AI-Ready Laptops Gain Traction Among US Students and Professionals

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of AI-capable laptops on the market, purchased by students and workers in the US, driven by the growing need to perform AI tasks directly on the computer. It is also becoming common to see companies like Microsoft and their hardware partners working together to create a new generation of Windows-based computers that enable users to perform AI processing without relying on external cloud services and deliver faster performance.  

This is all happening because of the introduction of new types of chips called neural processing units (NPUs), which have processing capabilities of 40-50 trillion operations per second (TOPS). These units enable the execution of AI applications entirely on the laptop itself, rather than on remote cloud servers. As such, we are seeing a shift in modern personal computers from AI features being “add-on” enhancements to an integral part of the computer itself.  

The Rise of On-Device AI Computing  

For many years, typical AI workloads have been processed in the cloud due to the very high computational demands of different AI tasks. However, advances in chip design enable laptops to increasingly run artificial intelligence workloads locally, improving performance and reducing latency. Local AI applications can process data in real time without an active internet connection, which is especially beneficial for applications that deliver immediate results, such as speech recognition, image analysis, and document analysis. Microsoft has been proactively endorsing this paradigm shift through its Windows ecosystem by encouraging developers to design & develop their applications optimized for local AI processing.  

Understanding NPUs and Their Role  

Specialized chips known as neural processing units have been developed to speed up computations in artificial intelligence (AI). NPUs are designed for much more effective execution of parallel processing tasks typically associated with machine learning models than standard central processing units (CPUs) or graphics processing units (GPUs) are.  

With proposed performance levels of 40–50 TOPS+, NPUs can execute complex AI workloads (such as real-time translation, noise suppression, and photo editing) on laptops.  

The performance of the previously mentioned workloads will also be significantly improved due to NPUs’ ability to execute AI tasks with much less energy than traditional processors/CPUs.  

Changing Workflows for Students and Professionals  

Laptops equipped with AI capabilities have changed the way students and professionals do their daily work. Students can use AI tools to support their research, writing, and data analysis. As a result, student learning has become more interactive and efficient.  

Those working in professional fields like content creation, software development, and data analysis will notice that working faster and automating repetitive tasks are now possible as well. Examples include AI-assisted coding, AI-assisted video editing, and AI-assisted document summarization; these types of features are quickly becoming a normal part of life.  

AI-capable devices are being integrated with Microsoft applications and other products so they can be included as an ongoing component of a user’s productivity workflow.  

Privacy and Offline Capabilities  

One major advantage of AI systems designed for use directly on devices, such as smart speakers or smartphones, is that they can offer greater privacy for their users. When data is processed and generated locally by an AI system, there’s no risk of sending it to an external server, greatly reducing the likelihood of user data being compromised. 

This security measure is needed because professionals handle sensitive data, including legal documents, financial information, and personal documents.  

The system provides offline capabilities, enabling users to use AI functions without an internet connection. The AI-ready laptops deliver enhanced versatility and operational reliability by performing effectively across diverse work settings.  

Growing Ecosystem of AI Applications  

There has been an increase in the availability of AI-enabled hardware for businesses to use to create additional AI-powered software applications. The developers are developing additional software applications that use NPUs (neural processing units) to complete tasks, including, but not limited to, real-time collaboration, predictive analytics, and personalized user experience. 

Microsoft is a key component of this ecosystem because it offers development tools and frameworks that simplify the creation of AI-powered applications for Windows devices.  

The growing number of applications that now support on-device AI capabilities will drive up the market value of AI-ready laptops.  

Competition in the AI Laptop Market  

As many manufacturers release AI-enabled laptops and those with advanced NPUs, competition in the AI-ready laptop market is rapidly intensifying. Manufacturers are now focusing on product differentiation based primarily on the following three key factors: performance, battery life/maintenance, and compatibility with software ecosystems. 

The competition drives rapid technological progress, leading to devices with better performance and efficiency than existing products. The result of this development is that AI-ready laptops now reach a broader audience of potential users.  

Microsoft uses its ecosystem strategy to establish a dominant position in a market undergoing transformation.  

Challenges in Adoption  

AI-ready laptops have challenges that prevent their adoption despite their benefits. Advanced NPU devices cost more than standard laptops, creating a significant cost problem.  

AI-powered features require users to learn new skills before they can use them effectively. Users need to learn new work methods and master tool usage to achieve maximum work efficiency.  

Software optimization remains a developing process because not all applications currently support NPU technology.  

Future of Personal Computing  

The use of AI for the first time in a laptop is a significant turning point for personal computing and artificial intelligence. Therefore, AI will be incorporated by default into every device that uses a laptop as its foundation. 

Future laptops will include advanced AI capabilities, which enable personalized assistants to learn user behavior, predictive performance optimization, and improved collaboration tools. Microsoft positions its platform as the market leader for this transition because it aims to make AI technology practical and accessible for daily use.  

Conclusion: AI Becomes a Core Computing Feature  

The rise in students’ and professionals’ use of computers equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a fundamental shift in how technology is used in the workplace and the classroom. AI is an added benefit that provides quicker processing times, more secure data storage, and greater flexibility, as it can process information directly from your computer or laptop. 

The ongoing development of the ecosystem will bring AI into personal computing systems and create new digital experiences for users.

Source: Your productivity, supercharged 

SEC Explores New Disclosure Standards for AI Energy Usage  

The SEC is looking into new requirements for publicly available information that could force businesses using AI technologies to report on their energy use in running their AI operations, thus signaling a shift towards greater transparency about how AI infrastructure affects resource use and sustainability. This initiative is taking place at the same time as regulators and investors are increasingly concerned with the environmental and operational costs of the quickly expanding AI space.  

Energy use has become a key focus as more companies implement AI capabilities across multiple industries, particularly in data centers that host large-scale machine learning models. The SEC’s initiative indicates that companies may soon have to provide quantified disclosures of the impacts their AI use has on their finances and operations.  

Rising Energy Demands of AI Systems  

AI systems, especially large-scale models, have high computational requirements during both training and operation. This high level of computational demand leads to a corresponding increase in energy consumption and is concentrated in large data centers that utilize high-performance computing resources.  

AI operations must run continuously, requiring electricity not only to perform computing tasks but also to power cooling systems to prevent overheating. As AI adoption continues to increase, the combined energy footprint of these operations is becoming extremely hard to ignore.  

The SEC is currently addressing this increased need for transparency by reviewing disclosure standards for how much energy AI systems will consume.  

