Tech
Microsoft to axe 120 jobs in Australia amid global layoffs: Will AI take your tech job next
After slashing 6,000 roles just last month, Microsoft confirms another 9,000 job cuts globally — with nearly 120 in Australia. Is AI behind the silent shift

In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the tech industry, Microsoft is set to cut nearly 120 jobs in Australia as part of a massive global downsizing impacting 9,000 employees — approximately 4% of its entire workforce.
The announcement marks the second major round of layoffs from the Redmond-based tech giant in just two months, prompting growing concerns over the direction in which global tech firms are heading — and the looming question many workers are now asking: Is artificial intelligence replacing human jobs faster than expected?
Australia in Microsoft’s Crosshairs
According to the Australian Financial Review, close to 120 employees in Microsoft’s Australian operations will be affected by the fresh wave of redundancies. While the company has not released an official list of affected departments or roles, insiders suggest the cuts could span across engineering, product development, and sales, hitting both junior and senior levels.
A Microsoft spokesperson stated the layoffs were necessary to remain “competitive and efficient in a dynamic marketplace,” adding, “We continue to implement organisational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success.”
But for many Australian workers, the sentiment is clear: the pace of tech layoffs is picking up, and job security in the AI era is no longer guaranteed.
9,000 Jobs Cut Globally — But Why Now?
Microsoft’s workforce stood at 228,000 employees globally, but now 9,000 of those positions will be eliminated. This follows a previous round in May 2025, when 6,000 employees, mostly in product and engineering divisions, were let go.
That prior wave was described as an effort to “reduce layers” and “flatten the management structure.” Sources suggest that the upcoming layoffs may target sales and operations units, particularly those roles being evaluated for outsourcing or automation.
Back in April, Microsoft made headlines when it indicated it would outsource software sales tasks to third-party firms, stirring speculation that in-house roles were being silently phased out.
Is AI Replacing Humans at Microsoft?
Perhaps the most pressing concern is the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in these layoffs.
While Microsoft has not explicitly stated that the jobs are being replaced by AI, many analysts are pointing to the company’s aggressive AI strategy as a likely reason for the downsizing.
The tech giant is a major backer of OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, and has been integrating its own AI-powered assistant, Microsoft Copilot, into key services across Windows, Microsoft 365, and Azure.
“As we roll out more generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done,” wrote Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, in a similar internal memo earlier this year. “We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today.”
This sentiment appears to echo across the tech industry, where AI adoption is no longer a trend — it’s the new baseline.
A Broader Industry Trend
Microsoft isn’t alone in its AI-fueled restructuring. Earlier this year, Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, also announced job cuts targeting “low-performers” — around 5% of its global workforce or 3,600 people.
Telstra CEO Vicki Brady warned that the Australian telco’s workforce will likely shrink significantly by 2030, stating, “Our workforce will look different in 2030 as we develop new capabilities, find new ways to leverage technology, including AI, and we have to stay focused on becoming more efficient.”
Even Amazon is signaling AI-fueled reshuffles, hinting at massive workforce transitions as more tasks become automated.
What Happens to Displaced Workers?
There’s still no clear word on whether Microsoft will offer internal transfers or upskilling options to the affected employees. Critics argue that despite record-breaking profits and expanding AI infrastructure, tech firms are failing to invest in human reskilling.
Tech analyst Dr. Lydia Carr, from the University of Sydney, notes: “We’re seeing an inflection point. AI is reshaping business faster than workers can reskill. Companies must take accountability for the human fallout of this automation wave.”
If Microsoft does not provide clear transition plans, Australia’s highly skilled tech professionals may find themselves stranded in an industry racing toward automation.
What’s Next for Microsoft?
Despite the layoffs, Microsoft continues to scale up its AI infrastructure, including new microchips, data centers, and deep integrations of Copilot across its platforms. CEO Satya Nadella has been a vocal advocate of “AI-first transformation” — and the market has rewarded it. Microsoft remains the second-most valuable company globally by market cap.
But at what cost?
With thousands of jobs slashed, and more potentially on the chopping block, the Microsoft story now stands as a case study in AI’s disruptive force — a warning for workers, and a call for policy-makers to regulate the speed of tech-led restructuring.
Tech
OpenAI’s new Sora app flooded with terrifying Sam Altman deepfakes and bizarre AI videos…
From pigs scrolling TikTok to Pokémon lawsuits, OpenAI’s Sora turns into a surreal deepfake playground less than 24 hours after launch.

