Thoughts Unboxed

Much to my envy, a site I had long hoped to set up was established this week. I often wondered why there was no "Killed by Microsoft" counterpart to Google's "Killed by Google," and the wait is finally over. Launched by Victor Frye, the Microsoft Graveyard is an open-source compilation showcasing discontinued Microsoft-made software and hardware. It's worth noting that the site has no affiliations with Microsoft itself. According to the developer, the website is a "passion project" born out of a fondness for many of these products that met an untimely end. Among them are some of the recent casualties including WordPad , Visual Studio for Mac , Cortana , Windows Phone alongside some late distant memories like ASP.Net Web Matrix, Microsoft Bob, Windows Vista and Zune. The Microsoft Graveyard encourages contributions as it's an open-source project hosted on GitHub . You are welcome to add missing items, correct typos, suggest improveme

In the post Panos Panay world, Microsoft held its first major event centered around Surface products and AI updates on September 21st, 2023. While Panos's departure came as a surprise , the missing of many surface products from the rooster raised many eyebrows.  Does Microsoft's Surface Division fall prey to the company's recent cost-saving strategies? Is there a link between missing products and Panos's exit? Clarity is expected to emerge over time, however, it would be extremely short-sighted on Microsoft's end to kill-off Surface Division after all these years of building premium products. Surface devices, despite some imperfections, have earned recognition for their top-tier construction and have pushed industries forwards by introducing many creative innovations that were lacking in the past. Here is the list of all the Surface Products that were missing from the event and we don't know if they would ever be getting their successors or not

Artifical Intelligence surely has been the hot selling point for tech giants since the rise of conversational AI. Microsoft held its September Surface and AI even on Thursday, September 21st. The event focused on hardware refresh to the surface product line alongside further integration of Microsoft's AI assistance named CoPilot into more products and features. Here are the major announcements happened during the event: HARDWARE ANNOUNCEMENTS Surface Studio Laptop 2 The star of the hardware was Surface Studio Laptop 2. This is the successor to the Surface Studio Laptop that was launched exactly 2 years ago. The original was a great idea but its 11th Generation Intel processors were already outdated. It also lacked port variety.  Surface Studio Laptop 2 builds on the positives of the predecessor and added 13th Generation Intel processors and up to NVIDIA GeForce 4060 dedicated graphics card. The laptop also added a USB-A port and a MicroSDXC card slot. Pricin

Windows and Surface Division chief Panos Panay is leaving Microsoft after almost 20 years. The surprise news was shared on Monday by Rajesh Jha - Microsoft's VP of Experience and Devices in an email to the employees. He said: After nearly 20 years at the  company, Panos Panay has decided to leave Microsoft.  The timing of the news is really confusing. Microsoft is about to announce the next generation of surface lineup in an event happening on coming Thursday - September 21st. Panos would not take part in the event. Yousuf Mehdi - Microsoft Consumer Marketing Head - is set to succeed Panos Panay. In a statement by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, he thanks Panos for his services. He said: I’m grateful for your leadership, support, and all you’ve done for Microsoft and our customers and partners. As Rajesh stated, we remain steadfast and convicted in our strategy and Yusuf Mehdi will take lead on our Windows and Surface businesses and products externally

In a surprising move, Microsoft has decided to retire Visual Studio for Mac, its macOS counterpart to Visual Studio. In a blog post, Anthony Cangialosi - The Group Product Manger of DevDiv announced the news:   Today we are announcing the retirement of the Visual Studio for Mac IDE. Visual Studio for Mac 17.6 will continue to be supported for another 12 months, until August 31st, 2024, with servicing updates for security issues and updated platforms from Apple. While the decision has been made to retire Visual Studio for Mac, we remain committed to our developers on Mac with alternatives like the recently announced C# Dev Kit for VS Code and other extensions that will allow you to take advantage of our ongoing investments in .NET development on a Mac.   This is a surprise decision considering Microsoft overhauled the IDE while announcing Visual Studio 2022. Microsoft touted the overhaul back then stating: Our goal with Visual Studio 2022 for Mac is t

