Cloud licensing claim against Microsoft #6

A £2 billion legal claim has been launched against Microsoft in the UK, alleging that its cloud licensing practices unfairly inflate costs for businesses running Windows Server on rival platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Alibaba. The case, led by digital markets regulation expert Dr Maria Luisa Stasi, argues that Microsoft’s licensing terms make it up to four times more expensive to operate outside Azure. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) backed these concerns in a July report, finding that Microsoft’s policies restrict product availability and portability, disadvantaging competitors and driving up costs for customers. The first hearing is scheduled for December, and affected organisations are being encouraged to join the action, which could help them recover significant IT expenses
Microsoft has yet to publicly respond to the case, but its lack of compromise suggests it may contest the claims. The lawsuit is part of a broader wave of scrutiny: Google has raised similar concerns with the EU, and other cases are underway in the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) regarding second-hand licences and alleged overcharging for Microsoft Office and Windows. Meanwhile, Austria’s Data Protection Authority recently ruled that Microsoft illegally tracked students via its 365 Education platform, adding to the company’s mounting legal challenges. The CMA has recommended regulatory intervention, though no formal action has been announced yet
Dutch organizations are preparing to significantly increase their AI investments, with Red Hat Research indicating a projected 36% growth by 2026. However, most are not yet delivering customer value from AI due to talent shortages, especially in data integration, and the prevalence of “shadow AI”—unauthorized AI tool use by employees. AI sovereignty and transparency are top priorities, with open-source software playing a crucial role, but gaps in skills and organizational readiness remain significant barriers.
Cisco’s 2025 AI Readiness Index reveals that while most companies are eager to adopt AI, only a small fraction are truly prepared, lacking the necessary infrastructure, governance, and clear use cases. Many firms risk accumulating “AI infrastructure debt,” which could hinder long-term performance. Only a minority, termed “Pacesetters,” demonstrate disciplined execution and strategic investment, showing that readiness is more about rigorous planning than company size.
On the consumer tech front, several notable updates are underway. Google is consolidating reminders from Google Keep into Google Tasks, streamlining notifications but removing location-based reminders. Samsung is set to launch its new Android XR headset, aiming to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro, while Apple is preparing to release updated Apple TV and HomePod mini models with enhanced chips and features. Roku is also rolling out AI-powered upgrades and new features to its smart TV platform and mobile app.
Other highlights include Taiwan’s warning about intensifying Chinese cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns, the introduction of Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for Windows 365, Kobo’s launch of an official e-reader remote, and Apple’s unveiling of new M5-powered iPad Pros. Additionally, several Linux distributions have adopted Debian 13, and the FCC is accelerating satellite licensing reforms. The note also touches on technical innovations like driving LCDs without microcontrollers and the movement of the historic Skynet-1A satellite.
Support the show, become an Insider, your support helps keep the lights on and the show improving.
If you have anything you'd like to share or comment on, email podcast .at. zl4kj .dot. nz, I would love to hear from you. Alternatively you can Send a Voice Message
Red Hat-onderzoek: Nederlandse organisaties klaar voor brede AI-adoptie, maar onder meer gebrek aan benodigde vaardigheden en ‘shadow AI’ bedreigen ambitie
Cisco: Most companies don't know what they're doing with AI • The Register
Samsung's new Android XR headset is coming October 21 and you can reserve one now | TechRadar
Sam Altman promises 'new version of ChatGPT' that behaves more like GPT‑4o — plus a new adult mode | TechRadar
New Apple TV and HomePod mini models tipped to launch imminently – here’s what to expect | TechRadar
Your Google Keep reminders are now moving to Google Tasks – and power users will find this very confusing | TechRadar
Roku is getting a Gemini-style AI upgrade to make your TV even smarter | TechRadar
Taiwan warns Chinese cyberattacks are intensifying | TechRadar
Windows 10 Extended Security Updates for Windows 365 - Windows IT Pro Blog
Kobo’s new e-reader remote lets you turn the page with the press of a button | The Verge
Apple unveils M5 update for the 11- and 13-inch iPad Pros - Ars Technica
LCD Display Without a Microcontroller - Hackster.io
50W thick film resistors in TO-220 | Electronics Weekly
Hydrogen fuel cells take flight, extending the reach of drones - EE Times
Ferri Embedded Storage Solutions for Humanoid Robots - EE Times
Ofcom implements Phases 2 and 3 of the amateur radio licence review - Radio Society of Great Britain - Main Site : Radio Society of Great Britain – Main Site
via Hackaday: Making a 2-Transistor AM Radio with a Philips Electronic Engineer EE8 Kit from 1966 – This Week in Amateur Radio
FCC launches ‘Space Month’ to fast-track satellite licensing and spectrum reforms – This Week in Amateur Radio
Raspberry Pi OS, LMDE, and Peppermint OS move to Debian 13 • The Register