Tech News Deep Dive: Microsoft’s Turbulent Restructuring, Interstellar Mysteries, and the Next Wave of Devices / Updated: 2025, July 3rd, 00:17 CET

Tech News Deep Dive: Microsoft’s Turbulent Restructuring, Interstellar Mysteries, and the Next Wave of Devices

The technology landscape is in a state of rapid transformation, marked by sweeping corporate restructurings, astronomical discoveries, and the relentless march of innovation in consumer electronics. This week’s news cycle is dominated by Microsoft’s massive layoffs and game cancellations, the global scientific community’s excitement over a mysterious interstellar object, and a slew of new device launches and strategic pivots from the likes of Apple, Samsung, Honor, and Amazon. Let’s unpack the most significant developments shaping the tech world right now.

Microsoft’s Massive Layoffs and Gaming Division Upheaval

9,000+ Jobs Cut: The Scope and Impact

Microsoft has announced a new wave of layoffs, affecting over 9,000 employees, or about 4% of its global workforce. These cuts are the largest since 2023 and span multiple divisions, including Xbox/Microsoft Gaming, King (Candy Crush), Bethesda, Rare, and more. The layoffs are part of a broader organizational shift as Microsoft doubles down on AI and seeks to streamline operations after major acquisitions like Activision Blizzard and Zenimax Media.

Divisions affected: Xbox, King, Bethesda, Rare, Undead Labs, Turn 10 Studios, and others.
Geographic reach: Global, with notable impacts in Barcelona (Candy Crush team) and other key locations.
Strategic rationale: Microsoft cites the need for agility, cost optimization, and a focus on AI-driven transformation (xtb.com, efe.com, money.pl).

Recap: Key Layoff Details

Xbox/Microsoft Gaming: Significant staff reductions, including nearly 50% of Turn 10 Studios (Forza Motorsport) and major impacts at Undead Labs (State of Decay) (eurogamer.pt, gamemag.ru).
King/Barcelona: 50 jobs cut as part of Candy Crush team restructuring (lavanguardia.com).
Rare/Bethesda: Layoffs follow the cancellation of major projects and studio closures (factornews.com).

Game Cancellations and Studio Closures

The layoffs have been accompanied by the cancellation of several high-profile games and the closure of entire studios:

Perfect Dark Reboot: Canceled, with The Initiative studio shut down (eurogamer.pl, omelete.com.br, igromania.ru, as.com, bfmtv.com, vandal.elespanol.com).
Everwild: Rare’s ambitious new IP, in development for over a decade, also scrapped (gry.interia.pl).
Unannounced MMO: ZeniMax Online Studios’ secret project canceled, with studio head Matt Firor stepping down (fr.ign.com).
The Initiative: Studio closed after the cancellation of Perfect Dark.

Fallout and Industry Reaction

These moves have sparked concern about Xbox’s future direction, employee morale, and the sustainability of large-scale AAA game development. Despite strong financials and Game Pass growth, Microsoft faces a “narrative crisis” as it seeks to refocus resources and adapt to industry changes (omelete.com.br, businessinsider.com.pl).

Outlook

Short-term: Expect further restructuring, possible delays or cancellations of other projects, and a period of uncertainty for affected studios.
Long-term: Microsoft’s pivot to AI and cloud gaming could reshape its gaming division, but risks alienating core fans and talent if not managed carefully.

Xbox Leadership: Phil Spencer Retirement Rumors and Denials

The Rumor Mill

Amid the chaos, rumors swirled that Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO and the face of Xbox since 2014, would retire after the launch of the next-generation Xbox (expected 2026–2027), with Sarah Bond tipped as his successor (techpowerup.com, insider-gaming.com, gameranx.com, purexbox.com).

Official Denials

Microsoft’s Chief Communications Officer Frank Shaw and other company spokespeople have directly denied these claims, insisting Spencer remains at the helm and is not stepping down anytime soon (windowscentral.com, theverge.com).

Recap: Leadership Stability

Spencer’s legacy: Led Xbox through Game Pass, the Activision Blizzard acquisition, and major strategic shifts.
Current status: Officially remains in charge, guiding Xbox through turbulent times.

Outlook

Short-term: Leadership stability is crucial as Xbox navigates layoffs and project cancellations.
Long-term: Succession planning is likely underway, but no imminent changes are expected.

The Interstellar Visitor: A11pl3Z Captivates Astronomers

Discovery and Significance

Astronomers worldwide are tracking A11pl3Z, a mysterious object detected near Jupiter and believed to be of interstellar origin. If confirmed, it would be only the third interstellar object observed in our solar system, after Oumuamua (2017) and 2I/Borisov (2019).

