Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is encountering heightened scrutiny regarding the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on everyday life. Recent comments from Mustafa Suleyman, the company’s CEO of AI, have introduced a fresh set of challenges that have raised alarms among investors. Following his remarks, Microsoft shares slipped slightly during Tuesday afternoon trading.
Concerns About Rapid AI Development
While Suleyman reassured that AI is unlikely to precipitate widespread layoffs, he expressed deeper concerns. He stated, “My central worry is that many people will not be able to adapt fast enough to the changes brought by AI.”
Suleyman argues that the pace of AI development is accelerating so quickly that by the time individuals adjust to one wave of changes, another will have emerged. He cautioned that it may not simply be a matter of people resisting change, but rather a reflection of their inability to keep up with the rapid advancements. To address these challenges, he advocates for prioritizing “reskilling programs” and enhancing “digital literacy.” However, his proposals may be viewed as insufficient given the scale of the impending disruptions.
Reviving the Xbox 360
Meanwhile, nostalgia for classic gaming remains strong, particularly for the Xbox 360. A recent case highlighted a console repair technician who sought to restore an Xbox 360 that had been rendered inoperable due to unpaid subscription fees. The message displayed was clear: “Sorry, this console can’t play until your subscription payments are up to date.”
However, Eric Marsi, a Microsoft MVP, presented a solution. By applying system update 17559, released in November 2019, users could unlock their consoles. This update acknowledged that many Xbox models associated with subscription plans had either completed their payments or were unlikely to do so, effectively lifting the restrictions.
Wall Street’s Perspective on Microsoft Stock
From the viewpoint of Wall Street, Microsoft stock enjoys a strong endorsement. Analysts have reached a Strong Buy consensus, accumulating 33 Buy ratings and one Hold in the last three months. Following a notable 21.85% increase in its stock price over the past year, the average price target for MSFT is $624.08 per share, suggesting a potential upside of 24.7%.
