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GTA 6 Preload: Start timings for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and physical retail version users, file size and storage requirements
The GTA 6 Preload will start on November 10, 2026. The players will have nine days to download the game. The file size of the game is around 212 GB. The preload time will differ for the users of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game can only be played after its release on November 19. The preload will only help players to set things up in advance.
Microsoft reports $36 billion quaterly profit, employees complain salary raises below 1%, describe workplace as 'joyless and demoralizing' after 60,000 people receive buyout offers
Microsoft reported a 32% jump in quarterly profit to $36.6 billion but its employees complain of salary increases below 1%, rising workloads and pressure to use AI tools. An open letter describes the workplace as “joyless and demoralizing” following voluntary buyout offers to around 60,000 employees across four countries.
Buying GTA 6 in a box? Rockstar says no disc inside, just a code for a 212 GB download
GTA 6: Rockstar Games is taking a different approach to GTA 6's physical release. Boxed copies will contain a download code instead of a disc, meaning buyers must install the game digitally. With up to 212GB of storage required, the disc-free release comes as Rockstar shares nearly 40 new screenshots ahead of launch.
Google voluntary buyouts: What's the exit package, which teams qualify and how many employees are eligible after Microsoft's similar offer?
Google Voluntary Exit Programme Details: Google has expanded its voluntary buyout programme to selected employees in five countries. The offer comes as Microsoft rolls out a similar voluntary exit scheme covering around 60,000 employees. Here's a look at Google's severance package, eligible teams and the number of employees who could opt for the offer.
How to win Xbox Series X-BITE: Microsoft announces giveaway of custom alligator-inspired console worth $799
Microsoft has launched an exciting sweepstakes on social media for a unique Xbox Series X-BITE console and controller bundle. To participate, fans can enter via X, Instagram, and TikTok by completing specific actions and using the designated hashtag. Open to US residents aged 18 and older, the lucky winner will be randomly chosen and notified after the sweepstakes ends, with prize deliveries expected around eight weeks post-selection.
Sony is offering US gamers up to $400 for their used PlayStation 5. Here's why you should think twice before trading it in
Sony is partnering with Back Market to offer up to $400 for trading in used PlayStation 5 consoles. Gamers can obtain cash based on the console's condition, model, and accessories included with it. This trade-in program, running until December 31, 2026, is focused on existing players rather than attracting new buyers. With the upcoming release of GTA 6, demand for consoles is expected to increase significantly.
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Why is Microsoft borrowing $25 billion after offering buyouts to 60,000 employees?
Microsoft 25 billion bond sale: Microsoft is raising $25 billion through a bond sale as AI infrastructure costs rise, days after offering voluntary buyouts to nearly 60,000 employees. The company expects up to 3,000 employees to accept the exit offer as it prepares to spend $175 billion on capital expenditure in 2026.

Microsoft director took a voluntary exit offer in July. Now, he is a construction worker, plumber. What prompted his career change?
After 25 years at Microsoft, former director Shawn Mrzena accepted a voluntary exit offer in July and swapped corporate meetings for hands-on work and outdoor adventures. He has since explored construction, plumbing, product design and fly fishing. Sharing his 90-day experience on LinkedIn, Mrzena said leaving corporate life helped him rediscover the satisfaction of building and fixing things. He plans to decide his next career move in 2027.

Microsoft buyout offer? What employees should know before saying yes
Working at Microsoft? Your inbox may hold an exit offer. Microsoft has offered voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 staff across four countries, nearly 27% of its workforce. Each offer differs by role, level and years of service. A former Microsoft HR head says it may not be your best offer, so read every term carefully before you decide.

Microsoft buyouts 2026: Which teams qualify, which departments are excluded and how many MSFT employees are eligible for the voluntary exit offer?
Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to around 60,000 employees across the US, UK, India and Canada. Find out which teams qualify, which departments are excluded, what employees could receive and when they must decide whether to leave the company.

US Senator Bernie Sanders slams Microsoft for slashing 60,000 jobs, stirs online debate
Microsoft announced on October 26that it is introducing a voluntary exit programme targeting eligible employees in the US, Canada, India, and the UK, joining the list of other tech giants that have announced job cuts due to the rise of artificial intelligence.

Microsoft employees considering the buyout should check these health insurance rules before leaving their jobs
Thinking of taking Microsoft’s buyout? Pause before you sign anything. Once your job ends, your health insurance may stop too, but COBRA lets some workers and families continue the same group plan for a limited time. Unemployment benefits depend on your state’s rules, and discrimination laws still protect you. Also read your contract carefully, because it governs how you exit.

Explained: Microsoft's buyout offer to about 60,000 employees
Staff on select teams in the US, Canada, India, and Britain, at the level of vice president and below. Some groups are excluded, including some data centre staff and employees in sales and marketing. Chief people officer Amy Coleman told employees in a memo that the offer is meant to create “greater flexibility” for staff.

Microsoft buyouts: Which 60,000 employees in the US, UK and Canada qualify, benefits, severence package and more. Read the full memo
Microsoft buyouts: Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to eligible employees in the US, UK, Canada and India. Employees have until early December to decide whether to accept the offer and leave the company by year-end. Here’s who qualifies, what employees need to do and how the latest programme compares with Microsoft’s earlier retirement buyout.

No layoffs in 101 years: CEO of a company that has never laid off workers says businesses should cut costs elsewhere instead of firing employees
As Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to around 60,000 employees amid heavy AI investment, the CEO of a 101-year-old syrup maker says businesses should look for savings beyond job cuts. Torani says it has never laid off workers, including during the pandemic, when revenue fell 20% in a single month.

