Wednesday, April 24

Winds of change at Microsoft

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It took a change of CEO but Microsoft is currently in transition mode. Executives are being moved around to new departments and Microsoft is doing “unMicrosoft things”. First example of the change seen at Microsoft:

Microsoft has finally enabled the Office franchise on iOS and Android devices. Yes, you read right and it is a free app in which you can read documents, spreadsheets and presentations.  If you would like to be able to edit it, then you will need to purchase a license inside the app.

“Microsoft is focused on delivering the cloud for everyone, on every device. It’s a unique approach that centers on people — enabling the devices you love, work with the services you love, and in a way that works for IT and developers,” said Satya Nadella, chief executive officer for Microsoft.

I cannot see even a remote chance that Steve Ballmer would have done this. Satya Nadella is clearly understanding the big mobile picture and thus also ensuring that additional revenue can be made from non-Windows phone users. This may seem like a small matter but this is a massive deal.

Microsoft is currently facilitating their Build conference and for the first time in years – the event is been seen in multiple press sources. It clearly is a sign that there is more interest in the Redmond based software behemoth.

Nokia announced three Lumia smartphones (Nokia Lumia 930, Nokia Lumia 630 and the Lumia 635) based on Windows Phone 8.1. Nokia confirmed that Windows Phone 8.1 is scheduled to be available across the entire Lumia Windows Phone 8 portfolio as an update for later in 2014, subject to testing and partner approvals.

Today we are introducing people to the best of Lumia and the best of Microsoft through three stunning devices based on Windows Phone 8.1. In addition to the new developments from Microsoft, Nokia is delivering people an uncompromised imaging experience, great design and better business phones,” said Stephen Elop, executive vice president of Nokia’s Devices & Services.

Nadella is clearly driving adoption of Windows 8.1 across the various devices that Nokia and other partners have. Most of all, it is great to see a CEO that is trying to re-energise a brand that had the potential to be completely disrupted by iOS and Android.

Lumia-930

The new flagship Lumia 930

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