As part of this transition, Microsoft retired Outlook Lite in October 2025, allowing existing users limited access until the final shutdown. Users are strongly advised to check their devices and switch to the main Outlook app ahead of the deadline.

In addition to the Outlook changes, Microsoft has recently released its monthly security update for April 2026, which addresses 165 vulnerabilities, eight of which are classified as ‘critical’. This highlights the ongoing security challenges the company faces.

Furthermore, Microsoft has raised the prices of its Surface series computers due to a global shortage of RAM. The flagship models of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro now retail for $1,499, reflecting a $500 increase from their launch price in 2024.

To facilitate user migration, Microsoft has introduced an in-app upgrade option that redirects users to install Outlook Mobile from the Play Store. User data, including calendar, emails, and attachments, will remain safe and accessible via Outlook Mobile after the shutdown of Outlook Lite.

The major shift is likely to primarily impact users with older or less powerful devices. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the number of affected users and the implications of these changes.

As Microsoft continues to transition towards Outlook Mobile, which offers enhanced features and improved security, the company is also preparing for the release of new Surface models, even as it raises prices on older models.

The future of Microsoft’s software offerings remains dynamic, with ongoing updates and changes that reflect both market demands and technological advancements.

The post Microsoft Outlook App to Shut Down by May 2026 appeared first on 1News.

Previously, the tech landscape was marked by a need for streamlined product management solutions, with companies like Rithum striving to enhance their offerings. Rithum, formed from the merger of CommerceHub and ChannelAdvisor, has been a significant player in managing product listings and sales for over 40,000 companies, supporting annual sales exceeding USD $50 billion. However, the company recognized the necessity for a more robust leadership structure to navigate the evolving market demands.

In a decisive shift, Mausam Bhatt has been appointed as the Chief Product Officer at Rithum. This change comes at a critical time as Rithum aims to expand its AI-led functions under the RithumIQ brand. Lou Keyes, the CEO of Rithum, stated, “Mausam brings exactly the depth of experience we need at this stage of Rithum’s growth,” highlighting the importance of this leadership transition.

On the political front, Mausam Noor is making headlines as a returning Congress candidate from Malda’s Malatipur assembly. Her previous candidacy was marked by a declaration of assets worth Rs 1.79 crore, alongside liabilities of Rs 8.40 lakh. In her current nomination affidavit, she has reported assets exceeding Rs 2.5 crore, indicating a significant increase in her financial standing.

Furthermore, Mausam Noor’s income has seen a notable rise, increasing from Rs 7.23 lakh in the fiscal year 2020-21 to Rs 10.97 lakh for 2024-25. Her spouse, Mirza Kayes Beg, has also experienced a similar upward trend, with his income growing from Rs 4.98 lakh to Rs 7.01 lakh during the same period. This financial growth reflects a broader trend of increasing economic engagement among political candidates.

In her current declaration, Mausam Noor has revealed movable assets worth Rs 1.46 crore and land valued at Rs 1.1 crore. This data underscores the evolving nature of political candidacy in India, where financial transparency and asset declarations are becoming increasingly scrutinized by the electorate.

As Rithum and Mausam Noor navigate their respective landscapes, the implications of these developments are significant. Rithum’s strategic appointment aims to enhance its product offerings amidst growing competition, while Mausam Noor’s candidacy reflects the changing dynamics of political representation in Malda.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential impact of these changes on their respective sectors, but the shifts in leadership and political candidacy are poised to influence both the tech and political arenas significantly.

The post Mausam: Recent Developments in Leadership and Political Landscape appeared first on 1News.

MCP was launched in late 2024 with a focus on AI tool integration. Since then, it has seen remarkable growth, with downloads crossing 97 million in March 2026. This figure includes contributions from both Python and Typescript SDKs, which have significantly boosted its popularity.

In addition to MCP’s success, Yoti has also made strides in the download arena, surpassing 23 million global downloads as of March 2026. Notably, 7.8 million of these downloads are from the UK alone, indicating a strong regional presence.

Chardet, another player in the software market, has reported over 130 million monthly downloads. This surge reflects a broader trend of increasing software usage and reliance on digital tools.

Robin Tombs, CEO of Yoti, commented on the changing landscape, stating, “The logic of people owning their own data makes a lot more sense to a lot more people now than it did back in 2014.” This sentiment underscores the growing awareness and demand for data ownership among users.

However, Tombs also cautioned, “You can’t promise to the world that they would never, ever have any risk at all of being breached,” highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding data security in the digital age.

Since its open-source release on November 25, 2024, MCP has gained traction, aided by OpenAI’s full support across ChatGPT introduced in March 2025. As of March 2026, there are more than 10,000 active MCP servers, further solidifying its position in the market.

Dan Blanchard, a representative from Chardet, remarked, “This rewrite is completely independent in structure,” indicating a strategic shift in their software development approach.

Bruce Perens, a prominent figure in the tech community, noted, “The entire economic model of software development has completely collapsed,” reflecting the challenges and transformations within the industry.