Microsoft offers voluntary exits to 60,000 employees: What's in it, who qualifies and will India’s 23,000-strong workforce be impacted?
Microsoft has introduced a voluntary exit offer for eligible employees in India, the US, the UK and Canada, covering around 60,000 workers globally. The programme offers financial support and career transition services, but India's share remains unclear. The announcement comes amid US scrutiny of Microsoft's foreign-worker visa practices.

What is the difference between buyout and layoff? Microsoft offers buyout to 60,000 employees; check what it means for workers
Microsoft buyout offer to 60,000 workers: Microsoft has introduced a Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) for eligible employees in India, the US, Canada and the UK, with reports suggesting around 60,000 workers could qualify. The programme allows employees to leave voluntarily with financial support, unlike layoffs, where the company decides to cut jobs. The move comes as Microsoft ramps up AI investments while managing workforce costs.

Former Microsoft employee tells wife he was lucky to be fired from tech sector in 2022. What is he doing now?
Former Microsoft employee Ian Yong Hoe Tan says he feels fortunate to have been retrenched in late 2022, amid growing concerns about AI-driven job losses. Reacting to Microsoft’s voluntary buyout offers for around 60,000 employees, he said the development left him shaken. Tan now works as a lecturer at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Microsoft announces voluntary exit offer for 60,000 employees in India, 3 other countries
Microsoft has announced a voluntary exit programme for eligible employees in multiple countries, including India. The offer is available to employees at level 70 and below until December 1. Eligible employees will receive severance packages and career transition services as part of the initiative.

Microsoft buyouts: MSFT stock price jumps but why is tech giant offering massive 'voluntary exit' package for 60,000 employees, including VP level? Check which countries workforce impacted
Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta are collectively on track to pour roughly $700 billion into AI data centers, chips and computing infrastructure this year alone.

Xbox Cloud Playtime launched: What is it, pricing, and everything else you need to know
Microsoft has unveiled a groundbreaking service called Xbox Cloud Playtime, enabling gamers to stream titles without needing a Game Pass subscription. Currently in preview for Xbox Insiders, it is set for a broader release in November. Players can buy cloud playtime in several hour increments, allowing them to stream eligible games on compatible devices. Due to increasing costs, restrictions have been placed on cloud gaming for Game Pass users.

Rs 1.7 lakh next-gen Xbox? Project Helix launch reportedly set for 2028
Microsoft's next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, could cost between $1,200 (approximately Rs 1.13 lakh) and $1,800 (approximately Rs 1.69 lakh), according to Fortune. The report says the range reflects internal projections, with the final price potentially lower if Microsoft subsidises the console. Project Helix will support Xbox and PC games, while alpha hardware is expected to reach developers in 2027.

New Xbox console likely in 2028 but may burn a hole in your pocket; Microsoft also reportedly working on new handheld device, Game Pass plans
Microsoft is gearing up for the next evolution in its gaming lineup with a new Xbox console rumored to launch in late 2028. Anticipated prices may soar between $1,200 and $1,800 unless the company opts for subsidization. Alongside this, a fresh handheld gaming device might debut for the 2027 holiday season.

New video games released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC: All about Valor Mortis, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Gears of War: E-Day, Forever Ago
PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC users can play a host of new video games. Gamers can play Valor Mortis, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Gears of War: E-Day, Forever Ago.

Xbox’s new Nano controller signals a shift beyond the traditional console as Microsoft targets gaming across devices
Microsoft has launched the Xbox Nano Controller, which aims to enhance accessibility across various gaming devices. The compact controller is designed for younger players and portability, measuring just over five inches. In addition, Microsoft is partnering with television manufacturers to enable cloud gaming on supported devices. This strategic shift focuses on making Xbox games accessible beyond dedicated consoles through various other platforms.

New Xbox games October 9: Microsoft adds these titles for Game Pass subscribers. Check full list of upcoming games this month and titles leaving
This October, Xbox Game Pass subscribers are in for a treat with the launch of several exhilarating games, including 'Gears of War: E Day'. Fans can also look forward to 'Battlefield 6', arriving later this month. However, players should keep an eye on the clock, as some titles will leave the service by October 15, prompting potential purchases.

You will be able to play GTA 6 on your PC as Xbox grabs streaming rights for the game
Xbox has secured exclusive rights to stream Grand Theft Auto VI on its Cloud Gaming service. The game is set to launch on November 19, 2026, creating massive interest among gamers. Xbox is rolling out a pay-as-you-go streaming option, alongside a limit on streaming hours for subscribers. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma spoke about upcoming changes during an internal meeting.

More layoff pain: Nike, airBaltic and Microsoft's Hellblade studio announce major job cuts
Nike is planning to implement further job cuts as part of its restructuring programme, which began in March. Meanwhile, developers at Hellblade studio Ninja Theory have reported layoffs, affecting several members of the team. European airline airBaltic is also considering cutting between 500 and 700 jobs, with decisions expected to be finalized soon. These changes are causing uncertainty among employees and may impact ongoing projects significantly.

Microsof is reportedly rebooting the Halo series, Activision game may delve deeper into Master Chief's character and origins
The Halo franchise is reportedly being rebooted under Activision that will delve into Master Chief's backstory. This fresh narrative is designed to engage both new gamers and devoted fans alike. Early reports indicate the game will leverage the Infinity Ward Engine for stunning graphics, with current development stages focusing on gameplay mechanics for both the campaign and multiplayer aspects.
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