Ben Thompson [Stratechery] - Page 4 of 4

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s first major announcement was Office for iPad in 2014, a move that signaled a shift away from Windows-centricity.
Microsoft’s strategy has always been about integration and bundling, and Nadella’s willingness to embrace reality opened up an opportunity for Teams to become the new hub around which Office orbited.
Microsoft 365 is the new branding for the company’s collection of productivity apps, and it marks a return to Microsoft’s traditional strategy of integration and bundling.
Microsoft 365 is attached to the customer, not a device, making it more resilient and durable than the old Microsoft republic.

Click HERE for original. Published October 18, 2022

Meta’s Connect Keynote was underwhelming and lacked compelling demos of virtual reality.
Microsoft’s partnership with Meta is a massive win for the company, as it will have a privileged position on the most advanced headset with the most resources behind it.
VR has real utility, but it will take time for it to be accessible on a cost-effective basis for enterprises and individual users.
Microsoft is well-placed to deliver that utility on top of Meta hardware.
Meta is likely to be the catalyst for VR becoming a widely used technology, but it is uncertain as to whether the company will capture sufficient value to justify its massive investment.

Click HERE for original. Published October 12, 2022

CategoryBen Thompson [Stratechery]