Get caught up on the latest technology and startup news from the past week. Here are the most popular stories on GeekWire for the week of June 1, 2025.
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Most popular stories on GeekWire
‘Extremely rare’: UW PhD computer science grads recognized with prestigious dissertation honors
Two PhD graduates from the University of Washington’s Paul G. … Read More
Seattle startup backed by former Google CEO lands $16M to automate repetitive tasks on a computer
Vercept revealed this week that it raised a $16 million seed round in January from venture capital firms and prominent tech leaders to build what it describes as the “computer interface of the future.” The Seattle-based startup, founded last year by a group of former Allen Institute for AI (Ai2) research leaders, has some big name backers including Eric Schmidt, former CEO and chairman at Google; Jeff Dean, chief scientist of Google DeepMind; Kyle Vogt, founder and former CEO of Cruise; Arash Ferdowsi, co-founder of Dropbox; and other longtime tech vets. … Read More
Reality check: Microsoft Azure CTO pushes back on AI vibe coding hype, sees ‘upper limit’
REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft Azure CTO Mark Russinovich cautioned that “vibe coding” and AI-driven software development tools aren’t capable of replacing human programmers for complex software projects, contrary to the industry’s most optimistic aspirations for artificial intelligence. … Read More
Latest Microsoft layoffs target engineering, product and legal roles, records show
Software engineers, product managers, technical program managers, product marketers, and legal staff were most impacted by Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs. … Read More
The smart way to text via satellite with your smartphone: It’s not exactly rocket science
NEHALEM, Ore. — When I bought myself a phone that was built for satellite texting, nearly three years ago, I never thought my first opportunity to make a space-based connection would come in a cozy Oregon cafe. … Read More
Microsoft makes additional job cuts, laying off more than 300 in Washington state
Updated at 3:30 p.m. with Microsoft statement. … Read More
Steve Ballmer nearly dumped his Microsoft stock after leaving — here’s why he decided to hold on
Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer came close to selling his entire stake in the company around 2015 or 2016, after his departure, before two people on his team made the case to keep his stock. … Read More
Microsoft taps LinkedIn CEO for dual role leading Office in AI strategy shift
LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky will take on a second role under a new Microsoft organizational structure, overseeing Office apps in addition to leading the business networking platform acquired by the Redmond company nine years ago. … Read More
Seattle doesn’t have many unicorns. Does it matter?
It’s hard to find Seattle-area startups represented on CB Insights’ list of unicorn companies. … Read More
Sparks fly: Seattle-area fusion startup rivals debate path to commercial power
REDMOND, Wash. — The conversation got a little heated at a Seattle-area conference Tuesday when three companies vying to commercialize fusion power took the stage. … Read More
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