Toward Greater Transparency in AI Infrastructure  

A proposed disclosure framework would require firms to disclose their electricity consumption related to A.I. usage. Examples of what might be disclosed are the total amount consumed and the intensity associated with that consumption. With greater transparency into this information, investors, regulators, and the public will better understand A.I. systems and their associated environmental impacts, thereby facilitating comparative analysis of A.I. businesses on their efficiency/sustainability.  

The SEC’s activity in this area is part of an ongoing trend to include environmental elements of business operations in financial reporting.  

Implications for Data Center Operations  

AI infrastructure relies on data centers as an essential component, and changes in data center reporting regulations will directly impact how companies design and operate them. Many companies will likely need to acquire and install more efficient technologies, including energy-efficient hardware, renewable energy, and advanced cooling systems, to meet their reporting requirements.  

Newly introduced transparency guidelines could spur innovation and the redesign of data centers to reduce energy consumption while maintaining high performance.  

For companies with a substantial investment in AI, meeting these new transparency requirements will likely become an integral part of the company’s long-range operational strategy.  

Impact on Corporate Reporting Practices  

The proposed standards, if enacted, would broaden the existing requirements for corporate disclosures by providing more specific guidance on conducting AI operations. To comply with the new provisions, companies will need to establish new metrics and data-collection methods to accurately track their energy usage.  

Financial reports may increasingly provide information regarding the environmental impact of business operations, while continuing to provide traditional financial indicators. This reflects the increasing emphasis placed on sustainable practices by investors when evaluating businesses.  

The SEC is likely to work with industry stakeholders to define standardized reporting methods that ensure consistency and comparability.  

Investor Demand for Sustainability Data  

The weight investors give to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria when evaluating companies’ overall performance has continued to increase over recent years. Increasing amounts of data are being generated about AI using energy as part of the ESG framework for investors evaluating technology companies with major data center operations.  

Transparency in companies’ reporting will allow an investor to evaluate their exposure to risks related to energy costs, regulatory compliance, and potential environmental impacts. Additionally, company transparency provides investors with evidence of how effectively companies are utilizing their investments to support their AI infrastructure. The SEC’s recent initiative supports this evolving investor expectation.  

Competitive Implications for Technology Companies 

Disclosure requirements may affect competitive dynamics in the tech industry. Companies demonstrating efficient AI operations could attract investors/clients seeking sustainable solutions. 

On the other hand, companies with high energy consumption will be scrutinized and need to work to become more efficient. This could lead to new and improved ways of doing business across the entire industry as companies compete to respond to their carbon footprints. 

The SEC framework will provide the basis for how companies will market themselves as AI-driven. 

Regulatory Trends in AI Oversight  

Regulatory agencies are becoming more involved in regulating AI systems, including AI energy disclosures. Authorities are investigating privacy and data protection, the ethical use of AI systems, and the environmental impact of AI.  

The SEC is looking at energy usage in relation to AI systems through an angle that has received little attention relative to other regulatory issues but is scalable.  

Future of AI Infrastructure Reporting  

With continued advances in AI, reporting will likely become much more detailed and complete regarding energy consumption, energy efficiency improvements, the use of renewable resources, and sustainability over time.  

This could also create new industry benchmarks and best practices for managing AI infrastructure. The SEC will significantly influence the creation of these new standards through working with industry stakeholders.  

Conclusion: Measuring the True Cost of AI  

The SEC’s examination of disclosure requirements for artificial intelligence (AI) energy use represents a critical milestone in determining how AI affects our resources and sustainability. As the SEC requires businesses to disclose their energy utilization, they are also advancing accountability and transparency in a rapidly expanding market.  

As AI has increased its presence across all areas of business, measuring the actual expenses incurred by AI will be necessary to strike a balance between innovation and environmental responsibility.

Source: We make markets work better. 

Meta Improves Video AI Models for Predictive Environments

Meta has introduced advancements in its video-based artificial intelligence models, enabling systems to predict motion patterns and environmental changes directly from visual inputs. The development marks a significant step in the evolution of AI from passive analysis to active anticipation, where models are not just interpreting video data but forecasting what will happen next within a scene. 

The new predictive capabilities that Meta has developed can be used for many applications, including robotics, augmented reality, autonomous systems, and video/content comprehension. In developing these predictive capabilities, Meta has brought AI closer to human-like perception, enabling it to comprehend video in real time and predict events that will occur shortly thereafter. 

From Video Recognition to Prediction  

Most conventional video AI models focus on identifying objects, behaviors, and locations in videos. These facilities are stunning; however, they are reactive, examining occurrences that have already occurred rather than speculating on probable outcomes for that specific series of events.  

The recent models that Meta has produced utilize predictive reasoning and significantly expand on previously published models. By examining frame sequences and analyzing frame-to-frame relationships and movement/interaction models, the video AI system learns about the future environment’s movement and/or interaction patterns, allowing it to predict where the world is heading.  

The movement from recognition to prediction represents an essential transformation of how AI systems represent and understand visual information. Creating future-oriented applications of video AI will be much more effective with more dynamic operating methods.  

Understanding Motion and Temporal Dynamics  

Predictive Video AI primarily relies on understanding temporal dynamics—the motion and how objects engage over time which enables it to be trained on video sequences and identify patterns in motion across frames. For instance, predictive video can predict the motion of a moving object, how an individual would move through a space, and how things may change over time by utilizing vast collections of videos to make predictions based on patterns developed over time. As such, predictive video AI will be able to operate more naturally in real-world environments thanks to its ability to predict motion.  

Predictive video AI’s use of advanced neural network architectures arranges spatial information within itself while representing both spatial and temporal information, resulting in better recognition of predicted movements.  

Applications in Robotics and Autonomous Systems  

Predictive video AI will revolutionize how robots operate and navigate the world. This technology will enable robots to anticipate obstacles and plan their movements based on where they expect to encounter them.  

For example, predictive models can help increase the safety of autonomous vehicles by anticipating the actions of other users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers, enabling the vehicle to respond proactively with informed decisions rather than only react after something happens in the environment.  

Meta’s advancements are likely to pave the way for broader acceptance of AI technology in systems that require real-time decision-making in fast-changing, dynamic environments.  

Enhancing Augmented and Virtual Reality  

Augmented (AR) & virtual reality (VR) are also important potential categories that require understanding and predicting user movements to create immersive experiences. Predictive A.I. will enable these systems to alter virtual objects in real time, leading to smoother interactions and more realistic simulations.  

