Microsoft’s Surface event was actually an AI event. It both showed how different Microsoft it, and how it hasn’t changed at all.
Microsoft’s
Windows and the AI Platform Shift
Microsoft argued there is an AI platform shift, and the fact that Windows is interesting again — and that Apple is facing AI-related questions for its newest products — is evidence that is correct.
Microsoft Earnings, Azure’s Slowdown, Office Strikes Back
Microsoft’s earnings were down: the news about PCs was encouraging, while Azure unsurprisingly felt the pain later than AWS. Anyone competing with Office 365, though, is in worse shape.
Apple Earnings, AMD Earnings, Google Earnings
Apple, AMD, and Google all delivered great results; margins were the most interesting places for analysis.
Microsoft Earnings, Microsoft Advertising, The Deflating Balloon
Microsoft had great earnings, but had to reassure investors all the same. Plus, new advertising efforts, and why shrinking private valuations help Redmond.
Microsoft’s Surface Event, Facebook CTO Changes
Microsoft’s Surface team is in full alignment with the company’s strategy; then, Facebook’s CTO change makes sense, plus a re-visit of Boz’s infamous memo.
Intel Problems
Intel is in much more danger than its profits suggest; the problems are a long time in the making, and the solution is to split up the company.
Microsoft’s Surface Event, Victors and History, Microsoft’s Hardware Prospects
Microsoft (eventually) selling a phone that runs Android is not particularly meaningful in terms of its impact financially but is a totem of a major shift culturally.
The End of Windows
The Windows division no longer exists at Microsoft, marking the end to a four-year process of changing Microsoft’s culture.
Microsoft Build, iTunes on the Windows Store
Satya Nadella sketched a new vision at Microsoft Build, but the company has yet to replace the Windows engine. Then, Microsoft (likely) compromises to get iTunes into the Windows Store.