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