For example, AR systems should be able to predict where a user will next look or move to so that rendering and interactions can be optimally prepared. This will reduce latency in both rendering and user interactions, providing a better overall experience. It has already made significant commitments to AR and VR technologies, and predictive video models are a direct by-product of this investment.  

Improving Content Understanding and Moderation  

AI that uses predictive analytics in video could improve content analysis and moderation by identifying patterns that might develop into problems before they do. For example, systems can monitor a stream to detect how a situation is developing and identify unsafe behaviors as they occur. A prediction method could enable moderation to outperform existing methods on platforms with many video uploads.  

The use of predictive models in Meta’s content could address issues associated with the scale of content and the moderation system’s response time.  

Ethical and Privacy Considerations  

Ethical and privacy issues arise from the potential to predict human behavior using video data. Systems designed to predict people’s future behavior should include adequate safeguards to prevent abuse or misuse, especially when used for surveillance or monitoring of individuals. When deploying predictive artificial intelligence systems, developers and organizations need to ensure transparency, protect data, and use the systems responsibly to respect user privacy and comply with required regulations.  

Conclusion: AI That Sees the Future  

Meta has taken a major step toward creating intelligent, proactive systems with its new predictive video artificial intelligence (AI). The company is moving toward new ways of integrating artificial intelligence into our closed-loop systems, enabling predictive models to recognize object motion and changes in their surroundings. As these technologies become increasingly sophisticated, they will play an integral part in future-generation applications across robots, media, and digital experiences by bringing AI to the point where it can understand not only what has happened or will happen in the near future but also what is about to happen. 

Source: The latest AI news from Meta 

Amazon Develops Robotic Systems with Advanced Tactile Sensing

The introduction of advanced tactile sensing technology will enable warehouse machinery to perform delicate manipulation tasks that previously required human precision. The development of these new robotic systems marks a major advancement in warehouse automation, as robots are increasingly used to handle complex and fragile items.  

Robotic systems equipped with sensing systems to measure pressure, texture, and resistance on an object will allow the robot to adapt its grasping ability as it interacts with the object. This added capability will help address one of the main challenges of robotic systems today: how to handle fragile and/or irregularly shaped items without damaging them while also scaling up. 

Bringing the Sense of Touch to Robotics  

Traditional warehouse robots have been very effective at repetitive tasks that involve numerous identical items, such as moving boxes or sorting standardized packages. At the same time, traditional warehouse robots have not been very effective at tasks that require fine motor skills, such as grasping soft, fragile, or uniquely shaped objects.  

Through tactile sensing, Amazon has enabled its robots to interact with objects in ways similar to those of humans. For example, sensors integrated into a robot’s gripper provide continuous feedback on the force applied to an object, allowing the software to make micro-adjustments during object handling.  

Amazon’s development has enabled robots to emulate one of the most sophisticated features of the human hand: the ability to manipulate and handle items without relying solely on visual feedback.  

Enhancing Precision in Warehouse Operations  

Introducing touch or feel sensation, in addition to the various levels of accuracy already achieved in warehouses, has resulted in not only robots being able to perform tasks that were previously only possible with human intervention but also textiles and electronic devices.  

With this new capability, not only do robots have new and expanded capabilities to automate additional functions, reducing the reliance on human labor for performing intricate functions that require careful handling, but also, the robots are able to consistently accomplish these same functions with the same level of quality, as there will be no fatigue incurred in performing these functions by the robots.  

Amazon continues to use these improvements to enhance efficiency while maintaining its high level of product safety during order fulfillment.  

AI Integration for Smarter Manipulation  

Systems that combine tactile sensing with artificial intelligence can learn from experience and adapt their behavior over time. Machine learning algorithms use sensor data processing to help robots identify and react to different objects and situations.  

A robot learns to change its grip by studying three factors: the weight, shape, and material of the things it handles. The system improves its operational capacity through ongoing learning while also gaining the ability to handle different types of products.  

AI integration enables tactile sensing technology to function as a predictive system, allowing robots to forecast object behavior during handling.  

Scaling Automation Across Fulfillment Centers  

Amazon has a significant logistics network; therefore, the scalability of intelligent robotics across this network is a major focus for the company. easing picking and packing accuracy.  

Automation of more complex tasks will enable Amazon to achieve greater operational efficiency while providing the flexibility needed to handle the increasing variation in product inventory. As e-commerce continues its rapid expansion, the variety of product catalogs will grow.  

The speed at which this computerization can be integrated into Amazon’s daily operations will depend on the number of units deployed.  

Reducing Damage and Returns  

Enhancing robotic manipulation delivers tangible benefits by reducing product damage during fulfillment. Damage to products reduces financial resources, negatively affects customer satisfaction, and increases return rates.  

By leveraging tactile sensors to apply the appropriate amount of force, robots can lift, handle, or hold items securely without damaging them. This increased accuracy will help minimize damage during product movement, resulting in a more dependable delivery experience.  

Amazon has put a concerted effort into reducing errors while pursuing an overarching goal of improving its entire logistics pipeline from the warehouse through to the end-use customer.  

Human-Robot Collaboration  

While technology has improved, people are still necessary for warehouse work. Robots with tactile capabilities will complement humans, not take over.  

In a collaborative workplace, the robot will handle the repeatable and/or demanding parts of the job, allowing humans to focus on more difficult decision-making and supervisory tasks. This can increase an organization’s efficiency and reduce workers’ physical stress.  

Amazon is investigating the continued integration of robots into the workflow to increase both productivity and worker safety.  

Challenges in Tactile Robotics Development  

Multiple challenges must be overcome in the development of reliable tactile sensing systems; they must perform well over long periods in industrial settings and detect very small pressure changes under repeated stress.  

Moving tactile information into an AI system requires sophisticated algorithms capable of processing large amounts of instantaneous data. This project focuses on developing performance standards that enable the sensors to operate correctly across multiple device types and work environments. 

Amazon is dedicating research and development resources to developing these technologies while enhancing its ability to scale effectively.  

Conclusion: A New Level of Robotic Precision  

Amazon has made significant advancements in its automation technology by developing robotic systems that employ advanced tactile sensing. They have developed a solution to one of the largest problems that typical robotics face when handling fragile items with precision.  

When these systems are fully implemented in warehouse operations, they will revolutionize operations while also establishing new standards for operational efficiency, precision product delivery, and reliability at all points along the logistics supply chain.

