Looking back, 2013 was a big year for Microsoft, with
multiple new products – improved Surface tablets, Windows 8.1 and the launch of
the Xbox One, to name but a few. Not to mention the $7.2 billion (£4.6 billion)
acquisition of Nokia's mobile phone unit.
On top of that, Steve Ballmer, long-time CEO of Microsoft,
announced his retirement in August and will be stepping down within the next 10
months.
But that's all in the past. Microsoft is focusing firmly on
the future, aiming to bring new and innovative products to market and
continuing its core 'devices and services' focus. Here's a taste of what 2014
holds for Microsoft.
Windows 8.1 and beyond
Microsoft has moved to an annual product update cycle with
Windows, similar to the one Apple has for OSX and iOS. This means that new
versions of the OS will be pushed out every year, similar to Windows 8.1, and
the good news is that these updates are likely to be free.
This means that OS uptake will be quicker, as users don't
have to pay hundreds of dollars upfront to get their hands on the new software.
We could see Windows 8.2 in 2014, while Microsoft concentrates on Windows 9 in
the background.
Feature-wise, not very much is known about Windows 9.
Microsoft is working hard to refine the desktop experience while attempting to
bring new and exciting features to the platform. It's unlikely that Redmond
will introduce a radical new design so soon after Windows 8's touch-focused
'Metro' approach not only tore up the rule book, but set fire to it and chucked
it out of the window.
As we go into 2014, we'll see more and more Windows 9
rumours and leaks appearing. So stay tuned to TechRadar to see what Microsoft
is planning for the next version of Windows.
Windows Phone 8 and beyond
The next major update to Windows Phone is expected to be
version 8.1, in keeping with Windows 8.1 on the desktop. Various leaks have
suggested that Windows Phone 8.1 will be visually similar to Windows Phone 8,
but will include support for higher resolution screens, all the way up to
1080p. This increase paves the way for Windows Phone to replace the
much-maligned Windows RT.
A new voice assistant, called Cortana, could also be added
to Windows Phone. Rumours suggest that this could borrow technology from Xbox
One's voice control
and integrate it across all devices running Windows 8.
Microsoft will hope that Cortana (a codename based on the artificial
intelligence from the Halo games) can ultimately rival Google Now and Apple's
Siri, with features that will include the ability to send texts, schedule
alerts, add reminders, and more.
Other rumoured features expected to appear in Windows Phone
8.1 include a (much needed) notification centre, updated Live Tiles (that could
display more information akin to Android widgets), and possible deeper
accessory integration. Multi-tasking will also be improved, with both visual
and behind-the-scenes tweaks that will aid performance and boost battery life.
Xbox One
Microsoft launched the Xbox One on November 22nd 2013, but
next-generation games and accessories will continue to become available all the
way through 2014 and beyond.
Like most new consoles, the Xbox One launched with just a
handful of games and arguably the biggest and best games for the system –
Destiny, Watch Dogs and Halo 5 – are all pegged for a 2014 release. The Xbox
One will also benefit from the availability of more apps in 2014 and expect
Microsoft to iron out some of the kinks in the interface and to improve the
Kinect integration.
Surface tablets
Having just released the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, it's
more than likely that we'll see Surface 3 models appear in the latter half of
2014.
Hardware-wise, these should include the latest Intel
processors, which will bring even greater battery life, coupled with improved
performance, possibly in an even thinner design. The Surface Pro 2 received no
physical improvement over the original, so it would be nice to see it given a
redesign.
As for the Surface (RT), the same improvements should be
expected. Unlike the Surface Pro, the Surface tablet is built to rival the iPad
– and assorted Android tablets. So a thinner and lighter form factor with
additional processing power is likely to be on the menu.
Office for iOS and Android
In 2013, Microsoft did what many pundits thought was
impossible and released Office for iPhone, albeit a stripped-down version that
requires a Microsoft Office 365 account. An iPad and Android version are
rumoured to be in the works, with a due date of early- to mid-2014.
The reason for Microsoft's tardiness when bringing its
Office suite to iOS and Android is thought to be down to Surface exclusivity.
When Microsoft does eventually release an iPad version, customers may be less
inclined to purchase a Microsoft Surface (or Surface Pro) device, which are
both already struggling to sell.
Internal changes and a new CEO
Steve Ballmer's retirement came as a big surprise to much of
the industry, who imagined that Ballmer would be CEO of Microsoft until the day
he died. Microsoft has set up a sub-committee to replace the outgoing CEO and,
if web chatter is to be believed, potential candidates include Steven Elop, CEO
of Nokia, Ford CEO Alan Mulally and Skype CEO Tony Bates.
Microsoft scrapped their employee-ranking system in 2013, a
system whereby colleagues were encouraged to compete against each other rather
than to work collaboratively. It (unsurprisingly) caused much infighting among
those Microsoft employees who should have been working harmoniously together.
This internal change may seem insignificant, but it will
help create a stronger Microsoft going into the New Year, and that can't be a
bad thing for the industry.
The overall picture
Heading into 2014, Microsoft is in an incredibly strong
position. Financially, the company remains strong, with a loyal base of
business and personal customers who buy its Windows and Office software. It's
worth pointing out that the Xbox One is likely to lose Microsoft money in 2014,
as it battles the cheaper PlayStation 4 for the hearts and minds of gamers.
Crucially, the arrival of a new CEO is likely to usher in a
new era at Microsoft, with key internal changes ensuring ground-breaking
products and software. It wouldn't be too much to say that 2014 could be the
year that Microsoft strikes back.
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