If you missed it: Microsoft job cuts, Windows 9 for enterprise, Lumia Cyan updates, and wearable tech

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Published onJuly 20, 2014

published onJuly 20, 2014

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The news from camp Microsoft was not all good this week. Rumors had been flying around for a while that there werea number of job losses on the horizon, but the announcement that was made was worse than just about anyone had imagined. In total, some 18,000 ended up losing their jobs asSatya Nadella attempts to refocus Microsoft. Jobs weren’t the only things on the chopping block at Microsoft this week. Also getting the cut wasMicrosoft’s interest in AndroidandXbox Entertainment Studios. The intriguingMcLaren handset was also dropped.

Looking to the future,Microsoft Research is working on Project Adama fascinating artificial intelligence project that can understand speech, text, and images. Potential applications for the AI project are plentiful, and the same is true ofSmart Alice, a new wearable project that could help blind and partially sighted people. Of course, what most people are interested in is Windows 9, and this week we learned more abouthow the next version of Windows could look.

Talking about Windows 9, also known as Threshold at the moment, Microsoft COO Kevin Turner said that this release is going to includegame-changing features for enterprise— we can only assume that there will be similarly impressive features for home users as well. This was a fairly upbeat message delivered at this year’s Worldwide Partner Conference, but Microsoft also admitted it has a lot a work to do in terms of increasing its device share, whichcurrently stands at just 14 percent. On a more positive note, we did learn that theLumia 520 remains the most popular Windows Phone, having sold more than 12 million handsets. WithSatya Nadella praising Google’s marketing, perhaps we’ll see Windows Phone taking a leaf out of Android’s book.

We always get excited about the latest handsets to roll off the production lines, but with so much choice out there it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. We compared theLumia 930, Lumia Icon, Lumia 630, and Lumia 635, and also learned that the much lovedLumia 1020 could be coming to the end of its lifevery soon. It’s a device famed for its incredible 41MP camera, andMicrosoft highlighted thisin a new Windows Phone video. Interestingly, unlocked versions of thehandset went on sale through Microsoft, and while individual Windows Phone handsets are much-loved, we learned that thehighest levels of brand loyalty are still enjoyed by Apple.

More pleasingly,Windows Phone is currently the fast growing mobile OS. Existing Windows Phone users awaiting the delivery of theLumia Cyan update have a websitethey can use to keep track of the scheduleafter the rollout started. If you need a rundown of what to expect from the update,check out our guide.

Hopefully this coming week will be rather more position in tone, but we’ll be sure to bring you all the latest news whatever happens.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

If you missed it: Microsoft job cuts, Windows 9 for enterprise, Lumia Cyan updates, and wearable tech#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

If you missed it: Microsoft job cuts, Windows 9 for enterprise, Lumia Cyan updates, and wearable tech