Source: Amazon News 

Microsoft Warns Storm 1175 Targeting AI Agent Systems

Microsoft Threat Intelligence has issued a warning about a new campaign by the threat group Storm 1175. This group is now targeting organizations that use autonomous agents in their main business processes. These agents perform complex tasks by interacting with various software and databases. Storm 1175 uses a new type of exploit designed to change how these automated systems make decisions. By intercepting instructions sent to the agents, the attackers can redirect critical actions to serve their own purposes. This development shows the new security challenges businesses face as they move from traditional software to increasingly dynamic self-managing digital systems.  

Deconstructing the Technique of Logic Manipulation 

Stomp 1175 mainly uses a method called instruction injection. In this attack, the hacker adds harmful commands to the data that a digital agent is configured to handle. Since these agents are built to be helpful, they might interpret hidden commands as genuine user requests. For instance, a customer service agent could be tricked into sending out sensitive records while trying to help with a normal question. The agent simply follows its programming, not realizing the command came from an attacker. This method bypasses standard security systems, which usually look for malicious code rather than malicious instructions.  

Storm 1175 also targets the CAP knowledge and the CAP retrieval systems that these agents use. Most autonomous systems get their information from a CAP internal CAP library to answer questions or perform tasks. Attackers try to disrupt these libraries with false information or logic traps. When an agent uses this breached data, it can cause a series of actions that benefit the attacker, such as lowering security settings or giving the attacker temporary admin access. Since the agent behaves like a regular user, these actions often go undetected by standard security tools.  

Exploiting Autonomous Connectivity and Integration 

One major risk in the Storm 1175 campaign is the high level of connectivity between digital assistants, which grants access to business applications such as email, finance, and project management tools. While this linkage is helpful, it means that if one agent is compromised, damage can spread widely. Storm 1175 can use an agent’s real credentials to move across the network, acting as a trusted insider and causing harm without triggering standard malware detection.  

Microsoft’s research shows that Storm 1175 is especially focused on the supply chain of these automated systems. They go after third-party companies that create the logic framework for digital agents. If they compromise just one provider, Storm 1175 could affect hundreds of organizations at once. This hub-and-spoke attack method is highly efficient for them, enabling them to reach many targets with little effort. Companies should check the security of their automation partners as carefully as they do for standard software vendors.  

Strengthening The Defensive Parameter For Automated Platforms 

To defend against Storm 1175, Microsoft recommends a zero-trust approach to agent permissions. Digital agents should only get the minimum access they need to do their jobs. This principle of least privilege means that even if an agent is compromised, it cannot cause much harm. Also, any high-impact actions by an agent should require a clear human confirmation. This extra step helps catch risky actions, such as deleting data or transferring large files, so the system does not follow harmful instructions without someone checking first.  

Adding instruction filtering at the gateway is another important defense. This means using a separate, tightly controlled system to check the inputs sent to the main agent. The filter looks for signs of instruction injection and blocks suspicious commands before they reach the agent’s core logic. Microsoft also recommends setting up behavioral baselines for each agent. For example, if an agent that usually handles HR tasks suddenly tries to access financial files, the system should immediately trigger a security lockdown. This quick response helps catch compromised logic before it leads to a serious breach.  

Monitoring The Developing Threat Horizon 

Storm 1175’s actions signal a shift from targeting people to targeting machines with social engineering. Instead of tricking users, attackers now manipulate automated agents. This development requires new tools for monitoring how agents make decisions. Old logs showing file access can’t show the full picture. Security teams must trace the logic flow behind each action to identify which instructions were used to compromise the system.  

Microsoft is working with global partners to create a standard registry of known logic exploits for real-time sharing of Storm 1175’s tactics. Like a virus definition file, this registry helps automated systems spot and block harmful instructions, aiming to build collective immunity so attacks become harder and costlier, deterring groups like Storm 1175.  

Establishing a Standardized Registry for Autonomous Defense 

As digital systems become more integrated into corporate infrastructure, organizations are evolving their security structures to adapt. Network environments now require constant monitoring and defense. Security is increasingly defined by the strength and consistency of logical protections, not just by password security. In the future, effective logic-based defenses will reduce fears about hidden attackers. Security will rely on dependable processes that maintain system integrity. Companies will benefit from persistent, logic-driven security that continuously verifies and protects digital operations.

Source: Storm-1175 focuses gaze on vulnerable web-facing assets in high-tempo Medusa ransomware operations 

Microsoft Enhances Data Sovereignty Tracking In Security Tools

Organizations must now maintain essential data and operational control in the cloud amid new regulations, higher resilience standards, and rapid technology evolution.  

In June 2025, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella introduced solutions through Microsoft Sovereign Cloud to address these challenges. We continually strengthen our approach to sovereignty, ensuring we meet customer needs and comply with regulations for both our sovereign public and private clouds. Today, we announce new features that enhance our security and digital sovereignty controls, offer advanced AI, and provide broader scale, supported by local partner experts. Key updates include:  

  • End-to-end AI data processing in Europe as part of the EU (European Union) data boundary, which means data processed by artificial intelligence stays completely within the borders of the European Union.  
  • Microsoft 365 Copilot now offers in-country processing for Copilot interactions in 15 countries. Details are available on the Microsoft 365 blog.  
  • Expansion of the Sovereign Landing Zones service, which are pre-configured secure cloud environments set up according to specific sovereignty requirements. Now, Microsoft Azure Local (a locally operated version of Azure) also supports disconnected operations, allowing these systems to run without an active internet connection.  
  • Microsoft 365 Local is now generally available.  
  • Azure Local, a version of Microsoft’s cloud platform operated in specific locations for greater data control, now supports a greater maximum number of servers, external SAN (storage area network, a type of shared data storage), and the latest NVIDIA GPUs (graphics processing units used for complex computing tasks like AI).  
  • Our partner digital sovereignty specialization is now available.  

Microsoft Sovereign Cloud: Continuous Innovation 

Our latest updates deliver new digital sovereignty features in AI, security, and productivity. More enhancements are coming soon to better support customers’ sovereign cloud needs.  

We know that ongoing innovation is important, and we have started putting many of our promises into action. As of this month, we have:  

  • Established a European board of directors composed of European nationals exclusively overseeing all data center operations in compliance with European law, thereby putting Europe’s cloud infrastructure into the hands of Europeans.  
  • Increased European data center capacity with recent launches in Austria and an upcoming launch in Belgium this month  
  • Expanded open source investment through funding secure open source software (OSS) projects and collaborations, as well as publishing  
  • AI access principles that widen safe, responsible access to advanced AI, helping European developers, startups, and enterprises compete more effectively across the region  
  • Advance our European security program by providing AI-powered intelligence and cybersecurity capacity-building initiatives to strengthen Europe’s digital resilience against threat actors.  

