We all hoped that 2021 would signal a return to normalcy (pre-Covid), but that never happened. The same probably happened with some companies. Below we will see the unfortunate moments (choices) of Microsoft in software and services.
Microsoft's review of the year contains failures that made us scratch our heads.
- What year, huh?
Microsoft Teams for consumers
Some drunken Microsoft 365 executives probably said, "Let's get everyone to use Teams!" That's how it was born Microsoft Teams for Consumers. Then some crazy person came up with a line work of Windows 11 with Teams Chat built into it. Soon after we saw it in production! But when the hangovers were over, someone realized that no one wants to use Teams, but unfortunately the damage was done.
Microsoft Mesh and metaverse
Months before Facebook renamed to Meta and does the “metaverse” the most used term of 2021, there was Microsoft Mesh, the platform virtual reality from Microsoft unveiled at the Microsoft Ignite conference. Looking back, it's interesting to see how Mesh has evolved this year: in March, when Microsoft released it Mesh, Microsoft co-founder Alex Kipman described the Mesh as a virtual meeting platform, implying that the future of meetings was virtual reality.
Following the announcement of Meta, and until November, Microsoft's vision for metaverse had been redrafted as iconic images of Teams in preparation for a 2022 preview.
Windows 11
To be fair, I'm biased: my opinion of Windows 11 is that they don't need it, partly because Windows 10 is still a good operating system but also because the Windows 11 requires hardware upgrade. Statcounter, however, does not even show Windows 11 in the list of desktop market shares. The AdDuplex reports that Windows 11's share is 8,6%, while LanSweeper says it is 0,2%. For some reason people are not crazy about Windows.
Windows 11 hardare requirements
For a few weeks, the Microsoft was explaining which computers could be upgraded in Windows 11 and there were many who were trying to understand what hardware is needed after all. When they realized that they had to see what they would do if their computer did not meet the company's specifications. Microsoft may have the best intentions to block millions computers for security reasons, but could let reporters know what was going on.
It was clearly Microsoft's worst communication policy in years, and hopefully a senior executive was called in to explain. The company tried to present an operating system without having decided on what hardware it would run.
Enforcing the browser in Windows 11
Microsoft Edge is a stable browser, constantly adding new features — which is why Microsoft screwed it up by tries to impose it. Windows 11 only allows you to change your browser if you go through 40 waves. The company's decision is not legal and of course it is anti-competitive.
Windows 10X
As we know now, the Windows 10X came with Windows 11. What we did not know when Windows 10X they leaked in January was that they were going to replace Windows 10. NO, Windows 10X became Windows 11 and Windows 10 S went down in history.
Windows 11 SE and Surface Laptop SE
Windows 11 SE and the complementary Surface Laptop SE are now the new Chromebook killer. Good luck Microsoft.
Surface Duo 2
Microsoft Surface Duo approached the idea of a "folding" phone from a different angle, with two screens. Although it has improved compared to the first generation Duo, it will probably not remain as a Microsoft success story.
This was Microsoft 2021. Many of the company's decisions have caused mixed feelings with anger prevailing, but some of its services are doing just fine. I'm talking about subscription services and the cloud. It's about the future of personal computers and cloud computing.
Of course this won't happen tomorrow, but it shows that Microsoft is aiming for centre. Until then, a better 2022 for all of us!