Microsoft is on a chopping spree of late. After chopping off Cortana and Visual Studio for Mac, the latest victim of this trend is WordPad - a program that was part of Windows since Windows 95! In a Blog Post on the official site, the company outlines features that will be deprecated from the future versions of Windows and this time around, WordPad made it to the list. Microsoft will not only stop supporting the unfortunate piece of software, it will actually remove it from the future Windows updates. Microsoft recommends Microsoft Word and NotePad as alternatives depending upon the requirements. Here is the official details and mitigation: WordPad is no longer being updated and will be removed in a future release of Windows. We recommend Microsoft Word for rich text documents like .doc and .rtf and Windows Notepad for plain text documents like .txt   Analysis WordPad began its life almost three decades ago as a replacement to another software - Microsoft Write. It was shipped with W

Microsoft's Katie Savage - The Program Manager DevDiv Community - have announced the release of a new foundational C# certification in collaboration with freeCodeCamp - a charity based organization that creates free learning resources for Math, Computer Science and Programming. Speaking about the significance of the certification, she said:   Our Foundational C# Certification provides just that — a testament to the time and effort you’ve invested in mastering this versatile language. While no certification can guarantee a job, adding this to your portfolio demonstrates your commitment to continuous growth and your proficiency in C#. Partnering with the esteemed freeCodeCamp, our certification is not just a badge, but a mark of quality education. It’s comprehensive, globally accessible, and free. This ensures that learners everywhere can benefit from a robust C# training on Microsoft Learn.   The Foundational C# Certification is available completely free of cost worldwide. To fac

In a move that echoes Microsoft's strategic shifts, the tech giant has officially discontinued the Cortana App for Windows. Launching the App would greet you with the following message: Cortana in Windows as a standalone app is deprecated. The support page further details the discontinuation: We're making some changes to Windows and Microsoft 365 that will impact Cortana users. Cortana in Windows as a standalone app is deprecated. Support for Cortana in Teams mobile, Microsoft Teams display, and Microsoft Teams Rooms will end in the fall of 2023. Cortana in Outlook mobile will continue to be available.     Analysis Cortana's journey commenced during the Windows Phone 8 era and seamlessly transitioned into Windows 10 in 2015. Expanding its reach, Microsoft also introduced the Cortana App for iPhone and Android platforms. This endeavor drew inspiration from the AI hologram of the same name in Microsoft's HALO series. However, Microsoft's attempts to posi

According to information from undisclosed insiders, Microsoft has ceased production of the Surface Duo 2, as reported by Windows Central. Although a limited number of devices might still be available at select retailers, no new units will be manufactured. While the phone is slated to receive Android security updates until at least October 2024, prospects for further Android OS updates, specifically beyond 12L, appear highly doubtful. Windows Central's attempts to obtain comments from Microsoft regarding their intentions to update the phone to Android 13 or the subsequent Android 14 have been unsuccessful. In addition to this, Windows Central's report suggests that a "majority" of the software team for the Surface Duo 2 has been reassigned to work on the Android version of Teams Rooms. Earlier this year, online reports claimed that Microsoft had abandoned plans to make the Surface Duo 3, and had instead decided to work on a true foldable phone. However, there has been

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today denied the Federal Trade Commission's petition seeking injunctive relief against Microsoft. This ruling paves the way for Microsoft to proceed with its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in the near future. Microsoft's President Brad Smith welcomed the swift decision. He said in a statement: We appreciate the Ninth Circuit’s swift response denying the FTC’s motion to further delay the deal. This brings us another step closer to the finish line in this marathon of global regulatory reviews. While the court's ruling is a significant victory for Microsoft, a major obstacle remains in the form of the United Kingdom's Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA), which has already rejected the proposed merger. Citing concerns over potential unfair advantage in the emerging cloud gaming sector, the CMA has been engaged in negotiations with Microsoft to explore alternative terms for the merger. With a deadline of