Building on our sovereign efforts, we are now launching new Sovereign Public Cloud and AI capabilities to further strengthen compliance and control. 

Organizations need comprehensive sovereignty solutions that enable compliance and control from the start of their planning.  

EU Data Boundary Includes AI Data Processing Residency 

We are keeping our promises regarding AI data processing by ensuring that data processed by AI services for EU customers remains within the European Union unless the customer asks otherwise.  

This means that all customer data, whether stored or in transit, will be kept and processed only in the EU. We use strict controls and clear processes to meet EU customer requirements.  

Expanding Microsoft 365 Copilot In-Country Data Processing To 15 Countries. 

After years of investing in global infrastructure and strong data residency, Microsoft will now provide in-country data processing for Microsoft 365 Copilot interactions in 15 countries worldwide.  

By the end of 2025, customers in Australia, India, Japan, and the United Kingdom will be able to have their Microsoft 365 Copilot interactions processed in their own country. In 2026, we will add this option for customers in 11 more countries, including Canada, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.  

New Sovereign Landing Zone (SLZ) Foundation 

We are also launching an updated sovereign landing zone (SLZ) built on the trusted Azua landing zone (ALZ) foundation.  

The sovereign landing zone is our recommended setup for customers who want to use sovereign controls in the Azure private cloud.  

The refresh of the sovereign landing zone includes:  

  • Updated management group hierarchy and supporting Azure policy definitions, initiatives, and assignments to help implement the sovereign public cloud controls.  
  • We provide guidance on where to deploy Azure Key Vault managed by HSM (Hardware Security Module, a dedicated device for securely managing cryptographic keys), if needed, as part of level two sovereign controls.  
  • Deployment is easier now with the Azure Landing Zone Accelerator and Azure Landing Zone Library. For more details, see the Sovereign Landing Zone (SLZ) implementation options.  

In the coming months, we will add more built-in Azure policy definitions, initiatives, and assignments to the sovereign landing zone. This will help customers set up sovereign controls in the public cloud more quickly.  

Using sovereign landing zones gives customers a clear structure that speeds compliance with local sovereignty rules and simplifies policy management. It also helps organizations scale their workloads across Azure regions while remaining aligned with regulations and maintaining consistent operations.  

New Sovereign Private Cloud and AI Capabilities 

As organizations prioritize sovereignty, balancing compliance and innovation is crucial. Our updates merge advanced AI and scalable infrastructure across public and private clouds.  

Supporting Thousands Of AI Models On Azure Local With NVIDIA RTX GPUs. 

We are improving our sovereign private cloud with Azure Local, introducing a new Azure option that leverages the latest NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPU for high-performance AI workloads in secure environments.  

This GPU can run over 2,000 models, including GPT, OSS, DeepSeek V3, Mistral, NeMo, and Llama 4 Maverick. It enables organizations to accelerate AI projects securely in a private cloud, supporting innovation and the adoption of advanced solutions while ensuring strong data protection and compliance.  

Customers can access thousands of ready-to-use open source AI models for tasks such as generative AI, analytics, and real-time decision-making, all with strong governance.  

Increasing Azure Local Scale to Hundreds of Servers 

Previously, Azure Local supported clusters of up to 16 servers. With our latest updates, it can now handle hundreds of servers. This change helps organizations with large or growing needs run bigger and more complex workloads, scale easily, and meet security and sovereignty requirements in Europe and worldwide.  

SAN Support On Azure Local 

One important update is that Azure Local now supports storage area networks (SANs), specialized, high-speed networks that provide access to consolidated, block-level data storage. Customers can securely connect their current on-premise storage to Azure Local, making it easier to use their existing storage while taking advantage of cloud services. This helps keep data in the right location and gives European businesses greater flexibility to comply with local data rules without sacrificing performance or control.  

Microsoft 365 Local: General Availability of Key Workloads 

Another key update is that Microsoft 365 Local is now generally available. This brings core tools like Exchange Server (for email), SharePoint Server (for document management), and Skype for Business Server (for communications) directly to Azure Local. Starting in December, customers can use these tools on Azure Local in connected mode, with a fully isolated option coming early in 2026. This setup lets organizations maintain full control while meeting strict compliance and data residency requirements.  

Disconnected Operations: General Availability 

Microsoft’s Sovereign Private Cloud brings sovereignty principles to dedicated environments for organizations with strict compliance and control needs using Azure Local. Azure Local lets government agencies, global companies, and regulated groups keep local control while still using Microsoft’s global cloud platform.  

Disconnected operations for Azure Local, available in early 2026, let customers manage multiple on-premise clusters from a single control system. Organizations can securely run private cloud operations independently, ensuring business continuity even in remote settings.  

New Partner: Digital Sovereignty Specialization Now Available 

We are launching the Digital Sovereignty Specialization in the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program. This specialization enables partners to demonstrate expertise in secure, compliant, and sovereign cloud solutions for Azure and Microsoft 365. Partners who earn this badge show they can meet strict data privacy and regulatory standards, supporting customer control and innovation. The specialization includes rigorous audits and offers benefits such as increased visibility, special recognition, and priority access to sovereign cloud projects.  

Looking Ahead: Advancing Sovereignty Through Greater Controls 

The Microsoft Sovereign Cloud Roadmap will introduce new capabilities to address evolving customer needs, including:  

Sovereign Private Cloud 

  • Enhanced change controls: We will introduce a set of configurable policies and approval workflows that empower organizations to exercise explicit oversight over changes propagating from the cloud to the edge, strengthening governance and compliance.  
  • Site-to-site disaster recovery: Azure site recovery in Azure local helps maintain business continuity by keeping business apps and workloads running during outages.  
  • Moving from hybrid to fully disconnected: Azure Local enables customers to transition workloads from hybrid to fully disconnected operations, providing flexibility for business continuity.  

National Partner Clouds 

National partner clouds are a key part of our sovereign cloud strategy. They offer independent cloud environments that deliver Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, all under local ownership and control.  

  • Delos Cloud is designed to meet the German government’s BSI cloud platform requirements.  
  • Bleu is designed to meet the French government’s ANSSI SecNumCloud requirements.  

For many public sector organizations, ERP is a critical workload that requires modernization to cloud environments. SAP is planning to deploy its RISE with SAP offering on Microsoft Azure for both Bleu and Delos cloud customers. In addition to supporting RISE with SAP for customers using Microsoft Azure public cloud deployments.  

Learn More About Microsoft’s Sovereign Solutions 

Microsoft offers leading sovereign solutions, including a flexible public cloud, a private cloud that grows with your business, and national partner clouds built for specific compliance needs. We are committed to ongoing investment and innovation so our customers can achieve sovereignty without compromise.  