As these companies continue to innovate and adapt, observers are keenly watching how these trends will evolve in the coming months. The significant download figures suggest a robust demand for software solutions that prioritize user control and security.

With the ongoing developments in the software landscape, it remains to be seen how these trends will influence future releases and user engagement.

The post Downloads Surge as MCP and Yoti Reach New Milestones appeared first on 1News.

The latest updates to PowerPoint have introduced a range of features that significantly improve user experience, particularly through the integration of AI-powered editing tools. These enhancements allow users to perform complex editing tasks directly within the application, streamlining workflows and reducing the need to switch between different software for various tasks.

AI-Powered Editing Features

One of the most notable advancements is the introduction of new AI-powered editing features. Users can now erase objects, move subjects, upscale images, and edit text directly inside a slide. This functionality makes PowerPoint feel more modern and relevant, as it aligns with the demands of users who require sophisticated editing capabilities without the hassle of external applications. As one user noted, “It finally makes PowerPoint feel like it belongs in the 2020s by removing the need to constantly switch apps for more complex picture-editing tasks.”

Integration with Claude Add-Ins

Additionally, Anthropic is updating its Claude add-ins for PowerPoint, which now feature shared context and reusable workflows. This allows Claude to read cell values, write formulas, and edit slides in a single session, enhancing the overall functionality of PowerPoint. Such integrations highlight the trend of incorporating generative AI features across productivity applications, which Microsoft is actively pursuing.

New Licensing Options

In a significant move, Microsoft is now offering users a lifetime license for Microsoft Office, which includes PowerPoint, for a one-time payment of $89.97, down from the regular price of $249.99. This new pricing structure provides an attractive alternative to the annual subscription model, which costs $99.99 for Microsoft 365. The lifetime license grants users continuous access to essential applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.

Office 2024 Enhancements

The upcoming Office 2024 version will include upgrades that enhance the handling of larger datasets in Excel and introduce improved recording features in PowerPoint. Notably, PowerPoint will support recording with voice, video, and closed captions for narrated decks, making it easier for users to create engaging presentations.

Availability of New Features

The new image editing capabilities in PowerPoint are available on Windows (Version 2510, Build 19422.20000 or later) and Mac (Version 16.104, Build 25121423 or later). These updates are part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to enhance its productivity suite by integrating advanced features that cater to the evolving needs of users.

Collaboration Tools

Moreover, collaboration tools are built into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, including real-time co-authoring, comments, chat, and version history. This integration fosters a more collaborative environment, allowing teams to work together seamlessly on presentations and documents.

Future Developments

As Microsoft continues to innovate within its productivity applications, users can expect further enhancements and features that leverage AI and improve usability. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding specific future updates or additional features that may be introduced in subsequent releases.

The post Powerpoint: New Features and Licensing Options Transform User Experience appeared first on 1News.

Microsoft is currently testing a new feature called Copilot Cowork, which utilizes Anthropic’s AI agents to assist with various workplace tasks. This initiative raises the question: how will these advancements impact productivity in the workplace? The answer lies in the capabilities of Copilot Cowork, which is designed to help users create spreadsheets, organize data, and coordinate office workflows.

Details of the Copilot features

The Copilot AI assistant is integrated across Microsoft applications and is available for a monthly fee of $30. Additionally, Microsoft offers a $99 Microsoft 365 E7 bundle that includes standard tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, along with these AI-powered features. A new tool called Agent 365, priced at $15 per month, is also being introduced to help manage companies’ AI agents.

Capabilities of Copilot Cowork

One of the standout features of Copilot Cowork is its ability to manage multi-step tasks autonomously, which could significantly enhance efficiency in various business operations. Microsoft plans to test this feature with a small group of early enterprise users before a wider rollout, although the exact date for this broader release remains unconfirmed.

Broader context of AI initiatives

This move reflects a broader push across the tech sector toward AI agents, which are software systems designed to take action rather than simply respond to queries. Such advancements are becoming increasingly important as organizations seek to leverage AI for improved productivity and efficiency.

AIForMYFuture initiative

In addition to Copilot, Microsoft is also involved in the AIForMYFuture initiative, which aims to empower 800,000 Malaysians with future-ready AI skills. This nationwide program highlights Microsoft’s commitment to fostering AI literacy and skills development in emerging markets.

Real-world applications of AI

Individuals like Noorhuda Abdul Karim, an educator, have already begun to see the benefits of AI in their workflows. She states, “AI did not just change my workflow, it reshaped my academic structure as an educator.” Other users, such as Alvin Jerred anak Olison and Nur Batrishya Balkis Abdullah, have also found innovative ways to incorporate AI tools into their projects and businesses.

Looking ahead

As Microsoft continues to develop and refine its AI initiatives, the potential for transformative impacts on workplace productivity and skills development remains significant. However, details regarding the wider rollout of Copilot Cowork are still unconfirmed, leaving some uncertainty about when these features will be available to a larger audience.

The post Microsoft Expands AI Initiatives with Copilot Features appeared first on 1News.