Welcome to Tech Talk With Vertical Motion, where we recap the biggest tech news, events, and headlines to keep you in the know.
Microsoft Build 2022 Conference Highlights
Microsoft Build is an annual tech conference for software engineers and web developers. Photo: Microsoft
Since 2011, Microsoft Corporation has hosted an annual tech conference for software engineers, web developers, and IT professionals. Commonly held in Seattle, Washington, the multi-day event is an opportunity for Microsoft to announce updates to its suite of innovative products, including Windows and Microsoft Azure, while also holding software developer training sessions. However, since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the event has transitioned to a free online gathering that accommodates health and safety regulations. Here is a quick recap on some of the biggest announcements from Microsoft Build 2022:
Azure Cognitive Services receives new features to expand AI capabilities for developers.
“Store Ads” now allows developers to advertise their applications in the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft Azure receives feature enhancement to simplify cloud migration and modernization.
The new development tool “Dev Box” helps improve onboarding time and reduce productivity decline when switching between tasks.
WordPress Update “Arturo” Gifts Users Nearly 1,000 Enhancements and Bug Fixes
WordPress.org releases WordPress 6.0 “Arturo” with nearly 1,000 new features. Photo: WordPress.org
Named after Grammy award-winning Jazz musician Arturo O’Farrill, WordPress (WP) 6.0 is said to be a real game-changer for website development. The new update features nearly 1,000 bug fixes and enhancements thanks to the work of over 500 individuals across 58 countries. The updated content management system “Arturo” is built to help users fully unlock their creativity through a more intuitive WP experience. Here are a few of the improvements made in the new Arturo WordPress 6.0 release:
An enhanced writing experience to streamline content creation.
Seamless style switching with new shortcuts and multiple style variations.
Secure block locking controls for a smoother project handover experience.
More powerful design tools including a new colour panel design, border controls, and transparency levels.
Walmart Delivery Drones Take Flight in Six US States
Walmart to begin drone delivery service to 4 million Americans across six states. Photo: Walmart
By the end of this year, nearly 4 million Americans will be able to receive groceries, household supplies, and other small products through remote-controlled drone delivery. Yes, you heard that right!
Multinational retail corporation, Walmart, announced the news earlier this month of its new drone delivery program set to launch in 6 US states by the end of 2022. From 8 am till 8 pm daily, residents in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Utah, and Virginia will be able to receive drone delivery on products up to 10 lbs for a charge of $3.99. According to Walmart, customers can expect drone delivery to take an average of 30 minutes, and packages will be safely lowered to the ground via cable. DroneUp in partnership with Walmart, will be in charge of flying all drones from their headquarters located outside of participating retailers with the support from their team of certified pilots.
Based on preliminary imagery and videography, drone delivery will mainly be focused on rural communities at least to start. Following this major roll-out, Walmart hopes to deliver more than 1 million packages to Americans by May 2023.
This Month in Tech History
Michael Dell, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Dell Technologies. Photo: Rebecca McEntee / AP Images
May 1, 1884 – Samuel Morse sends the first telegraphic message in a 38-mile (61 kilometres) demonstration between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland.
May 3, 1984 – Michael Dell launches PC’s Limited (now known as Dell Technologies) from his dorm room at the University of Texas.
May 6, 1998 – Steve Jobs unveils the iMac during a special event at De Anza College in Cupertino, California.
May 17, 1991 – Tim Berners-Lee deploys the first web server, which marks the official public release of the World Wide Web.
May 17, 2009 – The all-time best-selling video game Minecraft makes its public debut selling more than 1 million copies in less than one month after beta release.
This is your communications officer on the bridge at Vertical Motion saying Godspeed and see you next month!
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Written By Tyler Mikitka, communications officer on the bridge at Vertical Motion.