When OpenAI unveiled its new social media app Sora, it promised a bold new way to experience AI-generated video. What early users received, however, feels more like a nightmarish fever dream starring none other than Sam Altman himself.
Within hours of launch, the invite-only app was overrun with uncanny deepfakes of the OpenAI CEO. In one viral clip, Altman appears inside a factory farm packed with pink pigs, each pen equipped with a smartphone streaming vertical videos. Staring directly at the camera, the AI-generated Altman asks chillingly: “Are my piggies enjoying their slop?”
ALSO READ : Terence Stamp’s Final Curtain Call Leaves Fans in Tears as Secrets from His Past Resurface
Moments later, the feed shifts to another surreal scene — Altman standing in a field of Pokémon, from Pikachu to Bulbasaur, casually remarking: “I hope Nintendo doesn’t sue us.”
The internet’s new obsession: Altman everywhere
The bizarre trend didn’t stop there. Users generated videos of “Altman” pouring Starbucks lattes for Pikachu and Eric Cartman, yelling at customers behind a McDonald’s counter, or even running away from police after stealing Nvidia GPUs from a Target store.
The app itself cheekily acknowledges the chaos. In some clips, Altman’s AI double announces, “This content may violate our guardrails concerning third-party likeness,” before bursting into hysterical laughter — as if mocking the very warnings the app is designed to enforce.

Copyright chaos on display
Sora is already under fire for how it handles copyright. Unlike most platforms where creators must opt in to allow their content to be used, OpenAI has flipped the model: copyright holders must opt out to prevent their works from appearing. Legal experts say this raises troubling questions, especially when videos depict characters like Naruto, Mario, or even Pikachu performing adult or absurd actions.
“People are pushing Sora’s boundaries just to see how far it will go,” one user posted on X, pointing to clips of Mario smoking weed or Pikachu performing ASMR.
Why Sora feels different
What sets Sora apart from other AI apps, including the Meta AI feed, is the realism. OpenAI has fine-tuned its video generator to obey the laws of physics more convincingly, making scenes look disturbingly authentic. The more convincing these deepfakes become, the greater the risk they’ll be used for misinformation, bullying, or worse.
Sora is, at its core, a deepfake generator with social features. Upon joining, users are prompted to create a “cameo” by recording biometric data — turning their heads, reading numbers aloud, and effectively handing the app a digital replica of their likeness. Users can then choose who’s allowed to generate content with their cameo: “only me,” “people I approve,” “mutuals,” or “everyone.”
A glimpse into the future?
The frenzy around Altman deepfakes highlights both the allure and the dangers of this technology. On one hand, it showcases Sora’s jaw-dropping realism and creative potential. On the other, it raises urgent ethical questions: What happens when hyper-realistic AI versions of public figures — or private individuals — flood the internet without consent?
For now, Sora is invite-only, but if this is the preview, the public launch could be even more chaotic. Whether it becomes the next TikTok of AI or collapses under controversy, one thing is certain: Sam Altman will never look at a Target store the same way again.
Tech
Google celebrates 27th birthday as a spelling mistake turns into the world’s biggest search engine

Almost every internet user around the globe interacts with Google daily — searching, mapping, emailing, or watching videos on YouTube, another Google-owned platform. But on its 27th birthday, celebrated on September 27, many still wonder: what does the name “Google” really mean, and how did it come to define the digital age?
The meaning behind Google
The name “Google” is actually derived from the mathematical term Googol — the number 1 followed by 100 zeros (10¹⁰⁰). The word was first coined by Milton Sirotta, the young nephew of American mathematician Edward Kasner, as a playful way to describe unimaginably large numbers.

For founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two Stanford University Ph.D. students in the late 1990s, the term reflected their ambition: to organize a seemingly infinite amount of information on the internet and make it accessible to everyone.
From BackRub to Google
Google wasn’t always Google. In 1996, Brin and Page created a search engine prototype and named it BackRub, referencing the system’s ability to analyze “backlinks” on web pages. But by 1997, the pair realized the name lacked the ambition and gravitas their project deserved.
Brainstorming led them to consider “Googolplex” — a number that is 1 followed by a Googol of zeros. Eventually, they settled on the shorter Googol. But fate, and a small spelling error, had other plans.
A typo that changed the internet
During the process of registering the website, graduate student Sean Anderson accidentally typed “Google” instead of “Googol” while checking domain availability. To everyone’s surprise, google.com was available. Larry Page immediately approved, and within hours the domain was officially registered.

What was once a typo became one of the most recognizable names — and companies — in human history.
The rise of a global giant
Google officially incorporated on September 4, 1998, though the company celebrates its birthday on September 27, marking key internal milestones. What started in a garage in Menlo Park, California, grew into a powerhouse that now dominates global search, advertising, cloud computing, and mobile operating systems through Android.
READ MORE : Google Gemini AI Prompts for Men Spark 7 Stunning Retro and Cinematic Photo Trends
In 2015, Google restructured under a new parent company, Alphabet Inc., with Indian-born executive Sundar Pichai appointed as CEO of both Google and Alphabet. Brin and Page remain influential insiders with significant voting power.

