Clients will actually want to show up as animated cartoons in gatherings and visit virtual work areas.
Microsoft has ventured out towards bringing the metaverse to office life, in the most recent sign that probably the greatest tech organizations see the mixing of the advanced and actual universes as one of the main recent fads in registering. The US programming goliath said that in the primary portion of the following year, clients of its Teams coordinated effort programming would have the option to show up as symbols — or vivified kid’s shows — in video gatherings. Telecommuters can likewise utilize their symbols to visit virtual work areas, which would ultimately incorporate copies of their managers’ workplaces. Microsoft’s first moves to mix the virtual and actual universes are unobtrusive contrasted with the sweeping vision that Facebook spread out last week when it changed its corporate name to Meta to mirror its new spotlight on the metaverse. In any case, Microsoft’s arrangement depends on hidden innovation, known as Mesh, that it disclosed recently to deal with undeniably more perplexing virtual cooperations on various sorts of equipment, from PCs to computer generated reality headsets. Additionally, Microsoft leaders said they considered the reception of individual symbols to be the initial phase in a movement that would see laborers become progressively OK with new types of virtual cooperation that may appear to be strange to them now. “With 250m individuals all throughout the planet utilizing Teams, the presentation of symbols will be the main genuine metaverse component to appear to be genuine,” said Jared Spataro, the head of Teams.
Groups has turned into the product through which numerous specialists speak with partners and access Microsoft’s more extensive arrangement of efficiency devices. The organization said it would coordinate its other efficiency programming into its new virtual encounters — permitting laborers to do things like view PowerPoint introductions in the metaverse. Spataro said a large part of the inspiration for the presentation of new kinds of computerized cooperation came from the difficulties organizations are looking with cross breed working, as certain representatives return to the workplace after the pandemic while others decide to work from a distance. Microsoft said that its examination showed that utilizing individual symbols passed on a feeling of “presence” that made gatherings seriously captivating, while at the same time liberating laborers from having to continually show up before a camera. Laborers who had been in a gathering where another person showed up as a symbol were additionally more open to utilizing the actual innovation, the organization said. Showing up as a symbol “appears to be straightforward, it seems like only one stage, however that is the sort of step I think individuals are prepared to make”, Spataro said. “Possibly it’s even sort of happy to start with.” The organization said it would utilize AI to cause a symbol’s lips to seem to mouth the words being expressed, and to add looks and hand signals. The gradualist way to deal with acquainting laborers with the metaverse appears differently in relation to the previous Facebook’s more progressive vision for the eventual fate of office gatherings. The web-based media organization as of late showed a full augmented simulation office experience, with individuals wearing VR goggles to sit in a virtual room close by symbols of different laborers. Differentiating Microsoft’s utilization of symbols to bouncing directly to full augmented experience gatherings, Spataro said: “It’s not as out of sight like, how about we meet in a 3D space where we don’t have a clue what to do.”
Shares in Elon Musk’s aerospace and technology company SpaceX have surged on their trading debut in New York, in what is being described as the largest initial public offering in history.
The stock climbed as much as 30% in early trading on the Nasdaq, pushing the company’s valuation above $2 trillion and briefly placing it among the most valuable firms in the United States.
The listing, which raised more than $75bn, marks a dramatic milestone for the firm founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, who has become one of the most influential—and divisive—figures in global technology.
Speaking at a launch event in Texas, Mr Musk said the company’s ambitions extended far beyond Earth. “SpaceX wants to be able to take you to the Moon, take you to Mars, and ultimately beyond,” he said, adding that its teams would “make that happen” for customers.
The billionaire entrepreneur—Elon Musk—has reportedly become the world’s first trillionaire following the surge, according to market estimates cited in the offering’s early trading performance.
The IPO priced more than 555 million shares at $135 each, valuing the company at just under $1.8 trillion ahead of its market debut. Within hours of trading, prices peaked at around $175 per share.
The listing also allows for the potential sale of an additional 83 million shares, which could lift total proceeds beyond $86bn.
Investor demand was reported to be heavily oversubscribed, reflecting strong interest in both space exploration and the company’s expanding role in satellite communications and artificial intelligence.
SpaceX has increasingly evolved from a rocket launch provider into a broader technology conglomerate, incorporating satellite operations and artificial intelligence assets linked to Mr Musk’s wider business portfolio.
Market analysts say the listing is being closely watched as a potential benchmark for other high-profile technology firms, including artificial intelligence companies expected to pursue public offerings in the coming months.
The debut also comes against the backdrop of Mr Musk’s increasingly polarising public profile, shaped by his political commentary, business decisions, and ownership of social media platform X.
Despite the controversy, investor appetite for the company appears undiminished, with strong early demand signalling continued enthusiasm for Musk-led ventures.
International visitors flying to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways will automatically receive complimentary medical travel insurance for up to 15 days, under a new initiative launching in July 2026.
The cover will be provided at no additional cost on eligible Etihad-operated flights from July to December 2026, with no application required. It will apply only to passengers whose point of origin and point of sale are outside the UAE.
Travellers using Etihad’s stopover programme in Abu Dhabi will also be covered during their stay, subject to terms and conditions.
The initiative has been launched in partnership with Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and will be underwritten and administered by Daman National Health Insurance Company.
Officials say the scheme is designed to simplify travel planning and enhance the visitor experience, particularly during peak tourism periods when the emirate is targeting higher stopover and leisure traffic.
“This initiative ensures we meet that demand with an exceptional, end-to-end visitor experience,” said Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi.
Etihad’s chief executive Antonoaldo Neves said the offer would allow passengers to focus on their visit rather than pre-travel formalities, calling it an example of closer cooperation between an airline and a destination.
Abu Dhabi has been expanding its tourism offerings in recent years, with major attractions including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as it seeks to strengthen its position as a global stopover hub.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has unveiled strict new rules requiring private sector companies to pay employee salaries on the first day of every month starting June 1, 2026.
The move, introduced under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026, is part of a wider push to strengthen wage protection and improve labour compliance across the UAE.
Salaries must be paid on time
Under the new regulation:
Salaries for the previous month must be transferred through the approved Wage Protection System (WPS) or another authorised payment platform.
Any payment made after the due date will officially be considered delayed.
The ministry also stated that companies must provide proof and documentation confirming salary transfers.
What happens if companies delay salaries?
Authorities outlined escalating penalties that become more severe the longer salaries remain unpaid.
From Day 2:
Companies enter electronic monitoring
Warning notices are issued
From Day 5:
Suspension of new work permits may begin
Employers are formally notified to clear the unpaid wages
From Day 11:
Administrative fines apply for repeat violations
Companies may be downgraded to the third business classification category
From Day 16:
Labour disputes may be automatically registered for workers
More permit restrictions could follow, especially for larger companies and sectors such as:
Construction
Transport
Cleaning
Security
Recruitment services
From Day 21:
For companies employing 50 or more workers, repeated violations could lead to:
Referral to public prosecutors
Asset seizure orders
Travel bans on company officials
When is a company still considered compliant?
The ministry clarified that businesses remain compliant if they transfer:
At least 85% of total wages are on time
Employees also won’t be classified as unpaid if missing amounts are linked to legally documented deductions.
Some sectors exempt
The decision excludes:
Short-term permits under three months
Fishing boats
Citizen-owned taxis
Banks
Places of worship
The UAE has long pushed for stronger worker protections, but this marks one of the toughest enforcement frameworks yet for salary delays.
News6 months ago
Entertainment5 months ago
News5 months ago