Great news for Malaysian users who prefer a one-time purchase for their productivity needs! Microsoft Office 2024 is now available, offering classic desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for both Windows and macOS. This article dives into its availability, pricing, and what it means for you.
Unlike Microsoft 365, a subscription service, Office 2024 provides a one-time purchase option. This means you pay upfront and own the software license permanently, allowing you to use it on one PC or Mac for non-commercial purposes. This is ideal for users who prefer a more traditional ownership model and don’t need the cloud storage and other features offered by Microsoft 365.
What’s Included in Office 2024?
This version of Office comes with the core applications you’ve come to rely on:
Word: Create professional documents, letters, and reports with familiar features like formatting tools, styles, and collaboration options.
Excel: Analyze data, create spreadsheets, and build complex formulas to manage your finances or any data-driven project.
PowerPoint: Design compelling presentations with customizable templates, animations, and transitions to engage your audience.
OneNote: Take notes, organize your ideas, and collaborate with others in a digital notebook environment.
Pricing and Availability in Malaysia
Microsoft Office Home 2024 is readily available for purchase in Malaysia through the Microsoft Store and authorized retailers. The one-time purchase price is RM609 (including taxes). This provides you with the aforementioned applications for a single PC or Mac.
Here’s a quick breakdown compared to Microsoft 365:
Feature
Office 2024
Microsoft 365 (Personal)
Purchase Model
One-time purchase
Subscription (monthly/yearly)
Applications
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher (PC only), Access (PC only), 1 TB OneDrive storage, 60 Skype minutes per month
Price (RM)
RM609
Starts from RM39 per month
Is Office 2024 Right for You?
If you’re a student, home user, or small business owner who needs core productivity applications for everyday tasks and prefers a one-time purchase, Office 2024 could be a perfect fit. However, if you require cloud storage, access to additional applications like Publisher and Access (PC only), or the convenience of automatic updates, Microsoft 365 might be a better choice.
So, will you be opting for the ownership model of Office 2024, or is Microsoft 365’s subscription model more your style? Let us know in the comments below!
Microsoft has unveiled a brand new tool that is poised to take on the likes of Canva and Adobe Express – Microsoft Designer. Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, this app empowers users of all skill levels to design stunning graphics with minimal effort.
At the heart of Microsoft Designer is its AI-driven design assistant. Simply describe your desired design in plain language, or upload a photo, and the app will generate a variety of creative options to choose from. Beyond generating designs, Microsoft Designer offers a comprehensive suite of editing tools. Users can easily customize templates, add text, and manipulate images to achieve their desired look. The app also boasts a vast library of high-quality images, icons, and fonts to enhance designs.
One of the standout features of Microsoft Designer is its image editing capabilities. With just a few clicks, users can remove backgrounds from images, apply artistic filters, and even create stunning AI-generated images. These tools elevate the overall design process and enable users to produce professional-looking visuals.
Microsoft Designer is available across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. This ensures users can access their designs and continue their creative journey seamlessly across devices. The app has been available on the web akin to its competition but is now available as a standalone app.
Hold onto your controllers, Malaysian gamers! Microsoft has recently announced a price increase for the PC version of Xbox Game Pass in Malaysia. This news comes just a few months after the service launched locally in 2022, offering a “Netflix for games” experience at a competitive price point.
Previously, the monthly subscription fee for Xbox PC Game Pass stood at RM15. This budget-friendly price point was a major selling factor for Malaysian gamers, especially compared to individual game purchases. However, starting from July 10th, 2024, new subscribers will be charged a revised price of RM20 per month. Existing subscribers will see the price hike reflected in their subscriptions starting from September 12th, 2024. This increase seems to be affecting markets worldwide.
Unfortunately, Microsoft hasn’t provided any official reasons for the price increase specific to the Malaysian market. However, on a global scale, Xbox has been steadily adding high-profile titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to its Game Pass library, potentially contributing to rising content acquisition costs.
Despite the price bump, Xbox Game Pass still offers a compelling value proposition for many gamers. With access to a vast library of downloadable titles, including day-one releases from Microsoft Studios, the service remains a cost-effective way to explore a wide variety of games. Additionally, Game Pass includes perks like online multiplayer access and discounts on in-game purchases for select titles.
