Microsoft R&D jobs surge | Mars Society aims to launch Seattle-area startup incubator

The number of product-related R&D roles at Microsoft increased more than 12% to 81,000 positions as of June 30, from 72,000 the year before. The increase comes as Microsoft looks to develop and release a wave of new AI products and technologies. It also shows how the acquisition of Activision-Blizzard has reshaped Microsoft’s global workforce. Read more.

A startup incubator focused on Mars may be coming to the Seattle area. The Mars Society says it’s making progress on plans for the Mars Technology Institute, which would support the development of technologies needed to sustain settlements on the Red Planet. Read more.

A new class action lawsuit filed against Valve Software alleges that the Bellevue, Wash.-based gaming company is a “platform monopolist.” Read more.

• Related: We discuss the implications for Microsoft from the Google antitrust ruling on a new episode of the GeekWire Podcast.

Used goods on Amazon: The retail giant rebranded its store that offers discounted items on used, pre-owned, and open-box products. Read more.

Generative AI vs. cancer: Absci is partnering with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to create up to six novel cancer therapeutics using generative artificial intelligence. It’s part of a broader trend of companies and researchers using AI for drug discovery and development. Read more.

Hot Links:

• Donald Trump’s campaign said some of its internal communications were hacked, citing a Microsoft report about hackers connected with the Iranian government. (Politico)

• There’s a growing generational divide on LinkedIn as some longtime users are disgruntled by more personalized content. (Bloomberg)

• T-Mobile is ending support for 2G devices next month. (Phone Arena)

• CrowdStrike accepted an award at the security conference DefCon for “most epic fail.” (X)