Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) continued to drop big announcements as each company tries to turn consumer attention to its products and services. From Microsoft, Skype for Business is expected to replace the popular corporate communications stool known as Lync. Apple on the other hand is trying to do more with its Apple TV, signing new content deals and rumored to be working on a subscription TV service.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) released Skype for Business for preview. The enterprise version of Skype was previously announced in 2014 and its launch will see it replacing Lync platform. Microsoft also rolled out Office 2016 for preview, with the test targeting developers and IT professionals.
To enable users to work more efficiently, Microsoft also announced the rollout of Office Delve, which is available to all qualifying Office 365 business users around the world. According to Microsoft, Delve supports access to timely and relevant information and insights.
Windows 10 release
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) updated on the release of Windows 10. The company said the new OS will come to market this summer, and will be available in 111 languages and 190 markets. Chinese Windows users will be able to upgrade to the new OS free of charge regardless of whether they are currently using genuine or pirated Windows software. The move is expected to enable Microsoft to combat rampant piracy of its software in China.
Microsoft is working with Chinese handsets makers Xiaomi and Lenovo to make phones that run on Windows 10 OS, a step that could help the company up its competition against Google’s Android OS.
Apple TV rumors
On its part, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is out to sharpen its competitive edge in the TV viewing segment. The company recently moved to cut the price of its set-top box to $69 and announced content deal with HBO Now. Apple is also said to be in content discussion with other providers such as FOX, ABC and ESPN for a new streaming TV service that could cost $35 a month.
The announced price cut on Apple TV followed a recent update on Apple Watch, a wrist wearable that is coming to competitive in the fast-crowding wearable market.