Find out more about the latest in cloud innovation this November at Microsoft Ignite. Learn more and sign up today.

Source: Microsoft strengthens sovereign cloud capabilities with new services 

NASA Advances Autonomous Rover Systems for Lunar Missions

NASA is moving forward faster than ever on developing autonomous rovers capable of operating on the lunar surface, paving the way for independent robotic operations in future lunar missions. To achieve this goal, NASA is outfitting these new rovers with next-level artificial intelligence capabilities that enable them to navigate terrain, identify features, and execute mission tasks with minimal human intervention.  

This work aligns with NASA’s broader objectives to build out the Artemis program and establish a long-term human presence on the Moon. It is anticipated that autonomous robotic systems will play an integral role in achieving this goal, enabling exploration, data gathering, and infrastructure assembly in environments where humans will have limited ability to control them.  

Moving Toward Autonomous Lunar Exploration  

Traditional rovers have operated primarily via commands from Earth, with operators remotely controlling the rovers’ movement and conducting scientific activities. Although relatively short, the time required for a command to travel from Earth to the moon and back imposes limits on the rover’s real-time response.  

NASA intends to equip rovers with AI-driven autonomy so they can make decisions based on their immediate environment. For instance, this will allow the rover to determine if there are obstacles along its path and adjust it accordingly, as well as to select individual science targets to prioritize without waiting for a “go ahead” from mission control.  

NASA’s movement toward implementing autonomous systems within the next decade is consistent with the broader evolution of robotics in exploration today, as robots become increasingly independent due to the increasing complexity of missions.  

AI-Driven Navigation and Terrain Analysis  

The use of machine learning verifiably evaluates terrain on the moon in real time as it travels, detecting potential hazards that could obstruct its path. As it travels, a rover will use onboard cameras and other sensors to evaluate the conditions of the surface it is traveling on. It can then use this information to update and reroute itself accordingly.    

The Rover’s ability to dynamically change its route as it travels is essential, given the moon’s tough, often unpredictable terrain, which can change dramatically from one area to another over just a few hundred meters.  

Supporting Human Missions Through Robotics  

Autonomous rovers serve two purposes: they function as exploration tools that lay the groundwork for future human missions. The autonomous rovers will first explore potential landing sites to identify resource locations and establish infrastructure before crewed spacecraft arrive, as they will provide support to astronauts. 

The discovery of water-ice deposits by rover missions will enable humans to establish a sustainable, long-term presence on the Moon. Rovers will provide assistance through their capabilities to transport supplies, execute repairs, and track environmental conditions. 

NASA envisions an environment where humans and autonomous rovers work together to accomplish mission goals.  

Reducing Dependence on Earth-Based Control  

Reduced dependence on continual communication with Earth is one of the main benefits of autonomous systems. Although the delay between Earth and the moon is shorter than for missions to farther destinations, limited communication windows and available bandwidth create communication issues in both cases.  

The ability to conduct long-duration writing and autonomous rover activities, no matter where they are located, means there will be no delay in undertaking their mission activities, regardless of length or location.  

The ability to sustain continuous operations will enable greater productivity and effectiveness in the overall mission compared to traditional means. 

Integration with Broader Lunar Infrastructure  

NASA is developing autonomous rover systems that can work together as part of the broader lunar infrastructure, which includes orbiting spacecraft, surface base habitats, and communications networks. The rover systems will enable rovers on the lunar surface to communicate, exchange information, and coordinate their actions with each other and with other spacecraft and surface-based missions’ goals simultaneously.  

Networks will also improve the efficiency of lunar exploration by enabling the rovers to send their collected scientific data back to Earth or to orbiting resupply platforms. Similarly, data collected by the moon’s surface and by other surrounding spacecraft through the lunar infrastructural network(s) will send commands and updates necessary for operating in that lunar environment, as well as improved rover operations on the moon and elsewhere in space.  

NASA is designing this new lunar infrastructure to ensure continued sustainability, so the robotic systems that support the lunar exploration effort will continue to support future exploration efforts.  

Challenges in Autonomous Space Robotics  

While progress has been made toward the development of autonomous rovers, several challenges remain before they are fully successful. The environment on the moon is very hostile; temperatures range from extreme heat to extreme cold. There is high exposure to radiation and fine dust that can disrupt mechanical and electrical components.  

AI systems must also be highly robust; any failure in navigation or decision-making can negatively impact the success of future lunar missions. For AI systems to succeed, they must undergo extensive testing and validation to demonstrate they can consistently achieve the desired results in the real world.  

NASA is continuing to improve its technology through simulation, field testing, and incremental mission deployments.  

The Role of AI in Space Exploration  

AI has emerged as an important part of most current space exploration projects. They are used to process and interpret data, adapt to environmental changes, and carry out complex tasks without direct human involvement.  

For AI-enabled robotic vehicles designed for planetary surfaces, AI will assist with both navigation and the scientific analysis of terrestrial materials. A robotic system will be able to identify points of interest (POIs) and conduct scientific experiments much more efficiently than a system without AI. This will greatly increase the ability to obtain scientific data from each robotic mission.  

NASA is investing in AI to achieve its long-term exploration objectives.  

Conclusion: Robots Leading the Way to the Moon  

NASA’s development of autonomous rover systems is a key milestone in our efforts to explore the Moon’s surface. Through its ability to operate autonomously, the rover will lay the groundwork for a more prolonged human presence on the Moon and greater mission efficiency.  

Increasingly, AI-based systems will become essential for exploring and understanding the Moon and the solar system.

Source: NASA News Release 

Google Cloud Launches AI-Driven Incident Response System

As organizations rapidly adopt AI, safeguarding these advances is mission-critical. Google Cloud empowers you to securely develop and deploy AI, addressing compliance and privacy from the start.  

Today, we’re introducing a solution to manage risk throughout the AI lifecycle. AI protection is a tool set designed to secure your AI workloads and data across any cloud or model, regardless of platform.  

AI protection helps teams manage AI risk in several ways:  

  • It discovers AI assets in your environment and checks them for possible vulnerabilities.  
  • It secures AI assets using controls, policies, and guardrails.  
  • It manages threats to AI systems with tools for direction, investigation, and response.  

AI Protection integrates with the Security Command Center to manage security risks across clouds. This provides security teams with a unified view for monitoring AI and cloud risks.  

Discovering AI Inventory 

Managing AI risk begins with knowing where and how AI is used. Our tools automatically find and catalog models, applications, data, and their connections.  