While Xbox Game Pass remains a leader in the subscription service space, Malaysian gamers do have other options. Competitors like PlayStation Now offer similar libraries, although their availability in Malaysia might be limited. Additionally, some publishers like Electronic Arts have their own subscription services, granting access to specific game catalogs.
The price increase for Xbox Game Pass in Malaysia might sting a bit, but the service still offers good value for gamers who enjoy variety and the convenience of a large downloadable library. However, it’s worth considering your gaming preferences and comparing options before making a decision. Keep in mind, that existing subscribers have a two-month grace period before the new price kicks in. So, this might be a good time to re-evaluate your gaming needs and decide if Xbox Game Pass continues to be the right fit for your budget.
Get ready to experience the future of computing with the arrival of the Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Laptop 7th Edition! Microsoft unveiled its latest Surface devices back in May. These innovations boast cutting-edge AI features, blazing-fast performance, and a commitment to user experience. More importantly, they’re up for pre-order in Malaysia right now!
Pre-orders for the Surface Pro 11th Edition and Surface Laptop 7th Edition are now open. Both the Surface devices will be priced from RM5,399.
From July 11th to August 5th, 2024, pre-ordering through Microsoft’s partner, SNS Network (M) Sdn Bhd, grants you access to exclusive deals you won’t want to miss.
Pre-Order Perks:
Bundle Deals: Score bundle deals worth up to RM700, giving you valuable extras alongside your new Surface device.
PWP Deals: Take advantage of PWP (purchase-with-purchase) offers worth up to RM848, further maximizing your value.
GrabFood Voucher: Enjoy a delicious meal while setting up your new Surface with a complimentary GrabFood voucher worth RM80.
Here’s a quick recap of what the new Surface devices are bringing to the table.
Surface Pro 11: The Ultimate 2-in-1 for Pros on the Go
The Surface Pro 11th Edition is a flexible 2-in-1 device that can seamlessly transform from a tablet to a laptop. It comes with Microsoft’s new Copilot+ PC feature, harnessing the power of the built-in NPU on the Snapdragon X Series processor. Microsoft is using this to streamline workflow with AI-powered experiences. The Surface Pro 11 delivers a remarkable 14 hours of battery life, ensuring you can stay productive throughout your day without needing to scramble for a charger.
Powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors, the Surface Pro 11 is touted to be able to handle editing complex videos, rendering intricate 3D models, or simply juggling multiple demanding applications.
Surface Laptop 7: Elegance Meets Speed
The Surface Laptop 7th Edition is a sleek and stylish device that is geared for students, professionals, and anyone who demands both performance and aesthetics. It also integrates Microsoft’s Copilot+ which will be able to anticipate your needs and help you work smarter and faster. It comes with high-resolution display options available in both 13.8-inch and 15-inch configurations.
The Surface Laptop is boasting about 20 hours of video playback on a single charge, you can work, play, and create without worrying about interruptions. The Surface Laptop 7 is powered by the same Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors as the Surface Pro 11, guaranteeing exceptional performance for all your computing needs.
Microsoft’s Copilot, the AI assistant gaining popularity on Windows devices, is spreading its wings. It’s now available on Telegram, a popular messaging app, offering features that go beyond simply chatting with a bot. While this expansion brings convenience, it also raises questions about user privacy in an increasingly interconnected digital world.
Telegram users can now leverage Copilot’s capabilities directly within the app. This AI companion, powered by GPT technology and Bing search, offers a variety of features:
Information Retrieval: Need answers on the fly? Ask Copilot anything from travel tips to sports updates, and it will retrieve information using Bing search.
Conversational Partner: Feeling social? Engage in casual conversation with Copilot. It can handle open-ended questions and provide engaging responses.
Recommendation Engine: Stuck in a decision rut? Let Copilot be your guide. It can recommend movies, restaurants, and activities based on your interests.
Accessing Copilot on Telegram is simple. Just search for “@CopilotOfficialBot” within the app and start interacting. Currently in beta, the service is free for all Telegram users on desktop, mobile devices, and the web version.
