Microsoft is planning a series of news events in the coming months that will focus on categories such as games, cloud and Windows. The Verge found that Microsoft is dedicating time to specific categories at a time when the pandemic disrupted personal events. The first Microsoft event will take place later this week, with a focus on what’s next for work and Microsoft 365.
The company is planning similar events that focus on what’s next for its cloud ambitions, as well as games, Windows and security in the coming months. Microsoft typically discusses a wide range of its products at events like Ignite or Build, and this will continue, but these separate events are designed to highlight what the product changes mean for entire categories.
The Windows event is likely to focus on Microsoft’s “sweeping visual rejuvenation” of the operating system, which is currently codenamed “Sun Valley”, and the company’s Windows 10X efforts. Microsoft is doing more to revise the Windows UI this year, with visual changes planned to improve the consistency of the operating system.
Microsoft also has big plans for games in general throughout 2021, especially with the Xbox Game Pass and the work of xCloud. The Microsoft gaming event is likely to focus on the company’s plans to expand xCloud and its gaming efforts, in a year that will see an “reimagined” E3 happen.
This whole approach to Microsoft news events is different from previous years. It is happening during a year in which many people continue to work and even study remotely. The pandemic has reshaped entire sectors and is likely to fuel many of Microsoft’s announcements by 2021. If the events are successful, it could even shape how Microsoft plans its news announcements in the coming years.