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was unsuccessful in its attempt to obtain a temporary injunction blocking Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. Federal judge Jacqueline Scott Corley denied the petition earlier this week , allowing Microsoft to proceed with the acquisition by July 18th. There was speculation that the FTC might drop its lawsuit entirely, but surprisingly enough, the FTC is appealing the federal judge's decision and has filed an opposition to the judge's ruling . The FTC has lodged its appeal in the Ninth Circuit Court and is once again seeking to halt the deal. In its appeal, the FTC has claimed the judge made several judgemental mistakes. Various objections raised by the FTC can be summarized as: Aplying an incorrect legal standard to the FTC's request for a preliminary injunction. Making a legal mistake by finding that Microsoft was likely to impede competition in the market for multi-game subscription library servic

  The Competition and Market Authority (CMA) of the UK may be changing its position on Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. The authority has expressed openness to reconsidering its decision to block the merger if Microsoft can address the concerns raised in CMA's final report. CMA was the first antitrust authority to block the merger, citing concerns about the potential impact on the future of cloud gaming. Microsoft has challenged this decision, and a hearing is scheduled for July 28. However, Microsoft, Activision, and CMA have agreed to pause the litigation in the UK. This pause will allow the three parties to work on a satisfactory restructuring of the transaction. CMA's change in stance follows the FTC's loss of a motion for a preliminary injunction against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. Brad Smith, Microsoft's representative, responded to the decision, saying: After today's court decision in the U.S., our focus now turns ba

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has lost its motion for a preliminary injunction to halt Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. The case involved presentations from both parties over a span of five days, with the federal judge tasked with deciding whether to grant the FTC's request for an emergency injunction to prevent the deal from closing. While the FTC still has the option to file an appeal with the federal appellate court, it remains to be seen whether they will pursue that route or drop the lawsuit entirely. In her decision , Federal Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley stated: This Court’s responsibility in this case is narrow. It is to decide if, notwithstanding these current circumstances, the merger should be halted—perhaps even terminated—pending resolution of the FTC administrative action. For the reasons explained, the Court finds the FTC has not shown a likelihood it will prevail on its claim this particular vertical merger i

Sony's fierce opposition to Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision-Blizzard has been no secret since the announcement last year. The gaming giant has been lobbying extensively against the deal's approval. In an attempt to assuage Sony, Microsoft offered a guarantee of Call of Duty's availability on Sony's PlayStation platform. Recent developments have shed light on a twist in the tale. According to a Twitter post, Sony's CEO, Jim Ryan, purportedly made a counteroffer to Xbox Boss, Phil Spencer, as a condition to green-light the deal. The counterproposal laid out several demands, as follows: Ensure that all existing and future Activision Blizzard games are still available on PlayStation & have parity with Xbox. Don't make PlayStation Activision Blizzard games more expensive than Xbox. Treat all Activision Blizzard games equally on subscription services of Xbox and Playstation. Upon comp

Day 1 - June 22nd, 2023 Highlights The first day of the FTC v. Microsoft hearing sparked a heated battle between two gaming giants: PlayStation and Xbox. As the case unfolded, it became apparent that the FTC, seemingly donning the mantle of Sony, the unrivaled leader in the gaming world, was pitted against Microsoft's Xbox, a brand still striving to recover from the infamous Xbox One fiasco nearly a decade ago. FTC's Opening Statement According to James Weingarten, the counsel for the FTC, Activision is responsible for developing some of the most significant video games in the United States, including popular titles like Call of Duty, Diablo, and Overwatch. Weingarten emphasizes that both Microsoft and its competitors require high-quality content, referred to as triple-A, for their gaming consoles. As a result, they not only license Activision's content but also pay a premium for it. Weingarten further asserts that the evidence to be presented by the FTC in the coming days

