Microsoft shoots their own "selfie" and revisits their accomplishments of 2013

You and your Nokia Lumia aren't the only two buddies who can put together an awesome selfie. Microsoft has decided to assemble what they are calling "A Video Selfie" of some of their greatest achievements during 2013. You can checkout the video and more details below, after the break. 

The video selfie centers around a Windows 8 interface, in which live titles bring special moments of the year to life. Of course, you couldn't plan your entire video around Windows 8 and live tiles if you didn't mention the introduction of Windows 8.1, which is the first thing the company points out. A barrage of laptops, tablets, and hybrids are shown with Windows 8.1 and exactly how they can adapt so quickly to your everyday life. 

Next Microsoft takes a moment to show off their search service, Bing. The caption proclaims, "Bing reinvents search", while the video shows the innovative ways Bing is tied into the Windows 8 operating system. Of course, it wouldn't have hurt to show that Bing is also integrated into Xbox One, Windows Phone, and even Apple's Siri virtual assistant. 

Another landmark event is brought to light, when Microsoft touts their announcement plans to acquire Nokia. In a world where Windows Phone has become Nokia Lumia, the purchase was a much needed move by Microsoft. The software of Microsoft and the hardware of Nokia, truly brings Windows Phone closer to a single entity than it ever has been before. 

A new live tiles swooshes in and we are shown the Flipboard application, an app that had been long awaited and long overdue to appear in the Windows Store. As a user flips threw the app, the caption proudly reads out "100,000 apps in the Windows Store and growing". Microsoft has certainly come a long way from their October 2012 launch of the Windows Store and they have no plans to stop growing anytime soon. 

Of course, Microsoft has to touch upon their Office and productivity suite, Office 365. They mention that the software has vastly improved and is even helping collections of nonprofits get work done at no cost to them through one of the company's many charity and donation programs. 

Other services are celebrated including Microsoft's expanding Outlook.com mail/calendar/contact service and the company's enterprise social networking platform, Yammer. As of recent, the Yammer social network has grown to over 8 million users. In addition, the company's video subsidiary, Skype, has turned 10 years old! 

The video also reminds us that Microsoft has taken the time to improve enterprise security and fight web crime around the glove with their new Cybercrime Center. 

The year of 2013 has been a huge one for Microsoft, with mentions of Best Buy Windows Stores, Surface 2, Xbox One, and other notable achievements - Microsoft is now ready to move into the new year and keep their innovations coming. 

What have been your favorite parts of 2013? Has Microsoft done anything to improve your life over the last year? Finally, services from the company do you use and enjoy every single day? 

Source: Microsoft

Michael Archambault