Today, Google processes over 8.5 billion searches per day, owns a portfolio of services including Gmail, Maps, and Drive, and is at the forefront of artificial intelligence with products like Gemini.
A name that became a verb
The misspelled name did more than build a brand — it became a verb. To “Google” something is now synonymous with searching for information online, a linguistic achievement that underscores its cultural dominance.
From a typo on a university campus to the backbone of the digital age, Google’s story shows how small accidents can shape history. On its 27th birthday, the company remains a giant not just of technology, but of modern language and daily life.
Tech
iPhone 17 Air Launch Shocks Fans with 10 Powerful Features and Stunning Price in USA
Apple’s thinnest smartphone ever brings a 48MP Fusion camera, A19 Pro chip, recycled titanium body, and a major focus on Apple Intelligence.

The iPhone 17 Air has finally arrived, and it is already being called one of the most stylish yet powerful smartphones ever designed by Apple. Launched as part of the 2025 lineup, this device combines ultra-slim design with groundbreaking technology, promising to redefine how users experience photography, performance, and intelligence on a phone.
With a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display, 48MP Fusion camera system, and the all-new A19 Pro chip, the iPhone 17 Air has been engineered for speed, durability, and creativity. Apple has also doubled down on sustainability, using 80% recycled titanium in its construction while still delivering premium aesthetics in four beautiful colors.

1. Camera: A True Photographer’s Dream
The iPhone 17 Air comes with a 48MP Fusion camera system, capable of shooting 24MP photos by default. Apple has packed in multiple focal lengths (26mm, 28mm, 35mm, and 52mm), effectively giving users “four lenses in their pocket.”
Other highlights include:
- 2x Telephoto zoom for professional close-ups.
- Next-generation portraits powered by Apple’s AI algorithms.
- Action Mode for sports and fast movement.
- Dolby Vision 4K60 recording with cinematic quality.
Selfie lovers aren’t left behind either—thanks to the Center Stage front camera, video calls and vlogs are smarter and more dynamic.
2. Performance: A19 Pro Chip
At the heart of the device lies the new A19 Pro chip, designed for blazing speed and efficiency. Combined with Apple Intelligence (AI), it promises smarter photography, faster multitasking, and seamless app handling.

3. Durability Redefined
Apple claims the Ceramic Shield 2 offers 3x better scratch resistance on the front and 4x stronger crack resistance on the back compared to older iPhones. This makes the iPhone 17 Air one of the most durable premium smartphones on the market.
4. Display & Battery
The 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display now supports ProMotion up to 120Hz, delivering smooth scrolling and vivid detail. Paired with all-day battery life, the phone ensures power users can enjoy high-performance tasks without constant charging.
5. Audio & Video Experience
The device also features Audio Mix with Spatial Audio, turning movies, music, and calls into immersive experiences. Content creators will especially appreciate dual capture recording, letting them film from front and back cameras simultaneously.

6. Sustainability with Style
For the first time, the iPhone 17 Air uses 80% recycled titanium, aligning with Apple’s environmental goals without compromising design.
iPhone 17 Air Price in USA
The iPhone 17 Air is expected to start around $899 for the base model (128GB) and may go up to $1,199 for higher storage variants. Apple aims to position this device between the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 17 Air isn’t just thinner—it’s smarter, stronger, and more creative. With the perfect balance of design, performance, and eco-friendly innovation, this phone is likely to be one of the biggest upgrades in recent iPhone history.
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Dolly Parton delays Las Vegas concerts by nine months citing health challenges but promises unforgettable return
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Zoey Deutch engaged to comedian Jimmy Tatro after 4 years of dating with romantic beach proposal
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Survivor Season 49 episode 2 shocker Kele tribe loses again and fans stunned by who went home
-
Sports3 days ago
‘Silent killer’ Cam Schlittler stuns Red Sox as Yankees rookie makes history with 12 strikeouts
-
Politics1 week ago
Barack Obama blasts Trump over Tylenol autism claim calling it ‘violence against truth’ but that’s not all he said…
-
Sports5 days ago
Tottenham’s Champions League wake-up call… why Spurs must stop looking like a Europa League side
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Charlie Hunnam reveals chilling transformation into serial killer Ed Gein for Ryan Murphy’s Monster… “I didn’t want to glamorize it”
-
Crime & Justice5 days ago
Prosecutors demand 11 years for Diddy after shocking trial says Cassie’s testimony revealed dark truth