Core Viewpoint - Microsoft appears indifferent to users employing piracy activation tools for Windows 10/11, as evidenced by the hosting of the well-known MAS activation script on its Azure cloud servers without any action taken against it [1][2][6]. Group 1: Microsoft’s Attitude Towards Activation Tools - Microsoft has not enforced its service terms against the use of the MAS activation script, indicating a lack of concern for individual and home users utilizing such tools [1][6]. - A former Microsoft engineer suggested that as long as users are using Windows 11, Microsoft benefits from the pre-installed software like Microsoft Edge and Bing, which generate revenue [1]. Group 2: Hosting and Accessibility of MAS Script - The MAS activation script is hosted on three different platforms: GitHub, Microsoft Azure, and Cloudflare, ensuring continuous access for users even if one server goes down [3][4][5]. - The first link connects to the GitHub project page, the second to Microsoft Azure, and the third to Cloudflare, providing a reliable fallback system for users [4][5]. Group 3: Implications of Hosting on Microsoft Services - Hosting the activation script on Microsoft’s cloud services is somewhat ironic, yet the lack of action from Microsoft suggests that as long as the script is virus-free, it will not be removed [6].

Microsoft Edge is now an AI browser with launch of 'Copilot Mode' | TechCrunch https://t.co/AetJWZm55e ...

Core Insights - Microsoft has launched a new feature called Copilot Mode in its Edge browser, aimed at enhancing user experience by integrating AI assistance for web browsing [1][2] - Copilot Mode is currently experimental and free for Mac and PC users, with plans for further development and features [2] Group 1: Features and Functionality - Copilot Mode allows users to search, chat, and navigate the web with AI assistance, providing help on specific web pages [3] - Users can ask Copilot to modify content, such as making a recipe vegan, or to present information without extraneous details [4] - The AI can perform various tasks like booking appointments, creating shopping lists, and drafting content on behalf of the user [5] Group 2: User Experience and Adoption - The effectiveness of Copilot in improving user experience remains uncertain, as it may not necessarily be faster or better than manual navigation for familiar users [6] - Voice input is available, catering to less tech-savvy users or those with limited mobility, with plans for more advanced actions in the future [7] Group 3: Research Capabilities - Copilot can act as a research companion by viewing open tabs with user permission, aiding in tasks like product comparisons and online research [8] - Future updates will include features that prompt users to continue projects or research, enhancing productivity [9]

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft is making changes to its Edge browser policies in response to the EU Digital Markets Act, allowing users in the EU and EEA to uninstall Edge and set other browsers as default without restrictions [1][2]. Group 1 - Microsoft will stop forcing users to use Edge for system links and will allow uninstallation of the browser, but this change is limited to the EU market [1][2]. - Users will be able to set multiple search engines in the Windows 10/11 search box instead of being restricted to Bing [3]. - The default browser settings will now include more protocols, allowing users to open various file types like PDF with their chosen browser instead of Edge [4]. Group 2 - There is speculation that changing the region to an EU country during the Windows 11 OOBE phase may allow non-EU users to access these benefits, but this has yet to be verified [5].

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft is making changes to its Edge browser policies in response to the EU Digital Markets Act, allowing users in the EU and EEA to uninstall Edge and set other browsers as default without interference [1][2]. Group 1 - Microsoft will stop forcing users to use Edge for system links and will allow uninstallation of the browser, but this change is limited to the EU market [1][2]. - Users will be able to set multiple search engines in the Windows 10/11 search box instead of being restricted to Bing [3]. - The default browser settings will now include more protocols such as mht, svg, xml, and pdf, allowing users to open these file types with their chosen browser [4]. Group 2 - There are reports that changing the region to an EU country during the Windows 11 OOBE phase may allow users outside the EU to access these benefits, but this has not been verified yet [5].

Core Insights - Microsoft announced a significant upgrade to the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11, focusing on AI integration, developer ecosystem optimization, and enhanced user experience to create a more open cross-platform application ecosystem [1] Group 1: AI Integration - The introduction of "AI Actions" allows for AI-driven dynamic operation options, enabling intelligent interactions within applications, such as recommending actions like "edit image" or "remove background" based on content recognition [3] - A new AI Hub section in the Microsoft Store showcases tools and applications that integrate AI technology, including Luminar Neo image editor and AI assistants from Microsoft Edge and Bing [3] Group 2: Developer Ecosystem - Developers can integrate on-device AI models through WinAppSDK to create privacy-focused intelligent applications, supported by the Snapdragon X Elite AI development program in collaboration with Qualcomm [3] - Microsoft launched a "computing power marketplace" in partnership with Moso Space, offering flexible computing power rental services for developers to access GPU and TPU resources for AI model training and deployment [3] Group 3: Application Distribution and User Experience - The Microsoft Store adjusted its algorithm to prioritize new content and personalized recommendations, reducing the visibility of already installed applications [4] - The store supports third-party applications to generate review summaries through AI analysis, providing a more objective evaluation of applications based on user ratings and AI insights [4] - A UI redesign has unified the interface for Windows 10 and Windows 11, and the store has relaxed its listing policies to allow more non-UWP applications, significantly diversifying the types of applications available, including traditional Win32 programs, PWAs, and some Android subsystem applications (limited to Windows 11) [4]