A Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability Technical Summit heavily emphasized Copilot technology, with sustainability topics taking a secondary role. The observation comes from analyzing the first three sessions of the event, suggesting a shift in focus from the original sustainability theme.
Microsoft has confirmed Skype will be discontinued on May 5, 2025, after 21 years of service. Users will be gradually migrated to Microsoft Teams, with the ability to log in using Skype credentials and retain their existing contacts and chat history.
Boris Spassky, former World Chess Champion who passed away recently, left an indelible mark on chess history through his remarkable career and gentlemanly demeanor. The article shares personal memories of friendship between the author and Spassky, highlighting their encounters from the late 1970s until his later years in Moscow. A new chess training software version 18 is introduced with enhanced capabilities including playing style analysis and access to billions of games.
A detailed guide explains how to create and view 3D photos using simple eye-crossing techniques without special equipment. The process leverages the brain's natural ability to construct 3D images from two slightly different perspectives, enabling anyone to capture and experience stereoscopic images. The guide emphasizes the artistic potential of 3D photography, particularly for capturing complex scenes like forests and caves.
Right to Repair legislation has been introduced in all 50 US states, with five states already passing electronics repair laws covering one-fifth of Americans. The movement, supported by organizations like iFixit, PIRG, and Repair.org, has grown from a small advocacy effort to a nationwide campaign with increasing support from major tech companies like Google and Apple.
Apple announced plans to create 20,000 new US jobs and invest $500 billion domestically over four years, including AI server production in Texas. The announcement follows a meeting between CEO Tim Cook and President Trump amid ongoing concerns about Chinese tariffs.
PARADISEC has developed a groundbreaking cassette restoration technology called LM-3032 Tape Restorator to recover degraded audio recordings of endangered languages and cultural heritage. The device applies cyclomethicone to restore unplayable tapes, enabling the preservation of thousands of hours of irreplaceable linguistic and cultural recordings from the Pacific region.
A detailed analysis of Mars mission constraints reveals fundamental challenges in orbital mechanics, mission duration, and crew safety that make human exploration significantly complex. Mission profiles must choose between long-stay (1000 days) or short-stay (650 days) options, each presenting unique risks and technical hurdles. The analysis emphasizes that reliable life support systems, autonomous operations, and radiation protection remain critical unsolved challenges.
A comprehensive overview of Common Lisp ecosystem developments from 2023-2025, highlighting significant advancements in implementations, tools, and community growth, including HackerNews' migration to SBCL and major updates to editors like Lem 2.0. The document showcases active development across multiple areas including GUI frameworks, web development tools, and new implementations, demonstrating Common Lisp's continued evolution and practical applications.
Microsoft announced the creation of the first topological qubit, marking a significant milestone in quantum computing if the claim stands. While this achievement brings topological qubits to where traditional qubits were 20-30 years ago, Microsoft faces the challenge of proving their superior reliability to compete with more established approaches.