Jason L Ward is a columnist at Windows Central. He provides unique big picture analysis of the complex world of Microsoft. Jason takes the small clues and gives you an insightful big picture perspective through storytelling that you won't find anywhere else. Seriously, this dude thinks outside the box. Follow him on Twitter at @JLTechWord. He's doing the "write" thing!
Many people may see Microsoft's retrenching from the mainstream mobile space and focus on select markets as a passive approach to mobile. A closer look however will reveal the firms very aggressive strategy to reshape the industry around its strengths.
Microsoft's low-end strategy was successful with growing and maintaining Microsoft's presence in mobile. But what long-term consequences might a large base of budget consumers have on the Windows ecosystem?
During the Spring of 2014 the highly anticipated Surface Mini was canceled at the eleventh hour. After the event where Mini was to be introduced, Panos Panay, the current Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Devices, committed to continue to work on a smaller Surface. Will the highly anticipated "Surface Phone" be the realization of that promise?
Satya Nadella has assured Windows fans that Microsoft is committed to phone. But certain decisions such as limited distribution of its latest premium phones cause fans to question Microsoft's commitment. Can 100% commitment to phone and what "looks like" half-hearted support coexist? I believe they can and here's why.
Will the Surface's success cause fans to pass on the Lumias 950 and 950 XL during the critical launch of a new OS? Time and how these devices sell will tell.
The Lumias are positioned to reinvigorate Microsoft's mobile efforts. Will it work?
Perception undeniably affects a companies performance. The company that can shape market perception often wins the day.
"No single device will be the hub of activity forever. The hub is you."
Microsoft's universal platform, cloud investment, and Continuum position Redmond ahead of the mobile curve. I'm going to tell you why.
I’m excited to share with you interviews with Sway creator Chris Pratley and Program Manager Nathan Freier! And just to make things interesting, those interviews are actually in the form of Sway!
We are all Storytellers. In virtually everything we do we tell stories. Office Sway is the unique canvas that allows us to compose rich web-based content (stories) quickly and easily!
After 25 million Apple TVs sold, a new tvOS developer's platform and a refreshed UI, Apple's serious about the living room. Xbox beware.
Effectively placing a "Windows Phone Start" screen in front of every Windows 10 PC user is an ingenious strategy. Coupled with the positive association with a trusted tool for getting things done, the Start menu, it is a brilliant long play.
Critics argue that Motorola's failed Atrix proves that Microsoft's attempts to turn a smartphone into a PC are doomed to fail. That is not the case. Allow me to project a bigger picture.
We have our answers. (Again). Industry watchers, analysts, investors, and enthusiasts all had their questions regarding the direction of Microsoft's mobile future, particularly about long awaited flagships, put to rest.
For those of you who believe Satya Nadella actually changed Microsoft’s mobile strategy – please think again.
Every leader must have a vision. Particularly the CEO of a multi-billion dollar global corporation. Microsoft's bold and ambitious CEO, Satya Nadella, by virtue of his position, must, therefore, have a vision.
A Windows 10 phone: The phone/phablet that can replace your tablet and become your PC.
If Windows Phone fails, Microsoft's Phone Companion may ensure their success in mobile. If you can't beat'em, make'em join you.
Google's push into school districts nationwide is transforming our children's schools into a real world "Neverland." In pursuit of the enterprise, Google wants our children.