While Copilot’s convenience is undeniable, its growing presence across platforms raises privacy concerns. Microsoft assures users that their interactions with Copilot occur directly within Telegram, keeping data secure. However, Copilot, like any search engine, relies on publicly available information on the web. This raises the question of how much data users are comfortable sharing in exchange for convenience.
The integration of Copilot into Telegram represents a step forward in AI-powered communication tools. However, it also highlights the ongoing conversation surrounding user privacy in the age of AI assistants. As AI technology continues to evolve and permeate various platforms, it will be interesting to see how companies like Microsoft address privacy concerns while offering users the benefits of these intelligent companions.
Gamers rejoice! Microsoft has taken a big step towards simplifying and improving the way PC games leverage upscaling technologies with the introduction of DirectSR. But what exactly is DirectSR, and how will it impact your gaming experience? Let’s delve into the details.
Before diving into DirectSR, it’s important to understand Super Resolution (SR). SR is a collection of image processing techniques used in games to render them at a lower resolution and then intelligently upscale them to a higher resolution for display. This allows for smoother performance, especially on less powerful hardware, without sacrificing too much visual quality.
There are currently several popular SR technologies available, including AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR), NVIDIA Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS), and Intel Xe Super Sampling (XESS). Each technology has its own strengths and weaknesses, but they all share the common goal of delivering high-quality visuals with improved performance.
The current landscape of PC gaming presents a challenge for developers. In order to support multiple SR technologies from different vendors, they often need to integrate separate APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) into their games. This can be a time-consuming and complex process, potentially hindering the adoption of SR features across a wider range of titles.
Microsoft’s DirectSR: A Unified Solution
DirectSR aims to bridge this gap by offering a single API that works with various SR technologies. Developed by Microsoft in collaboration with AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA, DirectSR essentially acts as a translator, allowing developers to integrate any supported SR technology with minimal effort. This simplifies the development process and reduces the burden on studios, potentially leading to more widespread adoption of SR features in PC games.
For gamers, DirectSR offers several potential benefits. Here are a few key advantages:
Improved Performance: By enabling developers to easily implement SR technologies, DirectSR has the potential to boost performance in games, allowing you to enjoy smoother gameplay at higher resolutions.
Wider Choice of SR Options: With DirectSR, developers can offer players a choice between different SR solutions within the game. This empowers you to select the technology that best suits your hardware and preferences.
Simplified User Experience: DirectSR aims to eliminate the need for developers to create separate user interfaces for each SR technology. This can lead to a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for gamers within the game’s settings.
Current Status and Availability
DirectSR is still in its early stages, currently available as a developer preview through the Microsoft DirectX Agility SDK. This means it’s not yet implemented in any commercially available games. However, the positive outlook suggests that future PC games could leverage DirectSR to provide a wider range of SR options and a smoother overall gaming experience.
The arrival of DirectSR marks a significant step towards simplifying and standardizing how PC games utilize Super Resolution technologies. While it’s still early days, DirectSR has the potential to benefit both developers and gamers by streamlining the development process and offering a broader range of performance-enhancing options. As DirectSR matures and is integrated into more games, PC gamers can look forward to a future of smoother frame rates and stunning visuals, all without sacrificing precious hardware resources.
Truecaller, the popular caller identification app, has announced an interesting use of AI. The app’s latest feature allows users to create a digital version of their own voice to interact with the Truecaller Assistant. This development, powered by Microsoft’s Azure AI Speech technology, personalizes the call screening experience and adds a layer of user control.
Traditionally, AI assistants rely on pre-recorded voices. Truecaller’s innovation breaks the mould by allowing users to record and personalize the voice used by their Assistant. This not only adds a touch of uniqueness but also potentially increases trust and user comfort when interacting with the AI.
How it Works
Setting up your personalized voice is a simple process. According to Truecaller’s user guide, users can access the Personal Voice option within the app settings and follow the on-screen instructions to record their voice. The recorded Assistant will then use this Truecaller voice to greet callers, identify the purpose of their call, and potentially even manage basic interactions on your behalf.