Detection: First spotted by NASA’s ATLAS system, with follow-up observations by the European Space Agency (ESA) and global telescopes (infobae.com, actu.orange.fr, sudouest.fr, barrons.com, larepublica.es, eldiario.es, elespanol.com).

Key Facts

Speed: Over 60 km/s (200,000+ km/h), far exceeding typical solar system objects.
Size: Estimated at 10–30 km in diameter.
Trajectory: Not orbiting the Sun, but passing through from interstellar space.
Nature: Asteroid or comet status pending further analysis.
No threat to Earth: Its path poses no risk.

Scientific Importance

Rarity: Only the third confirmed interstellar object, offering a unique window into the composition and dynamics of material from beyond our solar system.
Global collaboration: Observatories worldwide, including Gran Telescopio Canarias, are mobilized to characterize its composition and rotation.

Outlook

Short-term: Continued observation and analysis to confirm its interstellar status and study its properties.
Long-term: Advances in detection technology (like ATLAS) mean more such discoveries are likely, deepening our understanding of the universe.

Device Wars: Foldables, Smart Glasses, and Next-Gen Smartphones

Honor Magic V5: The World’s Thinnest Foldable

Honor has launched the Magic V5, setting a new record as the thinnest foldable smartphone at just 8.8mm when closed. It features a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, up to 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and a massive 6,100mAh battery (zonamovilidad.es, bloomberglinea.com).

Features

7.95-inch internal display, 120Hz refresh rate
Advanced AI features and robust durability
Launch: First in China, targeting Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series

Industry Impact

Competitive pressure: Sets a new benchmark for thinness, challenging Samsung and putting pressure on Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone to match or exceed this standard (gizmodo.com).

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: Foldables and AI

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event will showcase the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, with rumors of a triple-folding phone teaser. Expect thinner designs, larger displays, improved batteries, and evolutionary upgrades (sammobile.com).

Galaxy S25: AI-Powered Flagship

The Galaxy S25 is now available at a 20% discount, featuring Galaxy AI, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 12GB RAM, a 50MP camera, and a 4900mAh battery (jeuxvideo.com, bfmtv.com).

Apple’s XR and MacBook Strategy

XR Roadmap: Vision Air and Smart Glasses

Apple is expanding its XR (extended reality) lineup with a three-tiered strategy: premium Vision Pro, mid-range Vision Air, and entry-level smart glasses. The goal is to drive mass adoption and compete with Meta and Google, leveraging proprietary chips and seamless integration from 2025 to 2028 (techtimes.com).

Affordable MacBook with A18 Pro

Apple is rumored to launch a more affordable MacBook powered by the iPhone’s A18 Pro chip, marking the first time a Mac uses an iPhone processor. Expected features include a 13-inch display, USB-C ports, and colorful options, with performance rivaling the M1 MacBook Air. Mass production could start in late 2025 or early 2026 (macrumors.com).

AI Integration: ChatGPT, Claude, and OpenAI

Apple is exploring partnerships with OpenAI (ChatGPT) and Anthropic (Claude) to power the next generation of Siri, as it faces challenges with its own AI models (news.mes7at.com, akhbaar24.com).

Amazon’s Smart Glasses Play

Amazon is offering a Prime exclusive bundle: Echo Frames (3rd Gen) and Echo Spot for $130—cheaper than Meta Ray-Bans. The Echo Frames offer Alexa integration, open-ear audio, and hands-free calling, but lack a camera (zdnet.com).

Xiaomi and Redmi: Mid-Range Powerhouses

Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus: 1.5K OLED, 120Hz, Dimensity processor, 200MP camera, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, 5G, 120W charging (zahraa.mr).
Redmi Note 14: AMOLED 120Hz, 108MP AI triple camera, Helio G99 Ultra, up to 8GB RAM/256GB, 5500mAh battery, €145 starting price (zahraa.mr).

Nothing Phone (3): Battery Size Split

The Nothing Phone (3) launches with a 5,150 mAh battery in Spain/EU (due to transport regulations) and a larger 5,500 mAh version in India, highlighting regulatory impacts on device specs (elespanol.com).

AI, Gaming, and the Future of Content

AI in Gaming and Hardware

PS5 Pro: Sony confirms full AMD FSR 4 integration in 2026, promising better image quality and performance (geeknetic.es).
AMD RX 9070 XT: Now outperforms NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti at 1440p, thanks to improved drivers (goha.ru).
NVIDIA RTX 5050: Launch plagued by availability issues, with stock expected to improve by late July (telepolis.pl).

