Microsoft (MSFT) news recap is a weekly feature highlighting the top Microsoft news stories of the past week. Sit back, grab some coffee, and enjoy the read!
Microsoft set to showcase new Surface PC and other hardware at Oct 26th event
For a couple months now, there have been rumours of Microsoft hosting a Surface event at some point in October, along with rumours of them announcing the so-called Surface Phone. While it looks like the Surface Phone won’t materialise at this event, if at all, the event itself is actually happening and we’ve received a few more details on what to expect.
Despite it being classified as a Surface event, it looks to be more aimed at being a Windows 10 event, incorporating a range of Microsoft’s products, including Xbox, Surface and discussion of OEMs.
Microsoft TechRewards program for developers is closing soon
Microsoft’s TechRewards program is set to close January 6, 2017, as announced by the company on the TechRewards website. TechRewards was a gamified community of developers who would complete development challenges in order to earn points and XP and redeem them for rewards.
Upon closure, all user information will be safely removed from Microsoft’s servers.
Microsoft a top-5 global brand according to research firm Interbrand
According to Interbrand’s latest annual report, Microsoft is a top-5 global brand, which marks a stark change from when it struggled to even get above the 29th place previously. With 8% growth, it has managed to rise to the top-5 for the 17th annual report provided by Interbrand.
To see a breakdown of the report and what it means, take a look here.
Microsoft Band now completely gone from the Microsoft Store
Microsoft had been rumoured to be ending its Microsoft Band fitness wearable line for a little while. This week, however, Band appears to have completely disappeared from the Microsoft Store, with Walking Cat tweeting about the discovery:
well, it looks like “Microsoft Band” item has been removed from https://t.co/YKv8QKBXfW website top navigation menu (Products -> Devices…)
— WalkingCat (@h0x0d) October 5, 2016
Yahoo undertook mass email spying for US government; Microsoft, Google, Twitter all deny involvement
Following the recent revelation that Yahoo took part in mass email spying for the American government, other companies such as Microsoft, Google and Twitter have all denied partaking in the scrupulous practice. A spokesperson for Microsoft gave the following statement:
We have never engaged in the secret scanning of email traffic like what has been reported today about Yahoo.
The company didn’t comment on whether any request was made for Microsoft to spy on emails of its users.
That’s it for Microsoft this week – we’ll be back next week wth more.
Further reading: Microsoft Band, Surface, TechRewards