The ability to personalize your voice assistant is made possible through a partnership with Microsoft. Truecaller leverages Microsoft’s Azure AI Speech technology, ensuring a high-quality and secure voice experience.
While the initial focus is on call screening, the implications of personalized voice assistants extend further. Tech news outlets like Engadget speculate on the potential for this technology to revolutionize how we interact with our smartphones. TechRadar explores the possibility of using your personalized voice assistant for a wider range of tasks, potentially transforming it into a virtual personal secretary.
Microsoft is signaling a paradigm shift in PCs with the introduction of CoPilot+ PCs. This new generation of intelligent machines leverages the power of ARM processors and AI features to redefine user experience. Here’s a closer look at the all-new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, the first devices to spearhead the CoPilot+ revolution.
Surface Laptop – Designed for Mobility and Productivity
The Surface Laptop continues its legacy of being a thin-and-light laptop. Starting at a feathery 2.96 lbs (1.34 kg), it boasts a 13.8-inch PixelSense touchscreen HDR display with vibrant colors and exceptional clarity. The AI-powered features take center stage, with innovations like “Recall” allowing users to effortlessly search through past activities and retrieve information. Imagine revisiting a specific point in a document you viewed weeks ago – Recall surfaces it instantly.
The Surface Laptop is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processors with upto 32 GB of RAM and upto 1 TB of memory, delivering exceptional performance and efficiency. Multiple sources, including Engadget, highlight an impressive battery life exceeding 22 hours on a single charge – perfect for professionals and students on the go. The sleek, signature design is available in a variety of captivating colors, making a statement wherever you take it.
Surface Pro – Unmatched Versatility and Power
The Surface Pro remains the ultimate device for those who demand flexibility. This 2-in-1 powerhouse seamlessly transforms from a high-performance laptop to a versatile tablet with its stunning 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display. The detachable keyboard with backlit keys ensures a comfortable typing experience, while the integrated kickstand allows for effortless adaptation to any work style.
Under the hood, the Surface Pro boasts the mighty Qualcomm Snapdragon X series chips complemented by up to 32GB of RAM and 1 TB of memory, delivering exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing and creative workflows.
Pricing & Availability
The Surface Laptop and Surface Pro with CoPilot+ features are available for pre-order now, with official release dates expected in early July.
The Surface Laptop starts at $999 and comes in a variety of colors, including Sapphire, Platinum, and the ever-popular Matte Black.
The Surface Pro starts at $1,000 and is available in Platinum and Graphite color options.
The personal computer landscape is on the edge of a revolution. Microsoft has just introduced Copilot+ PCs. These PCs are powered by next-generation ARM processors which signifies a bold leap forward in AI-powered computing experiences.
Pivoting to ARM’s x64 Architecture for Both Power and Efficiency
For decades, x86 processors have dominated the PC market. However, ARM processors, known for their superior power efficiency in mobile devices, are finally making significant inroads into the PC realm. It also marks a shift to x64-based programs which are able to perform more efficiently. This shift paves the way for lighter, fanless designs and significantly longer battery life – features highly sought after by mobile professionals and everyday users alike.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon X series chips powering Copilot+ PCs boast over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This immense processing power isn’t just about raw speed; it fuels the next wave of AI applications directly on the device.
Copilot+ PCs – Microsoft’s Big Shift in Human-PC Interactions
Copilot+ PCs aren’t merely hardware upgrades. They are a shift in both performance and efficiency but, more than that, these laptops seem to be Microsoft’s way of changing the way we interact with our PCs.
A key feature is “Recall,” a revolutionary AI assistant that functions as a virtual memory bank. Recall leverages the power of the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) to continuously record and analyze user activity. This allows users to effortlessly search through past browsing history, voice chats, documents, and even specific on-screen moments. Imagine presenting and needing to reference a specific point you saw in a research paper two weeks ago – Recall can instantly surface that information, making research and presentations a breeze. Students can revisit key points from lectures, writers can effortlessly find inspiration from past notes, and the possibilities extend to countless other scenarios.
