
Jason Ward
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!
Latest articles by Jason Ward

How Microsoft's mediocre Rewards Program could build up Bing to compete with Google search
By Jason Ward last updated
Microsoft's Rewards Program pays users to use Bing, but the masses don't know about it. That needs to change.

How Amazon and Alexa are extinguishing Microsoft's IoT ambitions
By Jason Ward last updated
Microsoft's ambitious IoT and ambient computing vision is being crushed by Amazon on the home front.

Let's be honest, no one really needs a $1,000 smartphone
By Jason Ward last updated
Smartphone prices are skyrocketing to accommodate technology costs. But the we way we use smartphones hasn't really changed. You have to wonder, is a phone like the iPhone X worth the asking price?

Microsoft's Windows 10 Mobile 'beta test' is almost over, and ARM-based ultramobile PCs cometh
By Jason Ward last updated
Windows 10 Mobile has effectively devolved into a mere testing ground for features destined for a future of full Windows on ARM devices, and Windows phone fans, you're the beta testers.

Microsoft has everything it needs to succeed with consumers, except follow-through
By Jason Ward last updated
Microsoft could succeed in both the enterprise and consumer spaces if it had the will to follow-through on consumer investments.

Smartphone and PC makers may unite to build the PC of the future
By Jason Ward last updated
Smartphone and PC makers both exploring the concept of folding phones and PCs suggests they may be converging on the evolving PC.

How Microsoft's AI platform is giving people with blindness super powers
By Jason Ward last updated
Microsoft's mission to help individuals and businesses to do more includes bridging the gap between the sighted and the blind.

Microsoft, Apple, Google, and today's kid coders
By Jason Ward last updated
Today's children live in a world where computers are an integral part of life. To win the next generation tech giants have partnered with schools to teach children how to code.

'Connecting Black History to a Microsoft Future' honors company's African-American employees
By Jason Ward last updated
This year Microsoft ran its first installment of Connecting Black History to a Microsoft Future, an initiative that honors its African American employees and their contributions.

iPhone X: Apple's 'future of the smartphone' is a blast from the past
By Jason Ward last updated
Though Apple is often criticized for copying old tech, its improving of that tech makes all the difference.

Why Microsoft must bring sign language recognition to Windows and Cortana
By Jason Ward last updated
Microsoft's inclusive design efforts need to include Sign Language recognition. And it has the technology to make it happen.

If Microsoft is the 'platform for everything,' does it really need a phone?
By Jason Ward last updated
Before smartphones, Windows was the platform for virtually all personal computing.

Smartphones didn't kill mini tablets, they became them
By Jason Ward last updated
In 2007, Apple put a tablet in people's pockets: the iPhone. And, yes, the iPhone is a tablet, albeit a mini one.

How Microsoft's inclusion mission is helping the blind to 'see'
By Jason Ward last updated
Microsoft's mission of inclusion encompasses the visually impaired. This has led to innovation that helps the them to "see" the world.

Folding phones are cool, but HoloLens 2 is cooler — here's why
By Jason Ward last updated
Folding phones are getting a lot of attention but Microsoft's HoloLens progress is moving holographic computing closer to the masses.

Microsoft expected to receive prestigious Helen Keller award for inclusion efforts
By Jason Ward last updated
Microsoft has been working hard to promote inclusion both in its workforce and products. The prestigious Helen Keller achievement award is a rare honor that acknowledges those efforts.

Is Microsoft copying Google with its Fluent Design System?
By Jason Ward last updated
During Build 2017, Microsoft introduced its new design language, the Fluent Design System. Microsoft's new venture immediately reminded me of Google's three-year-old Material Design initiative.

Why Microsoft's Surface 'Andromeda' is critical to the Windows ecosystem
By Jason Ward last updated
If Surface Andromeda is canceled, Microsoft has an ever-growing presence on iOS and Android, but is it enough?

Why 'Xamarin' is the future of mobile for Microsoft
By Jason Ward last updated
What if Microsoft could convince developers that there is a single "mobile" platform to develop for, rather than three distinct platforms, iOS, Android and the oft-neglected Windows?

Abuse of new tech is inevitable, so what can Microsoft do about it?
By Jason Ward last updated
Technology can enhance our lives in many ways. Sadly, its (inevitable) misuse can also do tremendous harm.

The difference between AI, machine learning and digital assistants
By Jason Ward last updated
The terms AI, machine learning and digital assistants are often used interchangeably. But should they be? And what do they really mean?

What is edge computing, and why does it matter to you?
By Jason Ward last updated
We've been hearing a lot about edge computing in recent years. But what exactly is it and why does it matter to you. Columnist Jason Ward explains.

Microsoft Autism Hiring Program aims to attract diverse talent
By Jason Ward last updated
People with autism often face a host of challenges in finding employment. Microsoft's Autism Hiring Program seeks to change that.
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