Microsoft

Microsoft on the defensive: Apple’s free iWork productivity suite is ‘no big deal’

Ed Sutherland ∙ October 24, 2013

There's nothing like a good dogfight between two tech titans to get your blood flowing. After a hiatus from its sniping at Apple, Microsoft is back, calling the decision to offer iWork and iLife software free "no big deal". Sure Microsoft, whatever you say.

But Redmond didn't stop there. In a Wednesday blog post, the software giant's communication vice president paints Apple's move as desperate, before launching into a rally-round-the-flag sort of promo for the new Surface tablet.

All of which reminds me of the Hamlet quote about protesting too much...

Microsoft launches official Remote Desktop app for iOS

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

Earlier this month, Microsoft issued a press release detailing its plans for a number of software releases this fall. Among the titles mentioned was a new Remote Desktop app for iOS and Android, which it said was coming later this month.

And today, Microsoft made good on that promise. The official Remote Desktop app has landed in both Apple and Google app stores, giving Windows users the ability to access their Windows machines from their smartphones and tablets...

Microsoft’s Remote Desktop app coming to App Store later this month

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

Just as Microsoft's exiting CEO Steve Ballmer yesterday officially confirmed that Redmond won't release Office for iPad until after a touch-optimized edition hits Windows devices, we're hearing that the Windows maker will release its Remote Desktop software for iOS and Android devices later in October.

Remote Desktop Connection, often simply called Remote Desktop, is Microsoft's implementation of remote desktop client and a Windows component allowing users to remotely log into a networked computer running the terminal services server as if it were accessed locally, with GUI and everything...

Office for iPad coming after touch-enabled Windows version, says Ballmer

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 8, 2013

Earlier in June of this year, software maker Microsoft finally posted its long overdue Office 365 for iPhone (Jeff reviewed it here). The native iPad build, however, was nowhere to be seen. Speaking at a Gartner event in Florida today, Microsoft's outgoing CEO Steve Ballmer slipped in that Office for iPad is indeed being worked on.

He also cautioned that his company will first release touch-optimized version of Office for Windows before unleashing the iPad edition. In case you've been wondering, touch-optimized Office is currently "in progress"...

Apple surpasses Coca-Cola to become world’s most valuable brand

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Apple has overtaken Coca-Cola as the new most valuable brand in the world, according to a new report from brand consulting firm Interbrand. The move puts an end to the beverage company's 13-year reign as #1.

The firm calculates that the Apple brand is worth in upwards of $100 billion. And it says that its 'ethos' played a big factor in why the iPad-maker was able to beat out other tech companies like Google and Samsung...

Microsoft officially launches its $200 iPhone trade-in bait

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 27, 2013

Forbes on Wednesday reported that Microsoft will be extending its existing $200 iPad trade-in offer to Apple's iPhone as well. Sure enough, today the promotion has gone live. It's part of Microsoft's running #timetoswitch Windows Phone and Windows 8 campaign that encompasses television, print, online and social media channels.

Similar to the iPad promotion, the Windows giant has partnered with recycle firm CExchange to lure would-be switchers into bringing in their existing iPhone handset in good working condition for up to $200 credit, redeemable against Microsoft Store purchases...

Microsoft to trade-in your iPhone if you switch

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 25, 2013

Microsoft has been running its #timetoswitch campaign for some time, to mixed results. The multi-pronged effort spans television, print, online and social media channels as Microsoft positions Windows Phone as the next big thing.

Part of that effort is a recent iPad trade-in campaign seeking to steal sales from Apple by inviting iPad users to trade-in their tablet for up to $200 in Microsoft Store credits. That's just the tip of the iceberg: Forbes writes today that Redmond is prepping to add the iPhone to the promotion...

Microsoft introduces the Surface 2, Surface Pro 2

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

As expected, Microsoft held a media event in New York this morning where it unveiled the successors to both of its Surface lines—the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2—in a new effort to make inroads into the tough tablet market.

Both slates have received significant updates this time around, with better processors, USB 3.0 support, and Microsoft promising better battery life. But will the hardware upgrades be enough to turn the Surface brand around?

Nokia was working on an Android phone before Microsoft buyout deal

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 15, 2018

In February of 2011, Microsoft and Nokia announced a joint strategic partnership that would see Windows Phone become the principal platform strategy for Nokia's mobile devices. And the Finnish giant took quite a bit of heat for putting all of its eggs in Microsoft's basket.

But according to a new report, the company had a plan b: an Android device. Sources familiar with the project say that a team within Nokia had Android up and running on its Lumia handsets "well before" it began buyout negotiations with Microsoft for its mobile phone business...

Microsoft admits its recent anti-iPhone ads were “off the mark”

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Even though most of this week's news cycle was dominated by Apple and its new iPhones, Microsoft managed to snag a few headlines on Friday. But it wasn't positive press. The company was lambasted for its new series of anti-Apple ads.

The series, made up of 7 clips, was called 'A fly on the wall in Cupertino.' And each of the ads featured two high-level Apple executives pitching the new iPhone 5c and 5s handsets to a third character that looked an awful lot like Steve Jobs...

Microsoft posts series of terrible ads bashing new iPhones [updated]

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 15, 2018

Now, we're no strangers to Microsoft's anti-Apple marketing antics. Whether it be Surface against iPad or Windows Phone against iPhone, the company has made it very clear that they are gunning for Tim Cook and his team out there in Cupertino.

And up until now, the effectiveness of Microsoft's ads have been questionable at best—it's tough to proclaim your product is better than another when sales and reviews suggest the opposite. But these new commercials have to be the worst yet...

Microsoft will trade-in your old iPad for $200 credit. Interested?

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 12, 2013

In another attempt to chip away market share from Apple's iPad, Microsoft is now running an iPad trade-in offer. Yup, you read that right. As in, trade in your iPad and increase productivity. The software maker is tempting switchers to bring in their iPad for a $200 credit, redeemable against the purchase of a Surface "or other cool products at the Microsoft Store".

Only the "gently used" iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPad 4 are eligible. Jump past the fold for the full breakdown...