AI’s Impact on Search and Content

Google’s AI Overview is changing how users interact with search, reducing website traffic and ad revenue for publishers and brands. As AI summarizes answers directly on search pages, brands must adapt by building authority and diversifying channels (wirtualnemedia.pl).

Passwordless Future

Microsoft will delete all user passwords in five weeks, pushing users to adopt passwordless authentication (biometrics, multi-factor authentication) for enhanced security (terra.com.br).

Nexus Mods and EU Regulation

Nexus Mods will require age verification for EU users to comply with the Digital Services Act, updating rules and filtering for sensitive content (telepolis.pl).

Science Frontiers: Supernovae and Fundamental Forces

Double Supernova Discovery

Astronomers using the Very Large Telescope have captured evidence of a star that exploded twice (supernova SNR 0509-67.5), providing new insights into Type Ia supernovae and the expansion of the universe (super.abril.com.br).

Possible Fifth Fundamental Force

Researchers at Fermilab’s Muon G-2 experiment have found evidence suggesting a possible fifth fundamental force of nature, which could revolutionize physics if confirmed (br.ign.com).

Gaming Industry: Burnout, Cancellations, and New Trends

Battlefield 6: Budget Blowout and Burnout

Battlefield 6’s development has reportedly cost over $400 million, with staff facing severe burnout and extended leaves. The campaign may launch unfinished, with missions cut or released post-launch, highlighting the challenges of AAA game development (gamesradar.com, comicbook.com).

Mecha Break: Free-to-Play Sensation

Mecha Break, a free game, is rapidly gaining popularity on PC, surpassing GTA 5 and Palworld in player count, though still trailing giants like Counter Strike 2 and Dota 2 (spidersweb.pl).

PlayStation Store Sale

Major summer sale on PlayStation Store, with top PS5 games under $25 until July 17 (kotaku.com).

Tech Deals and Consumer Trends

Apple Watch SE 2: Now $169, nearly 33% off (wareable.com).
Samsung Galaxy S25 + Buds: Pack on sale at Boulanger for €749.99 (bfmtv.com).

Pokémon GO and Community Events

Pokémon GO announces a Hisuian Lilligant Raid Day on July 12, 2025, with exclusive bonuses for ticket holders (nintenderos.com).

The Big Picture: Where Tech Is Headed

Recap

Microsoft’s layoffs and restructuring signal a major shift toward AI and cloud, but at the cost of beloved studios and projects.
Astronomers’ detection of A11pl3Z underscores the power of global scientific collaboration and the promise of new discoveries.
Device innovation is accelerating, with foldables, smart glasses, and AI-powered features redefining consumer expectations.
AI’s impact on search, security, and gaming is profound, but brings new challenges for brands, publishers, and developers.
Physics and astronomy are on the cusp of paradigm-shifting discoveries, from double supernovae to possible new fundamental forces.

Outlook

The coming months will test the resilience and adaptability of tech giants, the creativity of device makers, and the curiosity of the scientific community. As AI, cloud, and XR reshape the landscape, and as interstellar visitors remind us of our place in the cosmos, one thing is clear: the pace of change is only accelerating.

Sources:

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Continue reading on zonamovilidad.es

Samsung Galaxy S25 Sale: 20% Off Latest AI-Powered Smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is now available at a 20% discount, dropping from €852 to €682.05 on Amazon. Featuring Galaxy AI, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 12GB RAM, 50MP camera, 4900mAh battery, and Android 15, this flagship offers cutting-edge performance, design, and AI innovation for demanding users.

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Phil Spencer Denies Stepping Down as Microsoft Gaming CEO Amid Rumors

Phil Spencer is rumored to step down as Microsoft Gaming CEO after the next-gen Xbox launch, with Sarah Bond reportedly set to succeed him. However, Microsoft officials have denied these claims, calling them fabricated. The situation follows recent reports of layoffs and restructuring within the company.

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Foldable iPhone Must Match Thinness to Compete, Says Magic V5 Launch

Honor Magic V5 sets a new record as the thinnest foldable phone at 8.8mm, raising the bar for rivals like Samsung and especially Apple. As Apple reportedly develops its own foldable iPhone, matching or exceeding this thinness is crucial for market success and to avoid falling behind in innovation.

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Microsoft to Lay Off 9,000 Employees in Largest Cut Since 2023

Microsoft is set to lay off around 9,000 employees, its largest workforce reduction since 2023. The move, affecting less than 4% of staff, follows previous cuts and is linked to organizational changes and increased use of AI tools like GitHub Copilot. Other tech giants, including Meta and Amazon, are also reducing staff amid rising AI adoption.

