Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Major Shakeup at Microsoft

Last week, we reported a story about a major leadership change at Apple. Now, its Microsoft’s turn. Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows group, is gone…and I mean right now gone!

Sinofsky, one-time head of the Office group and once considered the heir apparent to Bill Gates, has moved on…apparently with the blessings (and encouragement) of Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. According to some speculation, Sinofsky did not work well as a team player. It was either his way or the highway. So is this internal politics or is he taking the fall for the apparent flop of Windows 8 and Surface 8 tablets (see story #2). Time will tell.

It reminds me of a couple of very recent NFL team moves. One team fired its defensive coordinator blaming him for the team’s bad record (is the coach next?). Another fired their general manager, as if the guy in the suit is responsible for the poor play of the team on the field. In both cases, both teams still stink.

Now, Sinofsky’s departure may not have anything to do with the products, but the timing is highly suspicious. Like the NFL coaches who fire subordinates during the season, is Ballmer trying to save his job? If Windows 8 adoption continues to flop, he will pay the ultimate price, no matter what. Microsoft stockholders as sick and tired of owning a stock that has not gone anywhere in 9 years. As the company continues to fade in importance in the tech world compared to Google, Apple, and even Amazon, heads will roll. Count on it.

I am sorry to bombard you with more Microsoft news (all bad, by the way), but I just cannot ignore these stories. But, as usual, I have included some very helpful information. -JRC

Microsoft Announces Leadership Change: Sinofsky Out!

In a stunning and unexpected move, Microsoft announced Monday evening that Windows president Steven Sinofsky, who had most recently lead the development of both Windows 8 and the Surface family of tablets, is leaving the company effective immediately.

Windows RT and 8 sales: Signs point to a major flop

Microsoft may be using creative accounting to paper over poor sales, but don't believe the hype that it'll lead to Ballmer's ouster

Microsoft Surface Touch Cover Splitting

A number of users on the Surface Forums site have reported the problem, which has also been experienced by Tom Warren, a writer on the Verge website and Matthew Baxter-Reynolds, a Windows developer.

Microsoft Cheapens Windows 8 with Ads

When Microsoft announced that virtually every single PC user on earth would be able to upgrade to Windows 8 for just $40, I cheered the company. But this low price is partially achieved by the bizarre addition of advertising in Windows 8, a move that I think cheapens the product.

Cybercriminals start spamvertising Xmas themed scams and malware campaigns

Security researchers from Symantec are warning about a recently intercepted flood of Xmas themed malicious and fraudulent campaigns.

New Google Mars gains detail and extra coverage

Google Mars has been available since 2009 as part of the free downloadable Google Earth. It allows viewers to zoom around the Red Planet in much higher resolution than the simpler browser version and will even render certain locations in 3D.

Internet Radio Closing in on Traditional Music Listening

A whopping 96 million individuals - or about 50 percent of the U.S. Internet population aged 13 and older - listened to an Internet radio or on-demand music service in the past three months.

Your complete guide to Google Drive

Google Docs has been retired and replaced by Drive, leaving you with one place to create and manage all your documents and files.

10 Tips for Troubleshooting Your Digital Camera

These tips address some of the more common issues that I've seen over the years—hopefully they'll help you get the most out of your camera, and to tame it when it misbehaves.

Tablets buying guide

The tablet market is crammed -- big and small, fun and functional, Android, iOS, and Windows. Our experts won't let you rely on ad campaigns to make up your mind. This is a good article if you are in the market for a new tablet.

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