Understanding the data supporting AI applications and protecting that data is critical. Sensitive Data Protection (SDP) identifies and secures sensitive information, now automating data discovery for Vertex AI datasets. SDP displays sensitivity and types of training data, as well as data profiles for deeper insights.  

Once sensitive data locations are identified, AI Protection leverages SCC’s virtual red teaming to detect risky combinations and potential attack paths, and to recommend steps to strengthen security.  

Securing AI Assets 

Model Armor, an AI protection feature, is now available. Model Armor protects AI models against certain attack types, including prompt injection (manipulating AI responses by inserting malicious input), jailbreak (bypassing restrictions on AI behavior), data loss, malicious URLs (web addresses leading to harmful sites), and offensive content. Model Armor works with many models across different clouds, so you get consistent protection for your models and platforms, even if your needs change later.  

Developers can now add Model Armor’s prompt and response screening automatic checks for inappropriate, harmful, or unsafe inputs and outputs to their applications using a REST API (a way for applications to communicate over the web) or by integrating with Apigee (an API management platform). Soon, you’ll be able to use Model Armor inline without changing your apps, thanks to upcoming integrations with Vertex AI and our cloud networking products.  

We are using Model Armor not only because it provides robust protection against prompt injections, jailbreaks, and sensitive data leaks, but also because it helps us achieve a unified security posture through the Security Command Center. We can quickly identify, prioritize, and respond to potential vulnerabilities without impacting the experience of our development teams or the apps themselves. We view Model Armor as critical to safeguarding our AI applications and to centralizing the monitoring of AI security threats alongside our other security findings within SCC. It is a game changer,” said Jay DePaul, Chief Cybersecurity and Technology Risk Officer, Dun & Bradstreet.  

Organizations can use AI protection to enhance the security of Vertex AI applications by applying security postures in the Security Command Center. These controls are built on a deep understanding of Vertex AI’s design, helping you set secure configurations and prevent unwanted changes.  

Managing AI Threats 

AI protection uses security intelligence and research from Google and Mandiant to help protect your AI systems. Security Command Center detectors can spot initial access attempts, privilege escalation, and persistence threats in AI workloads. New detectors based on the latest intelligence, including those for model hijacking, will be available soon.  

“As AI-driven solutions become increasingly commonplace, securing AI systems is paramount and surpasses basic data protection. AI security – by its virtue – necessitates a holistic strategy that includes model integrity, data provenance, compliance, and robust governance,” said Dr. Grace Trinidad, Research Director, IDC.  

Piecemeal solutions can leave critical vulnerabilities exposed, rendering organizations susceptible to threats such as adversarial attacks or data poisoning, and adding to the overwhelming security challenges that security teams already face. A comprehensive lifecycle-focused approach enables organizations to effectively mitigate the multifaceted risks posed by generative AI and manage increasingly complex security workloads. By taking a holistic approach to AI protection, Google Cloud simplifies and thus improves the experience of securing AI for customers,” she said.  

Enhance AI Protection With Expert Support. 

The Mandiant AI security consulting portfolio helps organizations assess and strengthen the security of AI systems across multiple clouds and platforms. Our consultants review your entire AI setup and suggest ways to enhance its security. They also offer red teaming for AI using insights from the latest real-world attacks.  

Building on a Secure Foundation 

Customers can benefit from running AI workloads on Google Cloud’s secure-by-design infrastructure, which features safeguards, encryption, and strict supply chain controls.  

If your AI workloads are regulated, assured workloads create environments with strict policy guardrails, such as data residency, which ensures your data stays within a specified location, and customer-managed encryption, which means you control the encryption keys for your data. Audit Manager demonstrates compliance with regulations and new AI standards by providing reports and evidence of adherence. Confidential computing protects data during processing; this means data remains encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized parties even from users with system access or internal threats.  

If you want to find unsanctioned or shadow AI use in your workforce, Chrome Enterprise Premium can help. It gives you visibility into end-user activity and helps prevent both accidental and intentional leaks of sensitive data in generative AI applications.  

Next Steps 

Google Cloud remains dedicated to supporting organizations in protecting AI innovations. Additional information is available in the showcase paper from Enterprise Strategy Group and at the online security talks event on March 12th.  

To try AI protection in the Security Command Center or learn about subscription options, contact a Google Cloud sales representative or an authorized partner.  

More exciting capabilities are coming soon, and we will share in-depth details on AI protection and how Google Cloud can help you securely develop and deploy AI solutions at Google Cloud Next in Las Vegas, April 9 to April 11.

Source: Announcing AI Protection: Security for the AI era 

CISA Expands Secure By Design Program With New Partners

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency expanded its Secure by Design initiative in April 2026 by adding new international technology partners and software makers. This shift aims to move cybersecurity responsibility from end users to original developers. The agency urges safety features to be built in from the start, motivating companies to prioritize long-term security over rapid product launches. As digital threats grow more complex, the program aims to strengthen global infrastructure by addressing weaknesses before they reach users.  

Institutionalizing Foundational Software Integrity 

The main idea behind the Secure by Design expansion is to move forward with default safety configurations. In the past, many business applications came with open settings that IT teams had to secure. Now, the new partners promise to deliver products with strong security features, such as multi-factor authentication and encrypted communication turned on by default. This helps organizations that may not have expert staff to set up complex systems, making it harder for attackers to find easy ways in and reinforcing foundational integrity. The initiative also addresses vulnerabilities at the code level.  

This effort also covers memory safety in the code itself. Many modern security problems come from poor memory management in older programming languages. CIS says new partners are promising to use memory-safe languages or hardware protections for all new critical infrastructure. This change addresses the main cause of many zero-day attacks affecting today’s networks. By fixing these issues at the source, the industry is creating a firmer and more reliable foundation. This active approach responds to repeated failures seen in the software supply chain over the past ten years.  

Accountability Through Radical Transparency 

A key part of the expanded program is self-attestation of security practices. Manufacturers are now expected to share detailed public information about their internal testing and how they handle vulnerabilities. They will also regularly publish a software bill of materials so customers can see which third-party libraries are used in their products. This level of transparency helps organizations better judge their risks when new vulnerabilities are found. It moves away from the old black-box approach and encourages mutual knowledge and shared responsibility to sustain the impact of these improvements. New tools have been introduced for ongoing progress.  

