Microsoft and Linode Warn of Cloud Latency Spikes from Middle East Cable Issues

Microsoft Warns of Latency Issues Due to Submarine Cable Outage

Microsoft has issued a warning to its Azure cloud customers about potential increased latency. This issue stems from an outage in the Red Sea, where submarine cables have been damaged. According to an Azure status update, network traffic through the Middle East may experience higher latency starting at 05:45 UTC on September 6, 2025.

The company has rerouted traffic through alternate network paths, but it cautions that some traffic previously passing through the Middle East could still face delays. Junior cloud provider Linode has also reported similar issues, noting "network congestion and latency due to multiple faults in the undersea cables that are part of the optimal routes out of the data centers."

There is currently no estimated time for resolution from the undersea cable operators. Internet monitoring firm NetBlocks has identified the SMW4 and IMEWE cable systems as the source of the problem, which they believe occurred near the Saudi city of Jeddah. Telegeography’s submarine cable map shows that Jeddah hosts landing stations for both cables, suggesting the issue is terrestrial rather than related to damage on the sea floor.

Toshiba's Merger Plans and Reorganization Efforts

Toshiba is set to merge with its subsidiary, Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation, as part of its revitalization plan announced last year. The merger will take place on April 1, 2026, a date that might be seen as ironic given its significance. The company also plans to absorb its Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation "in due course," marking the end of a long and complex reorganization process that began in 2021.

Lenovo Introduces Innovative Clip-On Display

Chinese tech giant Lenovo is set to launch a unique clip-on display called the “Magic Bay HUD.” Designed for select ThinkBook SMB laptops, this device uses Lenovo’s ‘pogo pins’—a row of 11 recessed pin connectors on the laptop’s screen—to connect to the ThinkBook. The display aims to provide users with a less distracting way to access information from their main screen.

Lenovo will sell the gadget in "select markets" starting this month, with a price tag of €60 ($70), indicating that these markets are likely in Europe.

AWS Expands to New Zealand

Amazon Web Services (AWS) recently opened its first region in New Zealand, named ap-southeast-6. This region includes three availability zones, reflecting the country's volcanic activity. However, the expansion sparked some controversy. AWS typically promotes its investments in host countries, but local media pointed out that the company initially planned to build its own data center in New Zealand but abandoned the project due to high energy costs.

Google Collaborates with South Korea to Combat Voice Phishing

South Korea’s Ministry of Science and Technology has partnered with Google to tackle voice phishing. The collaboration involves launching an “Enhanced Fraud Protection” program that automatically blocks the installation of malicious apps, particularly those distributed via direct messages on social networks. Google’s technology will also work to prevent apps from requesting user credentials in inappropriate situations.