This article was published on April 29, 2011

This week at Microsoft: Office, Windows 8, and the BSoD


This week at Microsoft: Office, Windows 8, and the BSoD

Friday is marching along, and so we are going to keep this week’s roundup short and sweet.

For this week’s question, sound off in the comments as to what version of Office you use. Now, follow TNWmicrosoft on Twitter, and let’s get into the news.

The Future of Office

TNWmicrosoft put together a massive look into Office, and its future, in all its forms, and it was a smashing success. If you haven’t yet read it, go here.

Our view is this: Microsoft is working hard to combat cloud threats by tailoring its Office products to three different demographics. Time will tell if this works. In the meantime Google is only working on Cloud products, perhaps giving them a focus advantage.

Still, Office 2010 is the best productivity suite in the world, and its sales match that fact. If Google truly wants to knock Microsoft off of its podium, it still has work to do.

Windows 8 Galore

It was another excellent week for fans of Windows 8. Here is a sampling of what happened:

New Windows 8 Build Leaked;

Windows 8′s Black Screen of Death in action [Video];

The ‘immersive’ elements of browsing in Windows 8 are downright ugly;

New information leaks on Windows 8 Roaming Profiles and lockscreen;

You can catch up on all our Windows 8 coverage here.

Windows Phone 7.5 and Mango

According to certain Microsoft web pages, the Mango update to Windows Phone 7 might be a numbered release, pushing the platform to Windows Phone 7.5.

Microsoft has been talking out of both sides of its mouth on the matter ever since the revelation, but no matter what, the company is taking Mango seriously.

The Mango update is set to bring Internet Explorer 9, and numerous performance and feature bumps to the platform. All eyes will be on the update process to see if Microsoft can deliver the new software in a timely manner. Mango is set to be released before the end of this year, likely in time for the Holiday season.

Microsoft Reports Earnings

This week Microsoft reported its earnings for the quarter ending March 31st, 2011.

Total revenues for the quarter were $16.43 billion, up 13% from 12 months ago. Operating income was $5.71 billion, a 10% rise year over year. Net income was $5.23 billion, up 31% from the same quarter last year.

Diluted EPS was $0.61 per share for the quarter, up a sharp 36% year over year. Analysts had been expecting earnings of some 56 cents per share. Microsoft did cite weak PC demand during the quarter. Microsoft shares have been sharply down since the earnings release.

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