Microsoft
Microsoft is a devices and services company based in Redmond, Washington – a city about 16 miles east of Seattle. Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Traditionally a software company at heart, Microsoft dabbled in hardware with computing peripherals like mice and keyboards before going all in with the Surface line of tablets. The pending acquisition of Nokia’s handset unit will further add to Microsoft’s future plan to be a devices and services company.
Microsoft has many products in both the consumer and enterprise space. Most consumers are familiar with Microsoft through their operating system Windows, their office software suite Microsoft Office, their home entertainment consoles Xbox, and their mobile operating system Windows Phone.
Microsoft rose to power in the 90’s thanks to its operating system Windows and its office software suite called Microsoft Office. In the early 00’s Microsoft cracked the living room by launching the original Xbox. The Xbox has now seen three generational entries, with the Xbox One being Microsoft’s answer to the eight generation of gaming consoles.
Windows and Office continue to be a large part of revenue for Microsoft, but their future plans have shifted from a “computer on every desk” to “mobile first, cloud first”. Microsoft is investing heavily in their Azure, their cloud computing platform that will be the backbone of what they do for the next generation of computing.
Windows, Windows Phone, Office, Azure, Azure, Surface, and Cortana are all at the heart of what Microsoft’s future will focus on.
Latest about Microsoft
Microsoft News Roundup: Windows 11 'Moment 3,' Pixel Fold vs Surface Duo, ASUS ROG Ally price and spec details, and ASUS motherboard issues
By Sean Endicott published
All the news The Pixel Fold, the ROG Ally, and Mortal Kombat 1 are just some of the stories that turned the heads of Windows and Microsoft enthusiasts this week.
Full-time Microsoft staff will not be getting a pay raise this year
By Zac Bowden published
No money A leaked email from CEO Satya Nadella reveals staff won't be getting a salary increase in 2023.
Has Bing AI managed to put a dent in Google's market share? Here are the stats.
By Jez Corden published
Binged AI hype managed to dent Google's share price in recent weeks, but it seems users remain indifferent to Bing's shiny new AI features.
Microsoft culls 700 jobs from LinkedIn, shutters China services
By Jez Corden published
LinkedOut The layoffs at big tech aren't abating any time soon it seems. This week, Microsoft culled 700 positions at its work-oriented social network, while shuttering its services in China.
Microsoft will let select customers pay for early access to AI Copilot features in Office
By Zac Bowden published
Preview Microsoft is announcing a new paid preview program for Microsoft 365 enterprise customers that will allow them to begin testing new Copilot features early.
Microsoft finally details AI Copilot features coming soon to OneNote, Loop, and Whiteboard apps
By Zac Bowden published
Preview Here's how AI will enhance OneNote and Loop.
Microsoft says people are too tired to work but that AI can help
By Sean Endicott published
Trending Microsoft's latest Work Trend Index gathered data from 31,000 professionals that weighed in on artificial intelligence in the workplace.
Windows Central Podcast #310: Surface Duo woes and Windows 10 is finished
By Zac Bowden published
Podcast Episode 310: The Surface Duo is in trouble
Microsoft missed a golden opportunity with Zune and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
By Richard Devine published
Zune me up Besides the superheroes, the Zune is the star of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and Microsoft has missed a golden opportunity to capitalize on it.
Microsoft resurrects Zune website for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
By Sean Endicott published
It's back! Microsoft brought back the Zune website to encourage STEM studies. The new page launched as part a promotion for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as well.
Microsoft News Roundup: Farewell Activision Blizzard deal, goodbye Windows 10, and so long Microsoft-branded accessories
By Sean Endicott published
Wave goodbye The UK CMA blocked Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard this week. We also saw Microsoft discontinue some of its accessories and a wide range of other stories.
The Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal is being scrutinized for the wrong reasons
By Zachary Boddy published
Every Angle Microsoft's ongoing $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard deserves to be scrutinized, but many regulators are doing so for the wrong reasons.
Say goodbye to some of Microsoft's best keyboards, mice, and accessories
By Sean Endicott published
Time for a shift Microsoft-branded keyboards, mice, and webcams are being discontinued. The tech giant will shift its efforts to its Surface family of accessories.
Microsoft's Activision deal is being punished over Google Stadia's failure
By Richard Devine published
So Dumb Google Stadia's failure left one less big player in cloud gaming, and now Microsoft's Activision deal is being punished over claims of dominance.
Xbox's Activision Blizzard deal has been blocked by the UK, Microsoft to appeal
By Jez Corden published
Gaming Microsoft's bid to acquire Activision Blizzard has fallen at the final hurdle, with the CMA in the United Kingdom blocking the deal.
Microsoft reportedly plans to close Activision deal despite FTC lawsuit
By Brendan Lowry last updated
Moving Forward A new report suggests Microsoft is planning to close its Activision deal despite FTC interference.
Microsoft's Surface revenue plummets by 30%: Market overcrowded, buyers elusive, and PC sales in crisis
By Daniel Rubino published
Yikes Microsoft has too many Surfaces in addition to “declining PC demand.”
Microsoft confirms Xbox DVR capture issues are 'actively being investigated' (Update)
By Brendan Lowry last updated
On The Case An Xbox Engineering Lead has confirmed Microsoft is investigating issues with game captures.
Microsoft News Roundup: Surface Go on ARM, Windows 10X on Surface Duo, Diablo 4 Server Slam, and more
By Sean Endicott published
All the news! This we shared an exclusive report about two new Surface devices and saw Windows 10X run on both screens of a Surface Duo, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
ChatGPT costs $700,000 per day to run, which is why Microsoft wants to make its own AI chips
By Zac Bowden published
AI costs Searching the internet with AI costs a lot more than normal searches.
Windows Central Podcast #308: Windows Handheld Mode reveals Windows 12 designs
By Zac Bowden published
Podcast Episode 308: Windows 12 leaks again
Microsoft rejects $42k+ Twitter API subscription, pulls it from ads platform
By Daniel Rubino published
Bye-bye 🐥 Microsoft drops Twitter from is advertising tools, as the company refuses to pay the social network $42,000+ a month for API access in its new revenue scheme.
Microsoft reportedly tests chips in stealth mode to boost AI performance
By Sean Endicott published
In house A recent report states that Microsoft is making its own AI chips to train AI, such as the model that powers GPT-4. Doing so could save Microsoft quite a bit of money.
Halo Franchise Director Frank O'Connor has left Microsoft (Update)
By Brendan Lowry last updated
Gaming Halo's Franchise Creative Director might have parted ways with Microsoft.
Microsoft's Activision Blizzard purchase mostly approved by one more country
By Samuel Tolbert published
Gaming South Africa has almost approved Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard, bringing the massive Xbox deal closer to completion.
Microsoft President warns of Russian intelligence infiltration in gaming communities
By Brendan Lowry published
Digital Espionage Microsoft's Brad Smith claims that Russian intelligence is attempting to "penetrate" gaming circles.
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