Microsoft’s former head of design for Windows and devices has started a new role at Amazon this week. Ralf Groene was responsible for the design of Microsoft’s Surface tablet, and worked closely with former Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay on a line of Surface devices over the past decade.

Ralf Groene, a key figure in the design of Microsoft's devices for more than 17 years, has emerged from a short-lived retirement with a new role, as the vice president leading design for Amazon's Devices & Services business.

Another driving force behind Microsoft's Surface range of products has joined Amazon. Former head of design for Windows and devices, Ralf Groene, announced this week that he has started a new role at Amazon.

Microsoft on Wednesday rolled out a chat service allowing businesses to use on-demand AI agents for routine tasks, betting on the pay-as-you-go model to drive up the adoption of the technology.

Microsoft is launching a pay-as-you-go plan for corporate customers that bundles together several, but not all, of the company’s existing AI-powered productivity features for Microsoft 365. The new plan,