# Microsoft’s New Copilot AI Agents: Virtual Employees for Task Automation ### Revolutionizing Workplace Efficiency with AI-Powered Automation --- Microsoft is on the cusp of redefining workplace automation with the introduction of their innovative Copilot AI agents. These next-generation virtual assistants are designed to act like virtual employees, capable of automating a diverse array of tasks that typically demand manual effort. This marks a significant shift in the capabilities and behavior of Copilot from merely being a passive tool waiting for user queries to becoming an active participant in the workflow. ### What Can Microsoft’s Copilot AI Do? Traditionally, Copilot has been a conversational AI, responding to users' prompts and queries. However, the new iteration of Copilot is set to break these confines. According to Charles Lamanna, Corporate Vice President…

### Microsoft Edge Brings Real-Time Translation and Dubbing to YouTube Videos **Image Credit: The Verge** In a groundbreaking move to enhance accessibility and inclusivity, Microsoft Edge will soon support real-time video translation on popular sites such as YouTube, LinkedIn, and Coursera. Announced at this year’s Build event, Microsoft revealed that its new AI-powered feature is designed to translate spoken content live, providing both dubbing and subtitles as you watch. ### How It Works This innovative feature will translate videos from Spanish to English and from English to several other languages including German, Hindi, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. By offering these translations, Edge is not only breaking down language barriers but also making online educational resources and content more accessible. This feature is particularly beneficial for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, creating…

# Microsoft Build 2024: Exciting News and Announcements from the Developer Conference  **Source: The Verge** Microsoft's annual Build conference is always brimming with news and innovations, and the 2024 edition is no exception. This year, developers and tech enthusiasts can look forward to a plethora of new tools and updates that promise to redefine the development landscape. Here’s a roundup of the key announcements from the event. ## Copilot Plus PCs: The Next Generation of Computing One of the highlights of this year’s Build conference is the introduction of Copilot Plus PCs. These state-of-the-art devices are designed to complement Microsoft’s efforts to enhance productivity and creativity through artificial intelligence. The Copilot Plus PCs are expected to integrate seamlessly with various Microsoft services, offering users a more intuitive…

**Microsoft's New Small Language Model Can Analyze Images – Meet Phi-3 Vision** *Illustration: The Verge* --- In a significant stride forward, Microsoft has unveiled a new version of its small language model, Phi-3, which now has the impressive ability to analyze images and provide detailed descriptions of what’s in them. Dubbed Phi-3-vision, this model is a multimodal system, meaning it can process and interpret both text and images, making it particularly useful for mobile devices. The model is currently available in a preview version, and Microsoft describes it as a 4.2 billion parameter model. To put it simply, the term "parameters" relates to the complexity of the model and the depth of its training. This upgrades Phi-3-vision to perform various general visual reasoning tasks, such as answering questions about charts…

## Microsoft Teams Introduces Custom Emoji Feature: Adding a Personal Touch to Your Work Chats  In a move that will undoubtedly bring smiles to the faces of many, Microsoft is rolling out a highly-anticipated feature to its Teams communications platform: custom emoji. Announced at the Build developer conference on Tuesday, this new feature will empower users to upload their unique emoji for use in reactions and messages, fostering a more personalized and expressive environment. ### Bringing Creativity to the Workplace Scheduled for a public preview next month, this enhancement aims to help Teams users collaborate and communicate "more creatively and authentically." Whether you want to inject a bit of personality into your team chats or need a specific expression that the standard emoji set just doesn’t…

**Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree's New Trailer is a Dramatic Call to Arms** *With only a month until release day, there’s a new story trailer for Shadow of the Erdtree, and the Elden Ring lore hounds have their work cut out for them*. --Image: Bandai Namco The excitement in the Elden Ring community is palpable as FromSoftware releases a new story trailer for the highly anticipated DLC, *Shadow of the Erdtree*. The enigmatic world of Elden Ring is set to expand, and with it comes a fresh set of mysteries for fans to unravel. Since the initial gameplay trailer dropped back in February, speculation and anticipation have been sky-high. As we inch closer to release day, let's delve into what we know and what we can expect from this…

**Comcast Unveils New $15 Streaming Bundle Featuring Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV Plus** *Image: Comcast* Get ready for a game-changer in the world of streaming! Comcast has announced the launch of its new "StreamSaver" bundle, combining three major streaming services for a low cost of $15 per month. Starting May 29th, Comcast’s Xfinity Internet and TV customers can enjoy this budget-friendly package, which merges Netflix, Apple TV Plus, and Peacock. This bundle offers an impressive monthly savings of approximately $8. Here's the breakdown of what you'll get in this bundle: - **Netflix's Ad-Supported Plan** at $6.99 per month - **Peacock's Ad-Supported Premium Plan** at $5.99 per month - **Apple TV Plus**, which is ad-free by default, at $9.99 per month Though some ads come with this package, it's a small…

### The EPA Ramps Up Cybersecurity Efforts to Protect Water Infrastructure  *The East Bay Municipal Utility District Wastewater Treatment Plant on March 20th, 2024, in Oakland, California. | Photo by Justin Sullivan / Getty Images* In an era where cyber threats are escalating at an alarming rate, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking decisive action to safeguard the nation's critical water infrastructure. On March 20th, 2024, the EPA announced plans to intensify inspections of water utilities, following growing concerns over their vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. ### An Urgent Call for Action The urgency of this crackdown stems from an "enforcement alert" issued by the EPA, which highlights significant concerns regarding the cybersecurity of the United States’ drinking water systems. The agency's top…

## Hellblade II: Headphones On, Heart Rate Up  *Image: Ninja Theory* As gamers around the globe eagerly await the release of Hellblade II, there's no doubt that this highly anticipated sequel by Ninja Theory is set to deliver an immersive and unforgettable experience. One key recommendation for maximizing your journey through this dark and compelling narrative? Play with headphones. Why headphones, you might ask? The original *Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice* set a benchmark for integrating binaural audio to create an unparalleled atmosphere and a profound sense of immersion. Hellblade II is set to push these boundaries even further. When you slip on those headphones, you're not just playing a game; you're entering a world where the sounds and whispers around you feel incredibly real. ### The Power of Sound…

## Uber and Lyft to Stay in Minneapolis After State Lowers Driver Pay Requirements  Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge Great news for ride-hailing users in Minneapolis! Uber and Lyft have announced that they will continue their operations in the city following the state legislature's recent decision to approve a reduced minimum pay rate for drivers. This update was reported by the Minnesota Reformer and the StarTribune. ### The New Pay Structure Starting January 1st, 2025, if the bill turns into law, drivers for Uber and Lyft in Minneapolis will be assured a minimum pay of $1.28 per mile and 31 cents per minute. This reshaped pay structure marks a significant alteration from the previously proposed rates. ### Previous Dispute Over Pay Rates Earlier this year…