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Microsoft unveils AI-powered Copilot 

Microsoft has taken another step toward integrating AI technology into its products. On Sept. 21, the company announced Microsoft Copilot, which merges interfaces on Windows with language models. 

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Microsoft has taken another step toward integrating AI technology into its products. On Sept. 21, the company announced Microsoft Copilot, which merges interfaces on Windows with language models. 

According to Microsoft’s announcement, the solution will work as an app or reveal itself to users by right-clicking. It will be available as enhancements on popular apps like Paint, Photos and Clipchamp. Across other products, search engine Bing will be supported by OpenAI’s new DALL-E 3 model, while Microsoft 365 Copilot will integrate a chat assistant for enterprise solutions.

We are entering a new era of AI, one that is fundamentally changing how we relate to and benefit from technology, Microsoft stated in the announcement. An early version of Copilot will be available as a free Windows 11 update starting Sept. 26 and across Bing, Edge and Microsoft 365 later this year, said the company.

One of the tech giant’s bets is its Microsoft 365 Copilot, designed to assist users and enterprises with repetitive tasks, such as writing documents, summarizing and presentations. The solution works through Microsoft’s traditional applications — such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint — and costs $30 a month per user, on top of the subscription fee for accessing Microsoft 365 apps.

According to projections by financial firm Macquarie for Fortune, Microsoft has an estimated 382 million commercial users for its Office 365 product. Based on the report’s estimations, if just 2.5% of these users opt for the $30 Copilot 365 upgrade, the company could generate an additional $3.4 billion in annual revenue.

Microsoft is also advancing features on Bing with personalized answers. According to the company, its AI models will be able to cross chat history to deliver new results for users — for example, telling you when your favorite soccer team plays in your area and when you are available to attend. Bing will also ask its users more questions when shopping online, then use that information to provide more tailored results.

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7-Eleven South Korea to accept CBDC payments in national pilot program

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7-Eleven is set to participate in the testing phase of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiative, running from April to June. The retail giant’s involvement highlights the growing push for digital currency integration in everyday transactions.

The pilot program will assess the feasibility of CBDC payments at 7-Eleven stores, allowing customers to make purchases using the digital currency. The initiative is part of a broader effort to explore the real-world application of CBDCs in retail environments, potentially shaping future payment systems.

As central banks worldwide accelerate their digital currency research, private sector collaboration is seen as crucial for widespread adoption. If successful, 7-Eleven’s participation could pave the way for broader CBDC usage across retail and commercial sectors.

The outcome of the testing phase will provide valuable insights into consumer adoption, transaction efficiency, and potential regulatory considerations, influencing how CBDCs are integrated into mainstream financial systems.

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SEC and Gemini ask to pause lawsuit to explore ‘potential resolution’

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and crypto exchange Gemini have agreed to pause legal proceedings as both sides explore a potential resolution to their ongoing lawsuit. The move signals a possible settlement in the high-profile case, which centers around Gemini’s now-defunct Earn program.

The SEC initially sued Gemini, alleging that the Earn program—designed to offer users yield on crypto deposits—operated as an unregistered securities offering. Gemini has pushed back against the claims, arguing that its operations complied with regulatory standards.

By pausing litigation, both parties may be looking for a compromise that could set a precedent for crypto lending products in the U.S. A settlement could also provide regulatory clarity for similar platforms navigating SEC scrutiny.

While the outcome remains uncertain, the crypto industry is closely watching the case, as its resolution could impact future enforcement actions and the broader regulatory approach toward digital asset lending services.

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GameStop finishes $1.5B raise to add Bitcoin to its balance sheet

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GameStop has successfully completed a debt offering, raising capital that may be used to acquire Bitcoin, signaling the company’s deeper foray into digital assets. The move aligns with its broader strategy to diversify beyond traditional retail operations and into emerging financial technologies.

While GameStop has not confirmed the exact allocation of the funds, market speculation suggests that a portion could be used to buy Bitcoin, following in the footsteps of companies like MicroStrategy. The potential investment would reinforce GameStop’s ongoing pivot toward blockchain and digital assets, an effort that began with its NFT marketplace and crypto-related initiatives.

Analysts see this development as part of a growing trend of corporations exploring Bitcoin as a reserve asset amid concerns over inflation and monetary policy. If GameStop proceeds with the acquisition, it could further validate Bitcoin’s role as a strategic investment for publicly traded companies.

The company’s board will ultimately decide how the newly raised capital is deployed. Investors and the broader crypto market are watching closely for any official announcements regarding GameStop’s Bitcoin strategy.

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