Microsoft News Roundup: Bethesda closing studios, Microsoft burning gamers, and Apple trying to undercut Snapdragon X Elite

Microsoft’s Unexpected Gaming Division Changes

In an unforeseen turn of events, Microsoft has left the gaming community in a state of surprise with its recent announcements. The company revealed the closure of several game studios, with the discontinuation of Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Games, and Tango Gameworks, the latter of which recently garnered praise for its game Hi-Fi Rush. The game had achieved critical success and was awarded at prestigious ceremonies like the Game Awards and the BAFTAs.

These closures came on the heels of earlier layoffs affecting 1,900 employees across various divisions, including Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax Media. This move has triggered a wave of discontent and bewilderment within the industry, with many expressing dismay at the decision.

Microsoft’s Controversial Controller Launch

In what some have called a tone-deaf move, Microsoft launched a new Fire Vapor Special Edition Xbox controller with the slogan “Feel the burn,” coinciding with the announcement of the studio shutdowns. The backlash was swift and prompted a rephrasing of the marketing materials to a more neutral “Introducing the Fire Vapor Special Edition Controller.” Despite the change, the timing of the release in relation to the studio closures was widely criticized.

Apple’s M4 Processor Debut

Apple has made waves in the tech industry with the unveiling of its new iPad Pro, powered by the M4 processor. This new chip is making headlines for its promise of 50% faster CPU performance and quadruple the GPU speed compared to the M2. The M4’s release appears to be strategically timed to outpace competitors like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus. With this advancement, Apple continues to shape the conversation regarding ARM processors in the tech market.

GPT-5: The Next Leap in AI Technology

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has intriguingly critiqued the company’s current offerings, labeling GPT-4 as “mildly embarrassing at best.” He has assured with confidence that GPT-5 will outshine its predecessor, describing GPT-4 as the “dumbest model” users will have to interact with. This candid approach to product evolution suggests that GPT-5 will represent a significant leap forward in AI capabilities.

Windows 11 VPN Connectivity Issue

Windows 11 and Windows 10 users have encountered an issue that disrupts VPN connectivity due to a bug in the April 2024 updates. Microsoft has acknowledged this problem and is actively working on a fix. In the meantime, users are advised to hold off on updating their systems until a solution is released, ensuring their VPN connections remain stable and secure.

Insightful Reviews on the Latest Tech

Our seasoned reviewers delve into the world of gadgets, offering their expertise on the latest products. Among recent reviews, they explored a robust CPU cooler known for its impressive radiator and provided an in-depth look at Homeworld 3, the latest entry in the renowned strategy game series.

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Microsoft News Roundup: Bethesda closing studios, Microsoft burning gamers, and Apple trying to undercut Snapdragon X Elite