Microsoft unveils unified AI ‘Copilot’ | TikTok growing in Seattle

Hi, GeekWire readers. TikTok is hiring aggressively in the Seattle area, but sales software startup Outreach is making cuts again. A new vinyl Hi-Fi lounge wants to skip the music algorithm. But first, the dream of the ‘90s is alive in Microsoft’s world … 

“It’s kind of like the ’90s are back. It’s exciting to be in a place where we are bringing some software innovation and really having fun, enjoying this entire journey,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (above) said at the outset of an event in New York City this morning where the company unveiled a unified Microsoft Copilot initiative and other new features. Here’s our rundown.

TikTok plans major growth in Seattle area: The social media video app is hiring aggressively to fuel a new e-commerce feature that sets Amazon in its sights. Read more.

Fans of analog music will like the sound of this new Seattle space: Shibuya Hi-Fi in Ballard is a cocktail lounge and vinyl records listening hangout that aims to get people to disengage from streaming services and algorithms and get back to music basics. “It really is trying to create an experience that we miss,” co-founder Brian Rauschenbach said. Read more.

Outreach layoffs: The Seattle sales software startup is cutting its workforce again, laying off 12% of staff as part of broader cost-cutting moves. 

• The Federal Trade Commission added three Amazon execs as defendants in its complaint against the company over "deceptive" Prime sign-up and cancellation processes. (CNBC)

• Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced a new bill that would protect people affected by generative AI systems. (Ron Wyden)

• There’s a critter crossover coming to the Seattle Aquarium as the venue teams with Nintendo for features and photo ops from the popular game Animal Crossing: New Horizons. (Seattle Aquarium)