In the cutthroat world of business, companies often aim to strike their rivals where it hurts the most. As Microsoft faces challenges in gaining approval for its acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, Google saw an opportune moment to deliver a potential knockout punch to Microsoft's Azure division, a direct competitor to its own Google Cloud division. Background In March 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) called for businesses to provide input on the business practices of major cloud providers such as Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon AWS. Recently, Google responded to this call by leveling accusations against Microsoft and Oracle, alleging unfair practices in the cloud industry, CNBC reports. Google's Complaint Against Microsoft Within its complaint, Google specifically targeted Microsoft, claiming that the company, through its dominant Windows Server and Microsoft Office products, creates barriers for clients to explore alternatives to its Azure cloud infrastruct

Microsoft finds itself entangled in multiple legal battles, proving that its fight knows no rest. While the tech giant prepares to challenge the block on its proposed acquisition of Activision-Blizzard in both the UK and the United States, it also faces a smaller yet significant side battle—a lawsuit brought forth by a group of gamers. The lawyers representing the gamers recently unveiled an alleged internal email exchange between Matt Booty, the Head of Microsoft Xbox Game Studios, and Tim Stuart, Microsoft's CFO for Xbox. Although the exact contents of the email remain redacted, it is said to contain "uncontroverted evidence" that Microsoft aimed to eliminate its main competitor, Sony PlayStation, from the market. Microsoft has countered the claims by stating that the email was sent in 2019 and is unrelated to the acquisition of Activision-Blizzard in early 2022. However, when approached by Axios , the company refused to disclose the c

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has requested a preliminary injunction to temporarily halt Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. The FTC has filed a lawsuit to block the merger in December 2022, expressing concerns about the potential negative impact on competition in the gaming industry. FTC fears Microsoft could manipulate Activision's gaming products, such as by restricting availability or increasing prices on other platforms, which would harm competitors like Sony. FTC argues in the complaint: Both a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction are necessary because Microsoft and Activision have represented that they may consummate the proposed acquisition at any time. The FTC's temporary injunction attempt aims to prevent Microsoft and Activision from proceeding with the acquisition until the case is fully reviewed. This development comes as the July 18th deadline for the deal appro

Get ready for a whirlwind week in tech! From surprising resurgences to massive fines, lawsuits, and AI impact, it's been an eventful time. Join our Weekly Recap for a concise summary of the biggest stories and developments in tech and current affairs. Stay informed with key highlights and noteworthy announcements in this comprehensive roundup.   China's Misinformation Crackdown China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) completed a two-month probe targeting social media activities, resulting in the deletion of over 1.4M posts and 67K accounts. The crackdown focused on issues like impersonation of government officials and spreading misinformation. The CAC's actions raise concerns about online integrity and freedom of expression. YouTube bids farewell to Stories YouTube is discontinuing its Stories feature, originally introduced in 2017, due to lackluster adoption. Users will no longer be able to upload new stories, and existing stories will expire after 7 days. YouTube shi

Microsoft's developer-focused conference BUILD 2023 commenced today with an impactful keynote speech delivered by Satya Nadella, emphasizing the significance of artificial intelligence (AI). The conference revealed five major announcements, each contributing to the advancement of AI and the integration of ChatGPT. Here are the 5 Major Announcements: Bing Integration into ChatGPT As a result of the collaboration between Microsoft and OpenAI, Microsoft Bing has become the search engine powering ChatGPT. This integration enables the AI bot to access up-to-date global information through its searching capabilities. Copilot for Windows 11 ThoughtsUnboxed had high expectations for the return of Cortana, enhanced with ChatGPT integration. However, Microsoft took us by surprise at the conference by introducing Copilot for Windows 11 as the AI assistant. This move demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to combating the Windows Support Scam and potentially revolutionizing the Windows Tech