Recall is just the tip of the iceberg. Copilot+ PCs offer a broader array of AI-powered features designed to enhance productivity and creativity. Imagine a virtual language coach providing real-time feedback during presentations, highlighting areas for improvement and suggesting alternative phrasing. Creatives can leverage AI-powered tools for tasks like content creation, video editing, and graphic design, with the system intelligently adapting to their workflow and suggesting improvements.
Microsoft has meticulously reimagined Windows 11 to seamlessly integrate with ARM processors and unlock the full potential of AI features. Features like “Cocreator” allow for real-time collaboration on creative projects, with AI assisting in brainstorming and suggesting ideas. “Windows Studio Effects” leverages AI to enhance video calls, automatically adjusting lighting, background noise, and even eye contact to create a more professional and engaging experience. These features, combined with the power of the NPU, promise to transform the way we work, create, and connect.
Security remains a paramount concern in today’s digital world. Copilot+ PCs are built with security in mind, featuring the latest security features from Microsoft and Qualcomm. All Copilot+ PCs are “Secure Core” PCs, with additional hardware and software protections built-in to safeguard user data and privacy. This comprehensive approach to security ensures a worry-free experience for users who can focus on their tasks without compromising their digital safety.
Bridging the Gap with Prism
The transition to ARM processors and the integration of advanced AI features like Recall represent a turning point for Microsoft and the PC industry as a whole. While some existing software may require adaptation, the potential benefits are undeniable. With longer battery life, superior performance, and groundbreaking AI features, Copilot+ PCs promise to usher in a new era of intelligent and user-centric computing. Microsoft is committed to working closely with developers to ensure a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of the ARM ecosystem.
Microsoft is committed to working closely with developers to ensure a smooth transition and unlock the full potential of the ARM ecosystem. A key component of this strategy is “Prism,” a translation layer that acts as a bridge between ARM processors and existing x86 applications. Similar to Rosetta on Macs, Prism allows users to run x86 applications seamlessly on their ARM-based Copilot+ PCs, ensuring compatibility with a vast library of existing software. It is reported that Prism can even improve the performance of some x86 applications on ARM hardware.
Unanswered Questions and the Road Ahead
While Copilot+ PCs represent a significant leap forward, some questions linger. The compatibility of existing software with ARM architecture needs to be addressed, and the long-term impact on software developers requires careful consideration. However, Microsoft’s commitment to developer tools and emulation solutions suggests a proactive approach to these challenges. That said, the company’s track record with Windows on ARM has not been the most reassuring.
Be that as it may, the arrival of Copilot+ PCs marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of personal computing. Not only is this the first time we have had multiple OEMs jump on the Windows on ARM bandwagon, but it’s also the first time that they’ve done it with some of their most successful laptop lineups. .
Microsoft seems to be standardising the uncoupling of Teams from Microsoft 365 to global markets. The move comes a few months after the company was forced to unbundle the app from its productivity suite – Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365). Microsoft claims that the move will provide added flexibility and purchasing choices when it comes to using its productivity suite globally.
Teams was introduced in 2017 and grew in popularity over the course of the pandemic as one of the company’s answers to remote work and productivity. However, in 2020, Slack – one of Team’s main competitors – petitioned the EU alleging anticompetitive behaviour by Microsoft. The complaint alleged that it used its market-dominant Office 365 suite to push installs for Teams and force users to install it without the ability to remove it. This bundling was seen as an anticompetitive act suffocating competition. This complaint has led to ongoing antitrust investigations into the company concerning Teams in the European Union (EU).
The unbundling of Teams from Microsoft 365 comes months into the investigation. It was initially rolled out in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Now, Microsoft seems to be standardising the unbundling globally both to align with the feedback from the European Commission and to preempt any further legal action that could result from the bundling of Teams in Microsoft 365.
Moving forward, Teams will be offered independently and as part of Microsoft 365 bundles. The app will be offered for USD$5.25 (RM24.95) monthly. Office without teams will be priced at USD$7.75 (RM36.84) to USD$54.75 (RM260.23) depending on the package. The pricing seems to be in line with the EEA pricing. However, it’s worth noting that global pricing has not been released officially.
