Windows 12 AI Future, Excel Copilot Backlash, Intel’s $10B Deal with US

Tech Gumbo

News and Updates:

• Microsoft’s Windows chief Pavan Davuluri says the next version of Windows—possibly Windows 12—will be an “ambient, multi-modal” OS powered by AI. Voice will become a primary input alongside keyboard and mouse, with context-aware features that understand what’s on your screen. Microsoft calls it an “agentic AI” future, blending local and cloud compute, though privacy concerns loom.
• Excel is testing a new =COPILOT() AI function that lets users type natural language prompts instead of formulas. Microsoft warns not to use it for any task requiring accuracy—like math, finance, or compliance—since results may be wrong. Critics say this undermines Excel’s core purpose and could erode real spreadsheet skills.
• President Trump announced that Intel has agreed to give the US government a 10% stake—worth about $10B—through a mix of CHIPS Act funds and direct investment. The deal aims to secure domestic chipmaking but gives the US no board influence. Democrats are questioning legality, while Trump floated possible 300% tariffs on foreign semiconductors to further boost Intel against TSMC and Samsung.