Windows Changed the Game
In the early days of computer technology, home computing had been around for at least a decade. There were no user interfaces, no mice, just computers and keyboards. Before long, someone had to come and take a swing at the bat and change the game forever. Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, stepped up wanting something more for computers, especially home computing. After releasing Windows 1 and 2, Windows 95 was released to the public on August 24, 1995. This was the birth of the Start Menu, a key feature in Windows, as well as the taskbar. Graphic design was improved in Windows 95 and most hardware available to consumers at the time worked seamlessly with the system. Soon after the release on Windows 95, the famous Internet Explorer web browser was released. For many people, was the public’s first browser. This new browser finally allowed society to have a wealth of information available to them, as well has email and entertainment - not just spreadsheets. In 2015, Windows 95’s 20th anniversary, Microsoft released Windows 10 to the public. The upgrade was free for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 users, allowing for broader user adoption. The operating system was designed for computers, tablets, and phones for the modern age. By this Microsoft has impacted the world of technology.
Introduction of Cloud Storage to the World
In the past, people were limited on where they can store their files. They had the choice of storing data on their computer’s hard drive or an external drive like a floppy disk or USB storage. Microsoft launched SkyDrive on August 1, 2007, which is believed to became the first publicly available cloud storage service in the worldwide.In 2014, Microsoft renamed to OneDrive. At launch, the storage capacity for users was 5 gigabytes. In 2016, the maximum a user could have is 1 terabyte, given that the user is a Office 365 subscriber. These days, Microsoft OneDrive allows users to easily backup their devices, including their Windows PC and tablets. The service also allows for easier access from their favorite devices and file sharing with other people. This is definitely a welcomed feature for people on-the-go, group projects, and work environments.
Microsoft Barges into the Gaming Industry
Microsoft released the Xbox on November 15, 2001 in North America. Xbox was the first gaming system manufactured by a North American company in eight years. Its competitors were gaming giant companies such as Nintendo, Sega, and Sony. In 2005, Microsoft released the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 impacted the technology world by revolutionizing the online gaming with its Xbox Live feature. Xbox Live was the first gaming system that let gamers communicate in game and party voice chats. Xbox 360 was the first to incorporate the use of online media such as Netflix and YouTube. As long to Xbox One was released in 2013, the development idea behind the system was to be an all-in-one entertainment system, which also included the ability to watch cable. The evolution of the Xbox has changed the course of the gaming industry for years to come.
Microsoft’s Vision for Tomorrow
Microsoft is taking the plunge into holographic computing. That’s right, science fiction is not fiction anymore! The concept of HoloLens will allow people to design their own products in front of their face in 3D, take Skype calls, and even introduce advanced augmented reality gaming capabilities. Microsoft HoloLens is still under development, but this will boost productivity for the consumers and further innovation for the technology industry in the future.
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