July 3, 2025
Tech News
Microsoft announced plans to lay off nearly 4% of its global workforce, approximately 9,120 employees, as it aims to manage costs associated with its significant investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Job cuts will focus primarily on the sales division, following prior layoffs affecting 6,000 workers.
In related news from the gaming sector, Microsoft’s King division, creators of the popular Candy Crush game, will see a 10% reduction in staff, impacting around 200 jobs. The company confirmed layoffs in this sector, although it emphasized that the majority of the division remains unaffected.
On a different note, Google introduced new updates aimed at simplifying smart home device management. Users can now designate household members as “Admins” or “Members,” offering a tiered access system that enhances control over smart home features and helps manage permissions for children.
Meanwhile, Central Eurasia is entering the spotlight as the region launches “Road to Battlefield,” a groundbreaking initiative to connect emerging startups with the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield. This competition spans nine countries and aims to showcase the region’s innovation capabilities on a global stage.
As part of this new competition, national contests will culminate in a regional final where the top three startups will earn their place in TechCrunch’s revered Startup Battlefield 2025 in Silicon Valley. This initiative aims to spotlight the rich potential of a region producing around 200,000 STEM graduates annually, despite a history of underrepresentation in global tech circles.
Investors and regional partners are backing the competition, emphasizing the growing interest in Central Eurasia’s startup ecosystem, which has seen venture funding multiply significantly. As many as 7,000 startups are currently active in this thriving region, yet global investment remains limited.
Tech Explained
Artificial Intelligence – A field of computer science involving the creation of systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions.
Smart Home – Refers to a residence that uses internet-connected devices to enable remote management and monitoring of systems and appliances. Smart home technology enhances security, convenience, and energy efficiency through automation and connectivity.
Access Control – A security technique that regulates who or what can view or use resources in a computing environment. In Google’s context, it pertains to how different household members can control smart devices based on their assigned roles.
Startup – A newly established business that is often in the early stages of development, focusing on innovation and scalability. Startups aim to innovate or introduce products and services, typically seeking external funding to grow rapidly.
Venture Capital – A form of private equity financing that investors provide to startup firms and small businesses with perceived long-term growth potential. It is crucial for funding innovative ideas and for the economic development of startup ecosystems.