To keep the program moving forward, CISA has set up a progress reporting dashboard for its voluntary partners. This tool checks how well companies are adopting key security measures, such as removing default passwords and enabling automatic updates. Instead of acting as a strict regulator, the agency serves as a strategic facilitator, helping companies match their business goals with national security needs. By delivering a clear plan for improvement, CISA helps its partners stand out in a market that values strong cybersecurity.  

This voluntary approach motivates companies to compete by offering better security. Also, because the software supply chain is inherently global, a vulnerability in a component developed in one country can have domino effects on critical infrastructure halfway across the planet. By harmonizing secure-by-design standards across jurisdictions, CISA and its international counterparts are creating a common front against transnational digital threats. The global baseline ensures a high standard of protection is maintained, regardless of where the software was originally authored.  

International teamwork also enables real-time sharing of threat intelligence among all program members. If one partner finds a new type of attack, they can quickly alert the whole group. This shared defense lets producers issue fixes before a local problem spreads worldwide. Expanding the program to include telecommunications is especially important because these networks are the main channels for digital information. Protecting them at the design stage benefits everyone who depends on the internet for daily life and business. As strong foundations are built, the program also addresses challenges posed by outdated platforms.  

Eliminating the Security Debt of Legacy Systems 

A major challenge the new partnerships address is technical debt in old systems. Many organizations still use legacy software built before modern online threats. CISA’s partners are creating hardening kits to enhance the security of these platforms. This helps key sectors like energy and healthcare improve defenses without replacing costly infrastructure, bridging old and new systems for a secure future.  

These kits use virtual patching and active monitoring to protect older applications. This creates a zero-trust setup in which every action is checked, even if the soft- first software was not designed for this level of security. The goal is to build fail-safe systems that limit damage in the event of a breach. By planning for potential compromises, the secure-by-design approach focuses on containing problems and on quick recovery. This practical approach to risk management recognizes the complexity of modern networks and offers a clear path to a safer future. As these upgrades take effect, the program’s vision comes into sharper focus.  

The Crystalline Vibration Of A Secure Future 

As these digital systems adopt new standards, we are quietly entering a new phase of security. Our digital world is becoming more attentive and reliable, working in step with our need for safety. Soon, software updates may be something to look forward to, showing that our systems are always learning and improving. Over time, worries about hidden flaws may fade, replaced by confidence that our most important systems are well-protected. We may find that security is handled behind the scenes by smart technology, giving us peace of mind that our digital lives are safe and valued. The world is becoming more responsive, always ready to protect us from new threats.

Source: Secure by Design 

Meta Expands Spatial OS Access For Enterprise Devices

We are opening our Meta operating system to third-party hardware makers, giving consumers more options and expanding the developer ecosystem. By partnering with leading technology companies, we aim to create a more open computing platform for the Metaverse and make app development and audience engagement easier than ever.  

Introducing Meta Horizon OS 

This new hardware ecosystem will use Meta Horizon OS, the mixed-reality operating system that powers our Meta Quest headsets. We picked this name to show our focus on people, connection, and the social network that brings everyone together. Meta Horizon OS brings together the main technologies behind today’s mixed reality experiences and adds features that make social presence a key part of the platform.  

Meta Horizon OS is the result of 10 years of work at Meta to create a next-generation computing platform to lead the way in standalone headsets. We built technologies like inside-out tracking for more natural interactions and social presence. We developed eye, face, hand, and body tracking for mixed reality. We created a comprehensive set of tools to blend the digital and physical worlds, including high resolution, passthrough, scene interpretation, and spatial anchors. This long-term effort, which started with the Android open source project, has led to a mixed reality operating system now used by millions.  

With Meta Horizon OS, developers and creators can unlock these exhilarating technologies using the custom frameworks and tools we designed for immersive mixed reality experiences. They can grow communities and businesses through content discovery and monetization features built into the OS such as the Meta Quest Store, which houses the world’s largest library of immersive apps and experiences. We’re excited to rename the Meta Horizon Store to reflect the vibrant future we’re building together.  

The Horizon social layer that powers Meta Quest devices is now experiencing an exciting part of this new ecosystem. It enables people to bring their identities, avatars, and friend groups with them across virtual spaces and allows developers to infuse their apps with meaningful social features. Because this social layer weaves together different platforms, it empowers people to connect and spend time in virtual worlds using mixed reality, mobile, and desktop devices. Meta Horizon OS devices will also leverage the same mobile companion app that Meta Quest owners enjoy today, and which we’re excited to rename the Meta Horizon app.  

A New Generation of Hardware 

As the mixed reality market accelerates and people embrace it for gaming, entertainment, fitness, productivity, and social presence, exciting new possibilities are emerging for specialized hardware. Like with PCs and smartphones, consumers will benefit the most from a thriving range of hardware, from versatile models to focused devices, all powered by the same dynamic platform.  

Top technology companies around the world are enthusiastically developing new devices using Meta Horizon OS:  

  • ASUS’s Republic of Gamers will use its first gaming expertise to create a new top-tier gaming headset.  
  • Lenovo is harnessing its experience co-designing the Oculus Lift S and its strong background in building devices like the ThinkPad laptops to deliver groundbreaking mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment.  
  • Last year, Xbox and Meta partnered to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta) to Meta Quest, letting people enjoy Xbox games on an expansive 2D virtual screen in mixed reality. Now, we’re excited to join forces again to launch a limited edition Meta Quest inspired by Xbox.  

All of these innovative devices will benefit from our strong partnership with Qualcomm Technologies Inc., maker of Snapdragon processors that integrate seamlessly with our software and hardware. The latest Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform launching with Meta Quest 3 unlocks major new levels of mixed reality performance. Companies building for this vibrant new system ecosystem can tap into these advanced chipsets and custom software features.  

A More Open App Ecosystem 

As we open Meta Horizon OS to more device makers, we’re giving app developers easier ways to re-reach audiences. We’re merging the Meta Horizon Store and App Lab, so any developer meeting technical and content standards can launch software. Soon, App Lab titles will have their own section in the store, making them easier to find. Several popular apps like Gorilla Tag and Jib Class began in App Lab. We’re streamlining the process for developers to launch apps on our platform.  

We are developing a new spatial app framework to help mobile developers build mixed reality experiences. To get started, visit our application page via the provided link and request access. Use the tools you already know to bring your apps to Meta Horizon OS or create new mixed reality apps.  

Meta Horizon OS will have a more open app store. This gives people more ways to access apps. Users are not limited to our app store. They can enjoy content from services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Steam Link. They can also use Air Link to stream PC software to their headsets. We invite the Google Play 2D app store to join Meta Horizon OS with the same economic model it uses on other platforms.

Source: A New Era for Mixed Reality