I have just finished watching Big Bill Gates’s key notes speech for upcoming product developments from Microsoft for this year and beyond, and it really got me exited.
I’m a relatively non techie guy, (I know nothing about code etc) just a normal boys toys loving 20 something, and so from an every day young guys point of view I must say the presentation of the new products available from Microsoft is mind blowing.
They talk about the new Vista applications, such as Media player, New Office features, such as how to make boring documents look great fast, and with only a few clicks, Windows Lives great interactive 3D maps and how they have been working lots with mobile phone manufacturers to increase the usefulness of Windows Mobile, ( I recon this should be an area they get very good at fast, as mobile phone clients will be the bulk of Microsoft’s next billion customers, I’m sure).
One point they talked about lots was the interaction and user friendliness for all there products to work together very easily for example, Vista can interact hassle free with Xbox 360 for both media and games, and Zune can share files quickly with both too.
The highlight for me had to be the chat about how Microsoft are working with telecommunication companies around the world to bring us IPTV, available now for both Xbox 360 and Vista users if you live in the USA, the rest of the world is coming soon. The service allows you to watch normal TV easily through your Internet connection, and because its based through a computer interface it will enable you to interact, record and preview the channels faster and much more easily than every before.
I’m sure in the near future this will take away the need for satellite and cable decoders, maybe we can get a free Xbox360 instead of a normal decoder from the service providers?.
Sync, the joint venture with Ford for in-car technology automation was also mentioned, you can read more about that here, as I have covered the topic before.
Any way, I could ramble on for ages so will stop now. If you fancy watching the video yourself just click on the picture above and it will take you to the link, but beware its just over an hour long!!.
interesting point you make that Microsoft’s next billion customers will come from mobile. Very much related to what’s going on in Africa too, where cellphones are more practical than pc or laptops.
Also good t see all the convergence that’s happening between media and gadget platforms.
look forward to watching the actual presentation!