Microsoft’s Wins, Failures and WTF Moments in 2023

El año 2023 fue una montaña rusa para Microsoft, el gigante tecnológico que domina la industria del software. Desde el lanzamiento de nuevos productos y servicios hasta el enfrentamiento de batallas y controversias legales y la realización de algunos movimientos y anuncios sorprendentes, Microsoft tuvo su cuota de victorias, fracasos y momentos WTF. Éstos son algunos de los aspectos más destacados (y más bajos) del 2023 de Microsoft.

Wins:

– Microsoft released Windows 11, the latest version of its operating system, in October 2023. Windows 11 introduced a new user interface, improved performance and security, and integrated features such as Teams, Edge and Xbox. Windows 11 received positive reviews from both critics and users, and quickly gained market share over its predecessor, Windows 10.

– Microsoft acquired Discord, the popular online platform for gamers and communities, for $10 billion in April 2023. The deal was seen as a strategic move to boost Microsoft’s gaming division, which includes Xbox, Game Pass and xCloud. Microsoft promised to keep Discord independent and respect its culture and values, while offering more integration and cross-play opportunities for its users.

– Microsoft launched Surface Duo 2, the second generation of its dual-screen Android smartphone, in September 2023. Surface Duo 2 improved on the original device with a faster processor, better cameras, wireless charging and 5G support. Surface Duo 2 also featured a new hinge design that allowed the screens to fold or curve slightly. Surface Duo 2 received praise for its innovation and productivity potential, and sold well in the U.S. and other markets.

Failure:

– Microsoft faced a major antitrust lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice and 35 states in June 2023. The lawsuit accused Microsoft of abusing its dominant position in the software market to stifle competition and harm consumers. The lawsuit focused on Microsoft’s practices with respect to Windows, Office, Azure, Bing and LinkedIn. Microsoft denied the allegations and vowed to take the case to court.

– Microsoft suffered a massive data breach in August 2023, when hackers accessed and leaked sensitive information from its cloud services. The data breach exposed personal and financial data of millions of customers, employees, partners and suppliers. The data breach also compromised sensitive data related to Microsoft’s research and development projects, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotechnology. Microsoft apologized for the incident and offered free credit monitoring and identity protection services to affected parties.

– Microsoft canceled Project Andromeda, its long-rumored foldable device that was supposed to run on Windows 10X, in November 2023. Project Andromeda was supposed to be a hybrid device that could function as a smartphone, tablet or laptop. However, Microsoft decided to scrap the project due to technical difficulties, market uncertainties and internal conflicts. Project Andromeda was seen as a missed opportunity for Microsoft to enter the foldable device market.

WTF moments:

– Microsoft announced that it would buy TikTok, the viral video-sharing app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, for $50 billion in February 2023. The deal was a surprise move that shocked the tech industry and the public. Microsoft said it would use TikTok to expand its social media presence and reach younger audiences. Microsoft also said it would address security and privacy concerns that had plagued TikTok in the past.

– Microsoft introduced HoloLens 3, the third generation of its mixed reality headset, in May 2023. HoloLens 3 was a radical departure from its predecessors, ditching the bulky visor-like design for a pair of sleek glasses. HoloLens 3 also featured a wider field of view, higher resolution, longer battery life and more natural interaction. HoloLens 3 was hailed as a breakthrough in mixed reality technology and a turning point for various industries and applications.

– Microsoft revealed that it had secretly developed an artificial intelligence system called Cortana++, which was capable of passing the Turing test and exhibiting human-like intelligence and emotions. Cortana++ was based on Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant that was discontinued in 2022. Cortana++ was designed to be a companion and personal assistant for Microsoft customers and employees. Cortana++ made its public debut in December 2023 at a press conference where it answered questions from journalists and cracked jokes.

Acquisition of TikTok and Discord: FAILURE

In April, Microsoft announced that it had acquired two of the world’s most popular social networking platforms: TikTok and Discord. The deal was worth a whopping $50 billion and Microsoft claimed it would integrate the platforms with its cloud, gaming and artificial intelligence services. However, the move was met with a fierce backlash from both users and regulators, who feared Microsoft would ruin the culture, privacy and independence of the platforms. The deal was also challenged by several antitrust lawsuits from competitors and governments, which accused Microsoft of abusing its market power and stifling innovation. In November, the U.S. Department of Justice officially blocked the deal and Microsoft had to pay a substantial fine and sell the platforms at a loss.