Win8.2/WP8.1 hard up

Computer shop news: When it comes to Microsoft, everyone should think of Windows system for the first time, which also reflects that Microsoft still seems to be a system company, developing The shape is not as comprehensive as Apple and Google. Looking back at Microsoft's 2013, we have ushered in a small change in Windows 8.1 on the system, the game console Xbox One on the hardware, and the Nokia mobile phone in the business. In the following, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will step down within 10 months, and the future CEO candidate is not yet determined, which will have a huge impact on Microsoft's future.

Of course, this is a thing of the past. In 2014, in addition to strengthening the experience of traditional products such as Windows, Microsoft will vigorously expand its mobile Internet and hardware products. Let's take a look at what big moves Microsoft will have next year.

Windows 8.2 and Windows 9

Obviously, due to the impact of competitors, Microsoft is gradually changing even in the most traditional system platform. Since Win8, the annual update has become the new standard. In 2013, we saw Windows 8.1. It is expected that Windows 8.2 will come next year, which will provide a better touch experience and more device support. Obviously, Microsoft's decision is very necessary, because Windows 8 is not only a platform for traditional PCs, but the dual-interface brings the mobile Internet features, which also makes a large number of hybrid designs and Windows tablets appear in the market. The core of Apple and Google's competition in mobile platforms.

At the same time, the rumored Win9 will gradually surface in 2014, which is expected to bring a more unified touch operation experience and richer applications. However, it seems that Microsoft will not make major changes to the current Windows 8 Metro UI and traditional desktop design, which seems somewhat disappointing, after all, the split application and operational experience is dissatisfied with many users. However, the failure of Windows RT has made it impossible for Microsoft to develop a platform for user mobile products. It is obviously unwise to abandon the old users of the desktop, so we hope that Microsoft can find the best balance point in Windows9, let mobile applications and traditions PC applications are more organically combined.

Windows Phone 8.1

The rumored Windows Phone 8.1 update was not released this year, so it’s basically certain that this third-ranked smartphone platform will be in 2014. A major overhaul was ushered in. According to the relevant leak information, the interface effect of Windows Phone 8.1 is not much changed compared with the latest GDR3, but it can better support 1080P resolution, and the interface layout is more flexible.

At the same time, a voice assistant function called "cortana" will also be on the WP8.1 platform. Microsoft will use Xbox Kinect-based voice control technology to compete with Apple Siri and Google Now. WP mobile phones add new features such as voice messaging and voice tasks. In addition, it is said that Windows Phone 8.1 will also add a notification center function, and improve the real-time update capability of desktop tiles, and will also improve the multi-tasking system to achieve better performance and endurance.

Xbox One

The Xbox series console is arguably one of Microsoft's few successful hardware products. The latest Xbox One is still selling, and will be available in 2014. More game masterpieces and exclusive accessories are on the scene.

Like most game consoles just listed, the Xbox One's game resources are still scarce. However, it is expected that the super-masterpieces such as Halo 5, which will be launched in 2014, will greatly increase the sales volume and reputation of the mainframe. In addition, Microsoft will launch more Xbox One applications and updates to improve the system interface and Kinect experience.

Surface Series Tablets

Obviously, the Surface series tablets that were highly anticipated by Microsoft did not achieve the expected success, even the sequel that was released at the end of the year. And Pro, the influence is still limited. However, Microsoft is a financially strong technology company, and the transformation hardware field has always been its goal, so it is expected that in the second half of 2014, Surface 3 will also debut. On the hardware side, it is obviously expected to be equipped with Intel's latest processor, which will achieve better performance and endurance. At the same time, the body design may be thinner and lighter, and there will be no improvement on Surface 2. It will also be improved.

One of the challenges that Microsoft needs to face is the division of product types. Surface (RT) and Surface Pro are similar in appearance, but the experience is completely different. It seems that users have castrated the compatibility of traditional desktop and EXE programs. The RT version of the model is still not very interesting. Then, it is to continue to promote RT equipment, adopt a lighter and lighter design and lower the price; or focus on Pro equipment, use the "complete windows" selling point to compete with iPad and Android tablet, which is a problem that the Surface series needs to face.

Office Apps for iOS and Android

Many users have always wanted Microsoft to launch official Office apps for iOS and Android platforms, but Microsoft only launched in 2013. A streamlined version of Office 365, and a true full official local version, is likely to be available in mid-2014.

Although Microsoft is a system and software-led company, it is also trying to transform itself into hardware vendors. An important reason for not launching other platforms for Office applications is the Surface tablet, whose biggest competitor is undoubtedly the Apple iPad and many Android tablets; while the Surface is completely out of scale, the built-in Office application is almost the only one. Selling point. Therefore, whether Microsoft will launch Office applications on other platforms is still an unknown number.

Internal Change and New CEO

To be honest, Steve · Ballmer is not a popular CEO, so his resignation can be said that Microsoft brought it in 2013. The biggest surprise for people. Compared to Bill · Gates, Steve · The era of Ballmer's Microsoft is clearly lacking in innovation and forward-looking, resulting in Microsoft's lack of improvement in mobile Internet and hardware products, apparently behind Apple and Google. It is reported that the new CEO candidate will be produced in Steven · Elop (formerly Nokia CEO), Allen · Mulally (former Ford CEO) and Tony · Skype CEO, no matter who, It can be said that there is a long way to go.

In addition, in 2013, Microsoft also abolished Steve · Ballmer's employee grading system. This kind of system encourages fierce competition among employees rather than synergy, which leads to a lot of office struggles and brain drain, which naturally affects products. This change is expected to create a stronger, more creative team for Microsoft in 2014, and the impact on the product is naturally positive.

Summary

As a traditional desktop system giant, Microsoft has gained a lot of brilliance with Windows, but in the era of mobile internet, it obviously needs a richer structure to be able to keep up with the times. Go ahead and get more profit growth points. Obviously, the transition period is painful, and the competitors are extremely strong. Whether it is Apple, Google or Sony, there are almost tit-for-tat products to combat Microsoft products, such as iPhone/iPad, Android or PS4. For Microsoft, the upcoming coaching change will face more challenges in 2014, of course, the opportunity is also huge; for consumers, we hope to see Microsoft's counterattack, because this will bring more intense competition, Bring more innovative products, the biggest beneficiaries will naturally be consumers.