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Battlefield 6 Campaign Report Suggests Troubled Development and Possible Unfinished Release

A new report claims Battlefield 6’s campaign is in trouble, possibly launching unfinished due to development setbacks. The campaign, passed between studios after Ridgeline Games’ closure, may see missions cut or released post-launch. The focus remains on multiplayer, raising concerns for fans hoping for a strong single-player experience.

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ChatGPT Struggles Against 40-Year-Old Pocket Chess Game

A tech journalist pits ChatGPT 4o against a vintage Kasparov Pocket Chess game from the 1980s. Despite AI’s reputation, the classic digital chess device proves surprisingly tough, highlighting the enduring challenge of chess for modern AI chatbots compared to specialized chess computers.

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Microsoft Announces Major Layoffs Affecting Xbox and Other Divisions

Microsoft is set to lay off 9,100 employees across various divisions, including significant cuts in Xbox/Microsoft Gaming. This follows previous layoffs in Activision Blizzard, HoloLens, Azure, and King. The ongoing restructuring reflects broader challenges in the tech industry and has impacted employee morale.

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Microsoft lays off 9,000 employees in latest round of job cuts

Microsoft will lay off about 9,000 employees, less than 4% of its global workforce, as part of ongoing organizational changes. The tech giant has already conducted several layoffs this year, despite reporting strong financial results and remaining one of the most profitable companies in the S&P 500.

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Microsoft Confirms Massive Xbox Layoffs Amid Narrative Crisis

Microsoft confirmed another massive layoff affecting around 9,000 employees, including many in its Xbox division. Despite strong financials and Game Pass growth, the company faces a narrative crisis. Recent acquisitions and hardware shifts have not prevented job cuts, raising concerns about Xbox’s direction and employee security.

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Big PS5 Game Sale: Top Titles Under $25 on PlayStation Store

The PlayStation Store is running a major summer sale, offering popular PS5 games for $25 or less until July 17. Highlights include Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, Jurassic World Evolution 2, and the Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection. Both PS5 and PS4 games, plus DLC, are discounted in this limited-time event.

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Microsoft Will Delete All Your Passwords in 5 Weeks: What You Need to Know

Microsoft is set to delete all user passwords in just five weeks, urging users to switch to passwordless authentication. This move aims to enhance security and reduce reliance on traditional passwords, pushing for more secure alternatives like biometrics and multi-factor authentication.

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Nexus Mods introduces age verification for EU users due to Digital Services Act

Nexus Mods will require age verification for EU users to comply with the Digital Services Act. The platform will not remove adult content but will update its rules, add new content tags, and enhance filtering for sensitive material. These changes aim to improve child safety and address illegal content concerns.

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Phil Spencer Not Retiring as Xbox Chief Anytime Soon, Confirms Microsoft

Microsoft has denied rumors that Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming and head of Xbox, is retiring soon. Spencer, who has led Xbox since 2014, remains in charge amid major company layoffs and studio closures. Microsoft’s statement clarifies ongoing leadership stability despite industry speculation and recent organizational changes.

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Microsoft Announces New Layoffs Amid Tech Industry Shifts

Microsoft announces new layoffs, Tesla reports a 13.5% sales drop, and Bruno Le Maire urges a revival of Europe’s chip industry. The episode also covers SFR’s potential sale and the loss of a Jeff Bezos satellite. Key tech industry developments discussed in Le Tech Flash by Léa Benaim on BFM Business.

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Microsoft to Lay Off 9,000 Employees Amid Organizational Changes

Microsoft will lay off up to 9,000 employees, about 4% of its workforce, as part of global organizational changes. The cuts affect various divisions and experience levels. The move coincides with increased AI adoption and follows earlier layoffs in 2024, reflecting the company’s adaptation to a dynamic tech market.

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Apple Partners with OpenAI to Integrate AI into Its Products

Apple is collaborating with OpenAI and other AI firms to enhance AI integration in its products. The company is testing AI models on its cloud infrastructure and developing an internal project called LLM Siri for broader AI deployment across its ecosystem.

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How Google’s AI Overview Impacts Brands and Publishers

Google’s AI Overview is shifting user behavior, reducing website traffic and ad revenue for publishers and brands. As AI summarizes answers directly on search pages, brands must adapt by building authority and diversifying channels. Experts warn this could degrade the online information ecosystem and challenge traditional content marketing strategies.

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Tags: Devices, Microsoft, Technology