With the imminent launch of a new Windows mobile phone and an innovative motion sensor for the Xbox 360, this holiday season will be a crucible for Microsoft.
The software company already is the undisputed king of desk jockeys with Windows and Office, franchises that enjoyed successful launches in the past 12 months. However, the company this holiday will court app-loving hipsters with Windows Phone 7 and video gamers with the Kinect for Xbox.
On the eve of Microsoft's annual employee meeting Tuesday at Safeco Field, CEO Steve Ballmer sat down to talk about the coming phone war, how Microsoft plans to take more share from Google and how often he checks his Facebook page.
With the breadth of hardware Microsoft is now seeing in their portfolio, what's a part of the future and what isn't is becoming more and more clear.
It's been forever since Microsoft revealed the hardware numbers of Xbox One. You'd think Microsoft would be more than proud to tout their fastest selling console's sales numbers.
We all know why they aren't posting numbers. Because they are losing, not that that's a reason to not post numbers. Last gen we heard monthly about sales for 5+ years. Now they won't even post numbers. Only one thing has changed since then and that is their placement in the console race.
Even though the X1 is doing better than 360, it looks bad compared to the PS4's success.
It's like McDonalds versus Burger King. Burger King is in no way doing bad. But McDonalds is dwarfing it in sales and profit.
You are right! Never though of it like that... they should be proud, but they're not.
A console is there to play games. This is the best strategy for a console. I never understand when CEOs or Ex-CEOs come in public to explain why someone should buy their console...
@ Skate
There has never been a generation where Microsoft had the #1 selling console for a generation, this situation is no different. In past generations they always touted their hardware numbers despite not being in the lead, and it should be no different here.
@ phatak
The Xbox division of Microsoft already tried their hand in the mobile market with the Zune, and it ultimately failed horribly. It should be no wonder why they didn't go further and make a dedicated handheld platform.
I wonder if microsoft ever thought about entering the portable gaming market with the surface pro as it is such a powerful device. They could at least test the waters with it as opposed to a full blown gaming handheld
If it had a battery suited towards that, I'd go with it.
I plan to get one eventually just for classic gaming. Most of the games will be turn-based stuff, so no need for a mouse. And... touch screen with a great pen... can't wait.
This Man may of had some crazy antics at expos show or what have you , but the one thing that I will always admire him for is how he saved Xbox From RROD and did so without hesitation . Will miss he antic at shows .
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Microsoft has narrowed down its search for a new CEO to four known candidates, according to a report from Reuters.
Gates and Ballmer will retain their positions on the board. Mullaly is too old and Elop wont happen.
Game Front: "What does Ballmer’s exit mean for Xbox? Between July’s 'One Microsoft' restructuring and a new CEO, it means that the Xbox One you know now is probably going to look pretty different from the version you’ll know in a year. Three months of backpedalling on destructive policies is likely just the tip of the iceberg of change for the already-floundering new console."
Yet another doom & gloom end of days article on the end of Xbox. Please. Its getting old.
Only the lame post this and I guarantee it was MariaLfutura involved again the super wanna be Troll
Microsoft needs a Harbaugh like CEO to turn things around...well not implying that they're doing bad.
Just need a new outlook to be more dynamic.
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Grow up and get over it quit acting like a baby the damn thing is floundering and it's not even out yet boo hoo
Why? It was ok the whole gen for PS3, but the shoe is on the other foot and now it's bad! PLEASE! But I will say this, all the trolls against the Xbox are former Xbox loyalists. Don't believe me go thru my history and read the stuff they said about ps3, but apply it to what's being said about Xbox 1 now. Same trolls but on a different side.
I really don't want the Xbox brand to end. I can't imagine any gamer does. I may be more of a PlayStation guy, but there are incredible franchises owned by Microsoft that may end up in the wrong hands if the Xbox division is shut down. On top of that, Sony and Nintendo need Microsoft. Sure, someone else might take their place, but the current battling between MS and Sony is absolutely fantastic for gamers! I can't remember two systems with launch lineups as strong as the XBO's and PS4's. This is great for the industry! We need this! Games are flying left and right...and we LOVE it!
I try to spread that same sentiment around. Then get replies from people saying it would be best if Sony were dominant again and it'd be better if developers focused on one console.
I don't think people fully understand how much they're pushing each other to make better consoles and services for us. Who else would spend this money on this great hobby of ours.
I ride with Microsoft...but hope to get a playstation this next gen again. Here's to hoping they both stick around.
Awesome! I'm glad there are some people out there who still love this industry. ;)
Just calm down, it's not going anywhere. It is about the most illogical thing that people can assume Microsoft is "selling" their Xbox division.
Get a grip of yourselves, we haven't come across anything of any relevancy that Microsoft is doing bad. If anything, we should hope that PS4 turns out great 10 fold because if not that is the end of Playstation.
The logic in these posts are amazingly ridiculous.
