capable of executing complex, multi-step tasks. These could range from report generation based on public or internal data to scheduling meetings or even performing basic web-based operations. If these agents evolve as intended, ChatGPT could transform from a chat assistant into a full-scale productivity hub, replacing several existing software tools with a single, AI-integrated solution. While no official launch date has been announced, the open file format approach means OpenAI can proceed without needing Microsoft's permission. This move, however, may strain the already delicate relationship between OpenAI and Microsoft—one of its biggest investors. Despite recent rumours, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has denied any rift between the two companies. Still, the development of tools that mirror Microsoft's flagship products is bound to raise eyebrows in Redmond. Current prototypes are reportedly missing features like real-time collaboration, cloud storage, and the snappy performance users expect from established suites. However, if OpenAI can close those gaps, it may soon offer a lightweight, AI-powered alternative for individuals and small teams. ChatGPT could soon be more than just an AI that answers your questions—it might also help you create the documents you used to build with Excel or PowerPoint.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Microsoft will stop offering new Office features to these Windows users starting August 2026
Microsoft has quietly announced it will stop delivering new features to Office apps for Windows 10 users starting in August 2026, marking another significant step in the company's push to migrate users to Windows 11. While security updates will continue until October 2028, the feature freeze effectively forces users seeking the latest Office capabilities to upgrade their operating system. The timeline varies by subscription type: Microsoft 365 Personal and Family users will lose access to new features with version 2608 in August 2026, while enterprise customers face cutoffs between October 2026 and January 2027 depending on their update channel. All versions will remain frozen at the 2608 feature set regardless of subscription tier. Security updates continue but feature development stops Microsoft's decision represents a significant shift from its previous commitments. The company had originally planned to end Office support alongside Windows 10's October 2025 end-of-life date but reversed course earlier this year following user backlash. However, as The Verge first reported, the company failed to initially disclose that new features would be restricted starting in 2026. The change means Windows 10 users experiencing Office issues unique to their platform will receive limited support. Microsoft's official guidance directs such users to upgrade to Windows 11, with support staff providing only "troubleshooting assistance" and warning that "technical workarounds might be limited or unavailable." Windows 11 upgrade becomes essential for latest Office tools This move aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to accelerate Windows 11 adoption. Despite Windows 11 recently overtaking Windows 10 as the most-used desktop OS, millions of devices still run the older system. The company has offered various incentives for upgrading, including free extended security updates for Windows 10 users who enable Windows Backup or pay $30 per device. For users unwilling or unable to upgrade, Office web apps will remain an alternative for accessing new features. However, the desktop experience will remain static after August 2026, creating a two-tiered system where modern Office capabilities require Windows 11. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Forbes
7 hours ago
- Forbes
Microsoft Confirms New Upgrade Deadlines—‘Move To Windows 11'
It's time to move, Microsoft warns. Around 700 million PC owners are now in Windows Limboland. Microsoft's u-turn on killing Windows 10 support in October has been quashed, and it seems there's now a free 12-month extension. But it's not that simple, as Microsoft has just warned. The Windows-maker has now told Microsoft 365 users that 'although apps such as Word will continue to work after Windows 10 reaches end of support, using an unsupported operating system can cause performance and reliability issues.' And here's the blurry new line. General Windows 10 support is still effectively ending in October, that hasn't changed. The extensions are only intended to ease the transition. Microsoft tells enterprise users that 'if your organization is using Microsoft 365 Apps on devices running Windows 10, those devices should move to Windows 11.' This isn't as dire as it might sound. 'To help maintain security while you transition to Windows 11,' Microsoft says it will 'continue providing security updates for Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows 10 for three years after Windows 10 reaches end of support.' That means you should avoid the worst downsides all the way through to October 2028. But this will be a static version of the apps you're paying for. Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 'will only receive feature updates' until the following dates: That means major changes before the end of the imminent 12-month support extension, which aligns with other warnings from Microsoft and even government agencies that the 700 million users still on Windows 10 should take the free upgrade now. At least most of them should. There's an indeterminate number of PCs — somewhere between 240 and 400 million — that are not eligible to upgrade. And the focus should now be on those to find a way to maintain secure systems.
