At the same time, Microsoft is going to become a a more cohesive company while also becoming more diverse. Their separate units are all gaining a solid foundation beneath them. Windows, Office, Xbox, and hardware lines are all shoring up to do what they’re good at. They’re also tying together nicely in order to offer features that other Microsoft products will benefit from and will be able to boast seamless integration over their competitors.
If you like the idea of tying into one environment (Mac OS X, iOS, iTunes, and iCloud), Microsoft will start offering its environment this Friday with Windows 8. Windows Phone 8 will come shortly after that with the Windows Store and Office 365/Office 2013 next year. Microsoft hardware gets in the mix with Microsoft Surface and Xbox 360 will catch up this week as well with a Dashboard update and the launch of Xbox SmartGlass.
Microsoft wants to move across screens but also across entertainment. Xbox Music, Xbox Video, Xbox Games, and Xbox SmartGlass all help unite Microsoft products and give them a solid branding umbrella to fall under.
With Skype for Windows 8, Microsoft is finally getting all of its units in lock-step and offering a compelling environment of products.
Can you see it all heading towards the concept video of the future that Microsoft presented a year ago?
Read more about the Xbox Dashboard updates and Xbox SmartGlass from The Official Microsoft Blog.