Business Wire
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Alaska Communications Accelerates Network Investment With Plans for 100,000 Locations Served With Improved Broadband Service
ANCHORAGE, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of its ongoing network expansion, Alaska Communications is launching improved broadband service to approximately 100,000 businesses and homes across Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and the Kenai Peninsula. Powered by fiber-fed, next-generation fixed wireless technology, Alaska Communications is expanding broadband access rapidly to meet the needs of businesses and families. With speeds up to 300Mbps download and 100Mbps upload, Alaskans can get the connectivity they need to efficiently run their business, work or learn from home, attend telehealth appointments, stream their favorite programs, connect smart home devices, play online games and more. 'We hear from residents across the state that they want reliable, unlimited internet service. If it matters to Alaskans, it matters to us,' said Paul Fenaroli, President and CEO, Alaska Communications. 'With fixed wireless internet access backed by our state-of-the-art fiber network, we're able to give Alaskans a reliable option for connecting their businesses and homes at affordable rates with local support.' Alaska Communications' new service includes: The speed you need: Up to 300Mbps download and 100Mbps upload. Unlimited data: Like all Alaska Communications services, there are no data caps, throttling or overage fees. Reliability: Advances in technology no longer require a line of sight for a strong signal. Affordable: Competitive pricing at a flat, monthly rate. No extra costs: Free installation and equipment with term agreement. Local support: Installed and supported by Alaskans. Small business solutions: Bundle with our other small business services, which include Microsoft 365, helpdesk support and more. 'For businesses, it opens the door to enhanced productivity, better customer service, improved security and the ability to compete in our digital-first economy,' said Fenaroli. 'For families, this means smoother streaming, faster downloads and more reliable connections for remote work, online learning and everyday use.' North Anchorage available now, midtown and south Anchorage coming soon This high-speed service is available for businesses and residents in the following Anchorage neighborhoods: downtown, Government Hill, Mountain View and Airport Heights. The Anchorage hillside, south Anchorage and midtown Anchorage will be available later this summer. By the end of 2025, 50,000 locations in Anchorage alone will be eligible. 'The Anchorage market is seeing demand for high-speed alternatives to cable internet,' said Fenaroli. 'Competition is good for Alaska and we're excited to build on our more than 120-year history to support Alaskans in new ways.' Other service locations coming soon Alaska Communications plans to improve or expand its fiber-fed fixed wireless network in Fairbanks, Juneau and the Kenai Peninsula starting later this year. How to get connected Business: For business service, fill out a service request form on the Alaska Communications' website. About Alaska Communications Alaska Communications, an affiliate of ATN International, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI), is a leading provider of mission and life-critical communications infrastructure in Alaska. The company operates a robust and advanced statewide fiber network and a highly diverse undersea fiber optic system that connects Alaska to the contiguous U.S. For additional information, visit
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Orchestry Launches Game-changing Tools for Microsoft 365 Security and Governance
VANCOUVER, BC, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Orchestry, a leading Microsoft 365 management platform, has announced the release of two highly anticipated features: sharing links reporting and remediation, and broken inheritance reporting and remediation. These innovative tools are designed to provide organizations with unparalleled visibility and control over permissions, addressing critical security risks and compliance challenges. Controlling permissions and ensuring secure access in Microsoft 365 environments has long been a headache for IT teams, particularly with thousands of shared files and folders creating unseen vulnerabilities. Orchestry's new sharing links reporting and remediation feature offers a cutting-edge solution, efficiently identifying outdated or risky sharing links, and dramatically reducing the need for time-intensive manual audits. 'The sharing links reporting and remediation feature is a game-changer, helping customers scan an average of 40,000 links per 1,400 workspaces. That's thousands of potentially risky or outdated links surfaced automatically—saving hours of manual audits and reducing compliance risks,' said Orchestry CEO Michal Pisarek. Key functionalities include comprehensive sharing link reporting across Teams and SharePoint, advanced filtering options for targeted audits, and bulk deletion capabilities to remove outdated links with ease. Additionally, detailed insights into link behaviors, such as creator and last accessed date, empower organizations to proactively secure their data and minimize risks. Complementing the sharing links feature, Orchestry has also introduced broken inheritance reporting and remediation to tackle another persistent issue in Microsoft 365. Broken inheritance occurs when custom permissions override established group- or site-level settings, creating unmanaged access points. Orchestry's solution offers an intuitive dashboard to detect and classify broken inheritance instances, pinpoint their origins, and restore proper permissions with a single click. With these tools, Orchestry delivers what IT teams have long sought but could not achieve with out-of-the-box Microsoft 365 tools. By automating permissions management and highlighting risks, Orchestry provides a scalable governance framework that enhances compliance, reduces manual workloads, and secures sensitive data. Orchestry's latest release also introduces new features to further enhance Microsoft 365 governance and efficiency. These include expanded sensitivity label visibility in Workspace Review, periodic Workspace Privacy validation, and Search & Copilot Visibility for sensitive workspaces. In addition, Orchestry launched the industry-first Copilot Readiness Dashboard, consolidating 13 governance signals to provide a unified assessment of an organization's preparation for integrating Microsoft Copilot technology. Beacon 2.0, a read-only, streamlined management tool, also debuted as part of this release, enabling partners and administrators to achieve comprehensive tenant-wide reporting at a fraction of the cost. 'These latest enhancements continue our mission of transforming Microsoft 365 management for our customers,' added Pisarek. 'With a laser focus on governance, security, and operational efficiency, Orchestry is setting the bar higher for M365 administrators facing increasing complexity in their environments.' These features mark a significant leap forward for Microsoft 365 security and governance, helping organizations move from reactive management to proactive risk mitigation. They're just the latest example of Orchestry's commitment to innovation in delivering robust, enterprise-grade solutions that simplify Microsoft 365 administration and governance. About Orchestry Orchestry is an all-in-one enterprise-grade Microsoft 365 management platform that provides unparalleled predictive insights and automated governance. By ensuring secure, cost-effective, and AI-ready workspaces, Orchestry empowers organizations to achieve operational agility, enhanced compliance, and strategic growth. For more information, visit
